Tag: Leon Bridges

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FEATURE: Our 10 Favorite Albums Of 2015

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After more than half a decade in music we at Haulix have finally decided to join in on the ‘Best Of’ conversations that happen each and every year around this time. We are in the unique position of having access to a lot of great music, far more than most could ever consume in a single calendar year, and we never take that opportunity for granted. We knew when we started this blog that we would likely begin to share our favorites at some point down the line, and after discovering a variety of albums we felt strongly about over the last several months we figured December 2015 was as good a time as any to join the conversation on who had the best records of the year.

Now, just like with any list, our picks for the best records of 2015 are fairly subjective. No two members on our team have the same taste in music, but we all do our best to keep an open mind whenever someone comes into work with an album they demand we hear. Not every recommended release is a hit, but the ones that are end up being played on repeat for weeks, if not months, while we work. Those same records often become something our staff enjoys outside of the office, as well as the motivation behind the concerts they choose to attend. If music is indeed our life, and we certainly claim that is true, then the records that follow could very well be considered the soundtrack to the last year of our company. These are the records that motivated us, celebrated with us, and helped us focus whenever we fell on hard time. These albums were, and continue to be, an extension of our team, and we hope one or more can make a positive impact on your life as well.

So please, take a little time away from work and whatever chores await you at home to browse our picks for the best albums of 2015. We have included buy links, stream links, and even embedded some of our favorite songs so you have a better idea why each release made this list. If you love something, or even if you hate everything, please leave a comment or tweet us your thoughts. We’d love to read about your favorite records as well, so don’t be afraid to share links to any lists or columns you may have posted. We’ll read as many as we can.

10. Pentimento – I, No Longer (Buy / Stream)

The kings of heartbreaking indie punk, Pentimento truly outdid themselves with their Sophomore release. Exploring the end of a relationship, as well as the journey to rediscovering yourself that often follows, this Bad Timing Records release was on repeat in our offices throughout September, October, and November.

9. Jeff Rosenstock – We Cool? (Buy / Stream)

The longer you work in music, the more you begin to appreciate storytellers who write songs about their adventures in the industry. We Cool? is a collection of stories and memories from the mind of Jeff Rosenstock littered with imagery and encounters that should ring familiar to any music professional. SideOneDummy, the label behind the release, has always been a source of unabashed punk music, but something about this particular album feels extra special. If you can make it through “You, In Weird Cities” without dancing in your seat or reminiscing about journeys from yesteryear you are a far stronger person than any one of us.

8. Parkway Drive – Ire (Buy / Stream)

One of only two heavy releases to make this list, Ire marked a bold step forward for Australian metalcore favorite Parkway Drive. The band’s last few releases have been riddled with growing pains, but none of that appears present on this release. Parkway have finally transitioned from their metal roots into a far more rock-driven sound that, coupled with the brute strength of vocalist Winston McCall, delivers a knockout blow to anyone listening. If this record doesn’t get your blood flowing in the morning, you might be dead.

7. Chris Stapleton – Traveler (Buy / Stream)

Stapleton pretty much stole the Country Music Awards back in November with this release, which helped to further establish the legendary songwriter’s presence as a solo artist, but we have been following his efforts for the better part of 2015. Traveller is a collection of songs like no other released this year, blending covers and originals to create a portrait of a life in music, as well as the sacrifices required to maintain it. We have no idea where Stapleton will take his career in the years to come, but right now the sky is the limit.

6. Future – DS2 (Buy / Stream)

We honestly thought we would have more hip-hop releases on this list than this LP, but when it came time to rank the records that left the biggest impression on our team Future was the only rapper to make the cut. DS2 arrived like a nuclear bomb at the height of summer, bursting with street anthems and potential radio hits to spare. There is not a single song on this record or its extended deluxe edition that we would recommend someone skip. Front to back, back to front, everything about this release is worthwhile. 

5. One Direction – Made In The AM (Buy / Stream)

By now you have no doubt heard the rumors that One Direction will likely be going on hiatus in early 2016. If this is true, then Made In The AM is likely the last new material we will hear from the group for quite some time, if not the last record they ever release. That scenario places a lot of pressure on AM to be something special, and thankfully for us Directioners the group has delivered what could very well be the catchiest and most diverse release in their history. If we never see another new album from 1D, at least Made In The AM will be around to provide us with great hooks, wonderful melodies, and a sense of endless youth that is far too rare in music today.

