song of the day — learning at the elbow of the internet

KUTX » Matt Kivel: “The Tower”

Although he first got his start providing bass and vocals for LA indie outfit Princeton, Matt Kivel is also a hell of a songwriter in his own right. Since his decision to go solo in 2013, Kivel has put out four albums and he recorded his upcoming record from a temporary home right here in Austin. last night in america features minimalist arrangements and instrumentation performed entirely by Kivel himself. This latest offering is a haunting and endearing meld of Americana, folk, lo-fi and ambient, begging for another listen immediately after the first.

My “other” song of the day podcast from Austin, Texas. I really like the soundstage. Kind of reminiscent of some Michael Hedges recordings.

Pre-release. Added it to the music library, so when it comes out it will be available for me to listen to,

Shawn James: “Orpheus”

Shawn James: “Orpheus”:

Blues busking troubadour Shawn James turns to the Greeks on “Orpheus.” This is his take on the mythology of one who played lyre and had a voice no one could resist.

KCRW does it again. I have found dozens of artists thanks to shows like “Morning Becomes Eclectic”.

Each day I listen to the KCRW “Song of the Day” podcast. Today is one of the days I stopped what I was doing and went off the “the music store” to get an album.

KUTX » Valley Maker: “Light On The Ground”

KUTX » Valley Maker: “Light On The Ground”:

Like it or not, SXSW is officially in full swing! Joining the thousands of musicians making their annual pilgrimage is Seattle singer-songwriter Austin Crane, best known as Valley Maker. Crane began landscaping Valley Maker’s indie folk sound with his 2010 self-titled debut that also doubled as his senior thesis project at the University of South Carolina. Crane hurdled over creative crests and came out on top with 2015’s When I Was A Child. Most recently he went deeper into the sonic canyon with 2018’s Rhododendron, an album engrained in nature and Crane’s most cohesive record to date.

Two good ones in one day. I like it when SXSW is happening.

In the past I actually downloaded the thousands of tracks that were submitted. Have no idea why. Better to let the taste-makers shape my ears.

I would expect to hear this on Radio Paradise someday.

Cinematic Orchestra: “To Believe” featuring Moses Sumney | Today’s Top Tune | Free Online Music Streaming | KCRW | KCRW

Cinematic Orchestra: “To Believe” featuring Moses Sumney | Today’s Top Tune | Free Online Music Streaming | KCRW | KCRW:

British electronic duo Cinematic Orchestra return with their first album in a dozen years. Exploring the timeless question of what to believe, Cinematic Orchestra invite several guests including Moses Sumney on “To Believe.”

This is a wonderful soundscape.