Sufjan Stevens

TW Walsh: Songs of Pain and Pleasure

TW Walsh is not exactly a newbie. Aside from being the only other original member of the band < Pedro the Lion (the other being frontman David Bazan), he has also made a name for himself as a producer. He is known for being prolific, proven by mastering over 40 EPs and LPs in a single year. He is a producer to music stalwarts such as Sufjan Stevens, The Mynabirds, and Crystal Skulls. His album Songs of Pain and Leisure is his way of leaving the shadows and taking charge of his own musical career.

Two Suns: Dream Familiar

Two Suns is a personal project by Jake Davidson and showcases the artists' varied musical influences. From electronic ambient sounds to acoustic favorites, the 10-track compilation pulls out the stops when it comes to providing good music. Gathering influences from different genres and musicians as varied as Nine Inch Nails, Sufjan Stevens, Pink Floyd and Bright Eyes, it's easy to expect a hodge of sound to greet you. Dream Familiar is his latest release. Celebrating diversity and defying genre labels, the album is a beautiful example of what happens when you just create music you love without bothering to think about labels.

The Oh Hello’s

Texas-based siblings Maggie and Tyler Heath, better known as The Oh Hellos, offers tasteful eclectic folk rock in their self-titled debut EP. With influences ranging from Los Campesinons! and The Lumineers to The Middle East and Sufjan Stevens, this internationally-independent self-produced musical duo mixes varying styles and genre into one enchanting collection.

Will Stratton: Vile Bodies EP

Will Stratton is a folk singer and songwriter that's currently based in New Jersey. Creating beautiful sets of indie folk music, it's hard not to get lost in his sweet guitars and vocals. Stratton is no stranger in the music industry. He's released several records including his 2005 debut album, What The Night Said, which featured Sufjan Stevens on oboe. This was followed by 2009's No Wonder and a set of free, downloadable EP's including this one. Vile Bodies is an EP composed of 5 tracks and was released as a free download back in September 2009.

Andy Berkhout: Songs On Tape 2009

St. Louis songwriter, Andy Berkhout, might be best known as the dude who promised to release one free downloadable track for every week of 2010. This might have seemed like a completely ambitious project but so far, the singer has managed to keep his word. On top of this weekly song project, the artist has also delivered several full length records and EPs under his name. This includes this free indie folk chillout affair, Songs on Tape (2009), among others. His other records, particularly Be Silent (2010) and Wake Up For the Day (2009) are also available for sale on iTunes. Hit the download link and get the download from BandCamp. You can enter zero on the amount, but it won't hurt if you enter a donation as well. This guy definitely deserves it.

Pawky Maven: Pruning Hooks

Swelling with gorgeous harmonies and lovely instrument work, Pawky Maven creates a beautiful indie folk music that's perfect for a quiet reverie. Pruning Hooks is composed of 12 dreamy, soulful indie goodness. Garnering influences from such greats as Elliot Smith, Sufjan Stevens, Fleetwood Mac and Simon and Garfunkel; this North Carolina native certainly reflects his musical taste. The album is a mix of acoustic pop mixed with an indie folk sound giving it that unique touch. Give the album a download. You're in for a nice treat.

La BlogothequeTake Away Show (Les Concerts à Emporter)

Nearing it’s fifth year and under the close guidance of Vincent Moon, the Take Away Show already produced hundreds of music video clip sessions with bands like Liars, R.E.M, Arcade Fire, Sigur Rós, Caribou, Architecture in Helsinki, The Shins, White Rabbits, Sufjan Stevens, Tom Jones, Phoenix, Yo La Tengo, and Block Party. Those simplistic, informal, yet masterfully shot high-production captures of some of today‘s greatest music is made available to everyone each week as an artist or a band is invited by La Blogotheque, a French music blog, to perform.