4. Kacey Musgraves – Pageant Material (Buy / Stream)

Have you ever discovered an artists after they already had a few albums or big singles and wanted to kick yourself for not hopping on their bandwagon sooner? This scenario perfectly summarizes how we felt after hearing Pageant Material for the first time earlier this year. Musgraves is a country artist first and foremost, but this record flirts with the world of pop so often it’s a damn shame that Top 40 hasn’t picked up the singles. In a time where it seems every artist, regardless of genre, is trying to cash in on the same handful of trends again and again, Musgraves is carving a path entirely her own that is only growing more and more exciting with time.

3. Stray From The Path – Subliminal Criminals (Buy / Stream)

Some albums are great because they comfort you when your sad or otherwise feeling down. Other records are great because they bring a sense of joy or boundless love into your life. Still other records, such as Subliminal Criminals, hit home because they touch on topics that are important to you while relaying the aggression and frustration you feel towards them. Stray From The Path have never been a band to bite their tongue when it came to discussing any topic, but on this release they truly deliver a no holds barred take on life in the alternative music scene, as well as the world at large. 

2. Drew Holcomb And The Neighbors – Medicine (Buy / Stream)

It should be considered a crime that Drew Holcomb And The Neighbors continue to fly under the national radar year after year. Some call their music adult contemporary, but we respectfully choose to disagree. The sound Drew Holcomb and his bandmates produce is a perfect combination of American folk and classic country, with just a dash of rock. Medicine, the album they released in January of this year, feel like something Tom Petty might have released thirty years prior, and we mean that in the best possible way. The entire records plays like scenes from a life lived to the fullest extent, with dream chasing and romance around every corner. If you need a road trip record for your holiday travels, this should be it.

1. Leon Bridges – Coming Home (Buy / Stream)

We are not awarding anyone an ‘Artist Of The Year’ title, but if we were Leon Bridges would also be found at the top of that list. Having risen through the underground ranks to become an international sensation in under a year’s time, Bridges spent the majority of 2015 criss-crossing the globe on an endless promotional tour for Coming Home that found him wining over crowds of every size. When you hear the record, it’s not hard to understand why this has all happened so quickly for the twenty-something. Bridges channels the sound and look of Sam Cooke through a classic Motown sound that makes for catchy, often quite simplistic music that is perfect for dancing, mixtapes, radio play, and everything else in between. Coming Home is a timeless record in an age where most art is considered almost immediately disposable, and it’s only the first step of what we hope will be a very long and creative career for Leon Bridges. If you only listen to one album on this list, please make it Coming Home. 

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New Music Tuesday: Citizen, Kacey Musgraves, & Leon Bridges

We know it would take far too long to highlight every client’s new release each week, so we’re going to choose a few select titles each week that we feel everyone should support. These are albums we will be buying ourselves, and we hope at the very least you give them a proper spin before deciding to purchase something else. James may write the column, but everyone at Haulix will have a say in who gets chosen.

Citizen – Everybody is Going To Heaven (CD/LP, Digital, Stream)

I didn’t know what to say the first time I heard Michigan natives Citizen perform their unique brand of boundary-pushing alternative rock, but I knew what I heard was something special. Their music feels like the impossible love child that could only result from the combination of Brand New and Nirvana, with just a dash of Thursday sprinkled on top to make you feel something beyond the typical ‘woe is me’ type emotions found in the underground alternative realm. Anyone familiar with the band before now is already familiar with this sound, but on Everybody Is Going To Heaven the band come into their own as only they are able. This is the record their debut, Youth, wanted to be, only better.

