Good Idea #19: Nick Dothée

There are so many things that I love about Nick Dothée.  Since I have the privilege of knowing him personally I can testify that he is one of the sweetest, most down-to-earth, honest souls that I know.  These traits translate perfectly into his music.  Nick's first Solo EP, My Own Devices, set to release tomorrow comes straight from the heart.  Listening to it you can feel Nick's  process of learning, growth and discovery and the importance that music holds in his life.  I have had the privilege of interviewing Nick twice in the last year.  Once shortly after his move to Portland and again in anticipation of the new EP.  Check out both interviews at: www.nw23rdav.wordpress.com.

Photo by Corey Bruce www.aislinncreative.com

My Own Devices will be available tomorrow, February 8th on iTunes, Amazon, and in select stores.  Mp3 downloads and hard copies are available now and always at www.nickdothee.com.

Click here to read my first interview with Nick from June 2010.

Click here to read my new interview with Nick and find out more about the music, the EP, the release and upcoming shows.

Always visit www.nickdothee.com to find out more.  And tell your friends.

In April, Nick will release a live EP, The Secret Society Sessions.  Personally I am really looking forward to that release.  In the little bit of a preview that I've heard, the live setting really brings out the honesty in Nick's music.  It will include vocals by Jordan Harris as well live piano and violin.  It's just a little teaser, but I love love love this video and I'm so very excited for the release and to see Nick perform live starting next month.

Good Idea #17: Josh Ritter

Another new(ish) discovery on my part.  Josh Ritter has been around for a while, but has remained a low key singer-songwriter type.  What I love most is that he really can sing.  This must be such a hard song to do live but he kills it.  The song is "Idaho" off Animal Years (2006) and it is one of my favorites.  Check out www.joshritter.com for more info and to listen to more tracks.  Enjoy.

Good Idea #12: Mumford & Sons

I might be a minute or two behind the times in discovering Mumford & Sons but if there was ever a great example of better late than never this might just be it.  I recently decided that I was in need of some new music and happened to have a fresh new Amazon gift card gifted to me for Christmas (thanks Yeomans!).  So what better album to choose than Amazon's number one album of 2010?  What a fantastic decision.  It turns out this London-based band's energetic take on an irishy, folky, bluegrassy sound is exactly what I needed to warm up my winter playlist.  Mumford & Sons first album, Sigh No More was released in October 2009 in the UK and February 2010 in the US.  They are nominated for two Grammy Awards and three BRIT awards.  Visit www.mumfordandsons.com to find out more.