Artist: Bon Iver

Hails from: Northwestern, WI

Musical style: Acoustic, Folk, Rock

For fans of: Nick Drake, Elliott Smith, Bright Eyes

Why you should check him out:

Distinguished by compounding falsettos and dense acoustic guitar melodies, Bon Iver creates gentle tracks fitting of winter landscape and emotional refuge.

Background check:

With goals of winter hibernation in mind, singer-songwriter Justin Vernon set off for his fathers Wisconsin cabin in late 2007. Through three months of frozen solitude, Vernon emerged with nine songs full of acoustic layers and lyrical interspection entitled For Emma, Forever Ago. Initially self released, Bon Iver’s debut soon gained the attention of Jagjaguar Records who re-released it to much critical acclaim in February 2008. Named after the French phrase for “good winter”, Bon Iver’s songs exemplify the theme with the addition of intermittent drum machines, bass and horns all  played by Vernon.

While getting his start in bands Mount Vernon and De Yarmond Edison, Bon Iver marks Vernon’s most successful incarnation to date, gaining top reviews from practically every media outlet imaginable and capturing the title of “Best Album of the Year” on more than one occasion. Enlisting the assistance of musicians of Mike Noyce and Sean Carey on live performances, Bon Iver has reproduced the multi-layered sounds captured on the recorded debut and gained highly coveted spots on tour with Black Mountain and Wilco. Sure to expand upon the one season atmosphere in future releases, with winter soon on it’s way, For Emma, Forever Ago offers you the perfect lo-fi acoustic ballads ready to accompany the season.

Where you can find him in cyberspace:

Myspace page 

Bon Iver home page

Wikipedia

On tour:

Jambase

Artist:  The Avett Brothers

Hails From:  Concord, NC

Musical Style:  Alternative Country, Folk, Rock

For Fans of:  Bob Dylan, Wilco, The Jayhawks

Why you should check them out:

Defined by the desire to promote honesty through their music, The Avett Brothers blend folk inspired instrumentation and sweet vocal melodies, creating a level of sincerity unaffected by their growing commercial success and recent major label backing.

Background Check:

The Avett Brothers may look the part of standard folk rock hipsters, but outward appearances are exactly where the similiarities end.  With their heart-on-sleeve narratives and overall mission to promote honesty, loyalty and truth, the North Carolina trio are far cry from many typical mainstream agendas.  Brothers Scott and Seth Avett have been playing music together since small children, and it shows. Combining sing-along lyrics and mellow guitar and banjo riffs, it’s hard to not get sucked into the sentimental, beautiful and celebratory moments present throughout their songs.  While accompanied on stand-up bass by long-time member Bob Crawford, the focal point of their music remains between the intertwinning vocal harmonies of both brothers.

Their most recent EP, The Second Gleam, marks their eleventh release to date.  While the Avett Brothers have been playing and releasing albums since 2000, they have only recently gained mainstream exposure with the help of their highly accessible 2007 full-length Emotionalism.  With every intention to keep on growing, The Avett Brothers have recently announced a contract with American/Columbia records for their forth coming album produced by Rick Ruben (Johnny Cash, Beastie Boys).

Progressing through eight years of constant touring, the Avett Brothers have collected hordes of dedicated fans eager to support them through their ever growing commercial success.  And after listening to just a few of their emotionally charged folk rock tracks you’re going to want to join them.

Where you can find them in cyberspace:

www.myspace.com/theavettbrothers

www.theavettbrothers.com

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_avett_brothers

Where you can find them on tour:

Jambase
 

Artist: Fleet Foxes

Hails From: Seattle, WA

Musical Style: Folk Rock, Indie Rock

For Fans of: The Moody Blues, Crosby Stills and Nash, Animal Collective

Why you should check them out:

Self described as baroque pop, Fleet Foxes are five friends brought together by their mutual love of multi-part harmonies and talent for creating atmospheric folk rock.  With recent tours alongside Wilco and Blitzen Trapper, and two releases in 2008 alone, Fleet Foxes top the list as one of the best live performances you’ll have the chance to see this year.

Background check:

I first heard Fleet Foxes this past March while rushing around San Francisco trying to make two different concerts in one night. We had just seen a few bands across town as we jumped into the car and sped over to Bottom of the Hill, one of the most intimate venues the city has to offer.  As we finally made our way through the doors, we were met with an unfamiliar scene in the packed club, everyone was attentively watching the five woodsy looking guys playing on stage, not a single person was talking over the music. And the Fleet Foxes were, capturing the audience with their echoing multi-part harmonies, somber guitars, and building rhythms they have recently gained so much attention for.

The early formation of their music began when best friends, Robin Pecknold (vocals/guitar) and Skyler Skjelset (guitar) started writing songs together in high school.  A few years later, Fleet Foxes emerged with the help of fellow Seattle musicians Nicholas Peterson (drums), Bryn Lumsden (bass), and Casey Wescott (keyboards).  After the debut of their self released EP (2006), Fleet Foxes caught the attention of Sub pop records who consequently released both their self titled full-length and the EP Sun Giant in 2008 alone.  Despite an ever growing list of tour dates and increased media exposure, Fleet Foxes maintain a humble and authentic portrait of a band who continually seem more surprised by their recent success then everyone else.  Simply put, Fleet Foxes are five down to earth guys backed by irresistable melodies and incredible songwriting talent.

Where you can find them in cyberspace:

www.myspace.com/fleetfoxes

www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/fleet_foxes

Where you can find them on tour:

Jambase