Kacey Musgraves – Pageant Material (CD/LP, Digital, Stream)

There is no such thing as country music anymore, or at least not in the classic sense. If people perform music that sounds like it could have been crafted by George Jones or Merle Haggard they’re labeled ‘traditional,’ while those who blend pop sensibilities with country structures are considered mainstream and/or crossover talents. Kacey Musgraves falls into the latter of those two descriptions, but there is no denying the influence of classic country hits on her latest album. Pageant Material plays like a collection of perfectly sequenced radio-ready singles, many of which have lyrics that feel written while Musgrave’s tongue was planted firmly in her cheek. It’s cute, but not cutesy. Fun, but not necessarily funny. It’s the future of modern country as far as I’m concerned, and it’s quite possible the catchiest album you will hear this summer. Don’t miss out.

Leon Bridges – Coming Home (CD/LP, Digital, Stream)

I won’t even beat around the bush on this one. There are some amongst the Haulix staff who believe Leon Bridges is destined to be the biggest start in the music business within the next five years, and they point to his newly released debut album as proof of his potential for global domination. It’s hard to describe what you’ll find on Coming Home without referencing the golden days of Motown and soul music, as the heavy influence from talents like Sam Cooke is oozing from every note and lyric on the entire record. If you close your eyes while the record plays you can actually picture the hazy, smoke-filled speakeasy where music like that created by Bridges was first rising to popularity over half a century ago. You see the men and women, all dressed to the nines, dancing as if they’re the only people in the world while alcohol splashes to the floor as they attempt to hold glasses and swing around a crowded room at the same time. You see and feel it all as if you were actually there, and then you open your eyes to realize everything you just experienced was caused by a twenty-something Texas native with a world of promise ahead of him. That is the power possessed by Coming Home, and I cannot recommend enough that you allow it to change your life as soon as time allows.

James Shotwell is the Marketing Coordinator for Haulix. He is also a professional entertainment critic, covering both film and music, as well as the co-founder of Antique Records. Feel free to tell him you love or hate the article above by connecting with him on Twitter. Bonus points if you introduce yourself by sharing your favorite Simpsons character.

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Monday Motivation: Leon Bridges

A new week has begun, and if you’re anything like the Haulix staff then you’re relying on the latest and greatest music to motivate you enough to get out of bed and explore all the world has to offer. We don’t blame you. We also like to party hard on the weekends. In fact, we love it almost as much as we hate waking up early on Monday for work, but if we have learned one thing over the last nine years it’s that you have to work towards your dreams every single day if you hope to have any chance in achieving them. 

This week it’s Leon Bridges who is making the growing list of tasks we need to accomplish in the days ahead appear far more manageable than we initially thought. I actually had the chance to catch Leon in concert this weekend Boston, where he played to a sold out 200 capacity club, and I walked away feeling as if my life had been changed. The style of music Leon plays has been around for over half a century, but there is something undeniable authentic about the way its presented in his songs. The influence from artists like Sam Cooke and Etta James is clear as can be, yet Bridges still finds a way to differentiate himself with his unique perspective on the world around him. 

If you enjoy this song and want to learn more about Bridges’ work, click here to read an interview we did with the young singer-songwriter at SXSW earlier this year. Leon’s debut album, Coming Home, arrives in stores next month.

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Interview: ‘Coming Home’ With Leon Bridges At SXSW

If you built a time machine and traveled back to Dallas in March 2014 you probably wouldn’t find many people who were all that excited about the music of Leon Bridges. The Texas resident, who started his life in New Orleans, has only been on the national music radar for little over six months at this point. That time has passed like a whirlwind for Bridges, as well as his team, and it seems with each passing day the young soul artist is getting closer to becoming the next big star in pop music.

While at SXSW last week, Bridges performed a number of showcases to packed crowds filled with industry professionals and everyday music fans alike. When not on stage, Bridges dedicated a lot of his free time to speaking with press, and one afternoon those efforts included a near 20-minute conversation with me (James, the guy who runs this blog). We talked about the hype currently surrounding Leon, the moment he knew things were changing, the source of his inspiration, and his goals as a musician. It’s not very often you meet someone in music who has a clear vision for their career, but that is exactly what we discovered while chatting with Leon Bridges. He knows not only what his sound is, but also who he is as a person, and that awareness is helping him navigate the often troublesome waters of the music business with ease. You can find highlights from our conversation, including some insight on when Bridges’ debut album will be released, below:

H: This is an exciting time for you, Leon. I tried to catch your set at Spotify House yesterday, but instead I ended up waiting in line outside the venue and listened to you perform without being able to see a thing. That said, it was great.

