So here’s a little secret about our process at ETTG. We have a document that has a list of all the artists we accept with a little “note” section for the genre or style. Every once in a while we get a bit territorial and put our initials beside a song we especially, personally want to cover. All of these artists have a little “GJ” beside them because they are alllll miiiiine. I mean to share with you, friends. 🙂
A Choir of Ghosts – “Morning Light”
-This is a breathtakingly beautiful. As I asked my friends on social media, is it possible to feel chills and warm fuzzies at the same time? This is a remarkable piece of folk music. The strings set the mood and the vocals are absolutely stunning. The rasp on the male vocal reminds me of Dustin Kensrue. I cannot wait to hear more from this talented duo. This song is a contender for song of the year for 2017.
Janileigh Cohen – “Same Old Road”
-Cohen is easily one of my favorite finds of 2017. Her songwriting channels the soul of Joni Mitchell so clearly. Her overall style is really inspiring and pulls me into each song. There’s such spirit and depth to the emotions. The piano and strings here are such a beautiful color balance with the delicate vocal style from Cohen. I could listen to her sing all day.
Marmalakes – “Vittoria”
-Longtime readers of this site know that Relient K is one of my favorite bands of all time, so any time a new band can hold a candle to them I take notice. Marmalakes definitely fit that bill with clever lyrics, great pop punk chords, and an infectiously enjoyable energy. This song definitely puts Marmalakes on my short list of bands to watch in this oversaturated rock realm. The songwriting here is exceptional. Sing along and SING LOUD!
Tigertown – “Mysterious”
-I rarely tell people that I am a fan of “indie pop” music because it feels like such a misunderstood category. But listen to Tigertown. Do you hear that optimistic style and incredible vocal work? This is the kind of indie pop that I really like. I could totally picture myself hanging with these inspiring people, singing out to my heart’s content. The sense of struggle and trying to understand life is really well put and made fun here.
Darlingside – “Eschaton”
-So we have bands that we compare other bands to fairly often. Funny enough, my favorite band to compare harmony-heavy folk bands to is… Darlingside. So when we got this submission actually FROM THIS BAND I FREAKING LOVE, I didn’t know what to say. In fact, the first few times I just listened and smiled. It’s a deep, captivating song that makes you contemplate the end of the world. But the vocal harmonies from these gentleman make their deeper-than-usual reflections feel comforting. Also, they offer a brilliant example here of how to blend electronic elements with a natural folk sound that does not feel forced. This is a delightful little track and offers promise of more from Darlingside, who I hope to see live in 2018.