L: Thank you. That was a really good set. I’m sorry you couldn’t get in.

H: The thing that stuck out to me, at least at first, was just how much material you had ready to go. The public has only heard the three singles you have released since the fall, so it was a little surprising to learn you had a complete set ready to go.

L: That’s funny, because you’re definitely not the first person to say that. People stop me and ask, “Do you have more than three songs?” I always laugh. I probably have closer to 30 right now, with more on the way. It would be crazy if I didn’t. “Hi, I’m here to play these three songs and it’ll be my whole set.”

H: Well I think you’ve come along at a time when a lot of new pop stars don’t have a lot of material. You hear someone release a big first single, only to later find it’s the only song they have recorded. A lot of radio stars start off like that, and though you’re not a typical pop star I think it’s easy for people to make comparisons because you do have the backing of a major label.

L: Exactly, and people never know if those artists write their songs. I write my material, and I find it very personal. I don’t think I could get on stage and sing songs written by someone else.

H: I saw the Grantland piece that came out this week, which is yet another big publication hopping on the Leon Bridges bandwagon. There was a line in the piece about how things are happening so fast right now, it’s a little hard for anyone to keep up with all the moves you are making. This lead me to wonder when you first noticed that your career was beginning to change. When did you first realize, “Oh, this is becoming far bigger than me and the people I know who enjoy my music?”

L: I would probably have to say that there have been many times in the last few months I have felt like that, beginning with the day we released “Coming Home” through Gorilla Vs Bear. I had never heard of that site prior to the premiere aside from what my management told me, so I did not really understand the reach or impact that they had until the story broke. I was on my way to New Orleans when it went live, and I think within three days we broke 13,000 plays. It was cool to see people respond to a type of soul that is not very flashy. It’s just me, this kid with an alright voice and a unique sound. It’s cool to see people react to that.

H: I saw you comment somewhere about being inspired by Sam Cooke’s live albums. I know you have a studio album coming out, but based on what I heard from the show yesterday I think there needs to be a Leon Bridges live record at some point in the future.

L: Yes. That is one thing that has to happen. There is only so much you can do in the studio you know, and some of those songs have continued to evolve since we recorded them. That stuff you can only give audiences in the live setting, and I want to capture that at some point.

H: So, do you have your debut album complete at this point?

L: Yup, all done.

H: So I assume the three singles you have released will be on it, but how many more tracks can we expect?

L: It’ll be about 7 more, so 10 in total. There is this one called “Brown Skinned Girl,” which I love. Also one about my grandparents, “Twisting and Groovin,” then “Flowers, “Pull Away,” and more. It’ll be a solid record.

H: When do you plan to release the album?

L: June.

H: Are you going to continue releasing a single every few weeks as you have, or are you planning something else?

L: No, I think we’re done with that. We’re just pushing the three we have out right now, “Better Man, “Coming Home,” and “Lisa Sawyer.”

H: I wanted to talk to you about “Lisa Sawyer,” as I believe it’s the best song you have shared so far. I know people have flocked to “Coming Home,” but this is the one I keep coming back to. What can you tell me about the origin of the track?

L: Thank you, man. That is my favorite as well. When people went crazy over “Coming Home” I was a little surprised. That one? Really? It’s not my favorite, but if people are feeling it I certainly won’t complain.

H: So, what is about “Lisa Sawyer” for you that sticks out?

L: I wrote that song, and I had the progression, but for whatever reason I could not come up with lyrics. I eventually wrote a song about crayons just to fit the melody, and I thought to myself as time went on that the song could be a lot better and go a long way. I decided to write about my mother, and after I made that decision the words just flowed. I’ve noticed in music that a lot of artists write about New Orleans, but not a lot of artists have a personal connection to it. So me writing a song about my mother and the city of New Orleans could stick.

H: You mentioned writing a song for your grandparents a few minutes ago, and now you’ve told me “Lisa Sawyer” is for your mother. Do you take a lot of inspiration from your family? It seems to be a theme from what we’ve heard.

L: Yea, absolutely. I write simple music, but I don’t like to write flashy soul music. I like to write stuff with meaning and substance. Right now I’m writing a song about my grandmother, Doris, from the perspective of my father. No one has heard it, but it’s in the works. I’m also writing a song about my father’s father. He started in Mississippi, but he had to flee after fighting with a white man or he would have been lynched. That is how we ended up in New Orleans, and I want to find a simple way to tell that story through song.

H: I think you hit the nail on the head there, because even though you write simple music I feel like there is a lot going on beneath the surface. It’s a lot more intricate than people may believe. Like “Better Man,” for example, can be interpreted in a number of ways. So I’m curious, what is the process behind song creation?

L: It starts with me, for the most part. This first set of songs is mostly material I have had lying around. I needed someone to help me focus on my sound though, and that is why I ended up with he producer I have now. A lot of people had been offering to record me, but what they would tell me is that they may be able to get me a discount. Most never followed up. Austin, however, got the studio, the band, and actually made things happen. The first song we tracked was “Coming Home.”

H: How are you dealing with the pressure? Are you feeling it yet?

L: I am. There are times when I wish I could return to simpler times. It’s mostly due to my desire to avoid negativity, but I guess everyone is like that. There’s also the comparisons to Sam Cooke, which bring a lot of pressure, and really I’m just trying to do me. The good definitely outweighs the bad though, so I feel like I am handling it well.

H: I think it comes with the territory. You play a classic style of music, so people are going to compare you to the best of that genre. There are many people who played soul back in the day that no one remembers now.

L: Definitely. I also think people have no recent reference to what I do. They have never experienced soul music like what I play, unless they are over 60, and I am beginning to find there are a lot of people who want that experience in their life.

H: Especially in the live setting, which in your case is something truly unique. There was a time when soul music being performed live was a special occasion. Couple would get a babysitter, get dressed up, have a nice meal, and then show up to the club with plans to dance. It wasn’t just about being cool or being seen, it was something far more personal.

L: I wasn’t always writing this style of music, but when I decided to go down that path I knew I wanted to carry the torch. I can’t hold a candle to any of those artists from back then, but I can only do me and I’ll do that to the best of my abilities. I didn’t even know other many other artists were playing this sound right now, but I’m learned of a few and they’re all great. I hope I can compete, or at least be as good as them.

H: Well I think you are well on your way to doing so.

L: Thank you.

Written & conducted by James Shotwell. Follow James on Twitter for more music news and insight, as well as lots of photos of his cats.

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9 Artists We Plan To See At SXSW 2015

Hello! We are packing in preparation for our first-ever appearance at SXSW, and though we will be spending a lot of time attending panels and developing content we will also be watching a number promising young musicians showcase their talent. We know you have probably seen other sites and blogs post their list of essential sets and showcases to catch, but until today we have not offered a single music recommendation. Why? We could try and say it’s because we wanted to build anticipation, but the truth is that we haven’t had much time to think about concerts as of late. Between figuring out our panels, as well as scheduling press opportunities, the performances more or less took a back seat on our priority list.

Today we are making a change. Instead of focusing on panels or the many ways one can successfully market themselves while at SXSW, today we are going to highlight several performers we feel will be gaining a lot of attention in the months to come. You might not like every act we choose, but we can promise that if you approach the following list with an open mind you will certainly someone or some group who may soon be your new musical addiction.

Leon Bridges

Hailing from Dallas with a sound straight out of Motown’s golden era, Leon Bridges has been building a lot of hype for his throwback sound and style over the last several months. The young musician recently announced his first US tour, which found many cities selling out within minutes, and will soon be headed overseas for his second set of European shows in less than a year. We have no idea when Bridges plans to release a proper album, but for now the three singles he has available on iTunes are more than enough to set the mood for an unforgettable night with the person you love.

Migos

Not exactly an up and coming group in the classic sense, Migos have been cutting a path entirely their own through the urban music landscape for the last several years. Through mixtape and live performances the men of Migos have made their names known, and later this year they hope to take things to the next level when their debut album arrives in stores. You may remember their Drake-assisted hit “Versace,” but that is only one of many catchy, high energy tracks we expect the trio to perform while in Austin.

Nick Thomas

For years we thought Nick Thomas would eventually be held in the same regard as Dashboard Confessional or Third Eye Blind. Both catchy and heartfelt, the music Thomas made with his band The Spill Canvas remains one of the alternative scene’s go-to soundtracks for young love (as well as young heartache). Now with a solo album in stores and a new band at his side, Thomas is reintroducing music fans to his vision of the world, and so far the results are nothing short of stellar.

Dustin Kensrue

There was a time when Dustin Kensrue was only known as the frontman for the rock band Thrice, but that point in history is starting to become a distant memory as Censure prepares to release his sophomore solo release. We don’t know what exactly to expect when Dustin arrives in Austin, but we do know his legion of fans will be lining up extra early to hear his latest material. We’ll be there as well, and we hope to see you too.

The Last Bison

Mumford and Sons may have chosen to dispose of their Americana sound, but for those who still believe in the power of harmony, banjo, and acoustic guitar will soon realize The Last Bison are likely to become their new favorite band. Their sound is not too distant from the hipster-tinged folk that has been big at radio in recent years, but it does pack an extra dash of emotion we never heard in those other projects. We have never seen the group live, but given the strong word of mouth currently helping them along we believe those able to catch them in Austin will be in for something special.

Microwave

This may be the set we are looking forward to the most, but to be completely honest part of the reason for my excitement is the fact this band is also part of blog editor James Shotwell’s record label. We would still love them if anyone else had signed them, but for the sake of transparency we felt that detail needed to be shared. ANYWAYS. Microwave hail from Georgia with a pop-laden take on modern alternative rock that you won’t be able to shake anytime soon. The hooks are big, the melodies are infectious, and the lyricism is unlike anything you have heard before. Don’t dig deeper, just give them a chance to impress. We promise they won’t let you down.

Rae Sremmurd

This time last year Rae Sremmurd were just another hip-hop duo looking for a hit song. They attended SXSW, but not as showcasing talent. This time around, they have a slew of hits under their belt, as well as a Billboard charting debut album. With producer Mike Will Made It slated to appear as well, possibly even during one of the duo’s sets, we think it’s safe to say Rae Sremmurd have become THE need to see urban act of the festival.

Dej Loaf

Rae Sremmurd and Migos a bit too mainstream for you? No worries. Detroit emcee Dej Loaf is poised to be one of the hottest solo acts in hip-hop this year. She has received praise from every corner of the industry, and now with a series of successful digital singles under her belt there seems to be no stopping this twenty-something from achieving her dreams. Our favorite song in her catalog is “I Got It,” but truth be told any track on her recent mixtape is sure to impress.

Hippo Campus

Best band name at SXSW? We think so. Hippo Campus have been on our radar for several months now, but Austin will be the first opportunity we have had to see them live. The band will soon be opening for My Morning Jacket on tour, so we believe this is one of the last chances anyone will have to see this band before they become a household name. Don’t miss out!

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Inside Music Podcast #24 – Matthew Leimkuehler (Fixt Publicity)

Hey there! Welcome to our blog. We thank you for finding time in you busy schedule to spend a few minutes on our site. The post you’re about to enjoy is the latest installment in our popular podcast series, Inside Music. If you like what you hear, the entire catalog of episodes can be found and enjoyed through iTunes. Subscriptions and reviews are always appreciated.

This site exists to promote the future of the entertainment industry, and to do that we need input from people like you and your entertainment-loving friends. If you have any questions about the content in this article, or if you have an artist you would like to see featured on this blog, please contact james@haulix.com. We can also be found onTwitter and Facebook.

On this episode of INSIDE MUSIC, host James Shotwell chats with Matthew Leimkuehler about his recent decision to join the Fixt Publicity team. The role is Matt’s first full-time gig within the music industry, and during their conversation both Matt and James share lessons learned from their first weeks as music business professionals. There is also talk about how others can find their way into the industry, as well as some discussion on the importance of knowing how to network with your peers.

The music you hear in the intro to ‘Inside Music’ this week is “Coming Home” from Leon Bridges. You can learn more about that song, as well as the album it hails from, on Leon’s official website.

You may already know this, but ‘Inside Music’ is now available on iTunes! Click here to subscribe.

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