These Things

We all have things in our lives. Things we hate, things we struggle with, things that help, and things that hurt. And one of the biggest things that we can struggle with is how we cope with those things.

How I cope, and work through these things is through music. I’ve been playing music ever since I was 10 years old. Playing drums was the first passion in my life. It was the one thing through which I could express myself wholly and fluently more than anything else. Since then I have expanded my expression to other instruments, but the reason and passion always stays the same.

The past couple of years have been tough on me musically. I’ve been in limbo. No one to work with, and no direction to go. So I wrote. I wrote about me, and the struggles, thoughts, regrets, and emotions that were always running through my head. Wondering what I was supposed to do, wanting to give up, my laziness in my marriage, being tired of the day-in-day-out, and most of all, my faithless and stagnant relationship with God. I was in a major rut that I kept digging myself deeper into.

The songs that came out of that time,  I recorded with a few good and very talented friends, and out came my debut EP, These Things. The album is the past couple of years, compiled into five songs that come straight from my heart. I felt that I should put this out, not as a career starter, or even as a promotional tool, but because I knew there are some people, maybe you, that would relate to the same feelings I had. Even maybe help someone through their own “things”.

So here it is. The EP is on iTunes now, and will soon be on Spotify, Rdio, and a bunch of other places. You can also listen to, and buy it below!

Thank you for reading, and listening. Hopefully, we can get through our things together.

Music Monday – July 30, 2012

Duncan released his debut solo EP, These Things, this month and you should take a listen!

In addition to his solo project, Duncan has started a new rock outfit with Corey Keller named “Sandusky“. Check out their first demo.

Music Monday

Jess

I didn’t realize that I knew so many songs by Neon Trees until I listened to their album “Habits”. It’s slowly becoming one of my favorite albums.

Sarah

You know how sometimes someone tells you to listen to an artist because they think you’d really love them, but you never actually get around to listening to said artist? This happened to me. Jess has listened to Joshua Radin for quite some time, but I only recently discovered his brilliance. His album “We Were Here” is incredible.

Cody

Melodic gang vocals, head bobbin’ guitars, and foot stompin’ choruses are just a few reasons that The Lumineers debut album has quickly become one of my top played albums.

Duncan

This is one of those albums that take you to another land. A new place of adventure and imagination. A place to create a story. I’ve been hooked since I first heard it. But you have to listen to it in it’s entirety.

Music Monday

Duncan

I’ve been listening to The Dangerous Summer’s album War Paint for some time. But it’s been increasing. With the weather brightening, it’s perfect music for it. The first, and title, track, “War Paint” is a great way to immerse yourself into the cd. All the way through the last chorus of “Waves”, it’s passionate rock, and great driving music. Favorite songs are: War Paint, No One’s Gonna Need You More, and Miscommunication.

Cody

I just started listening to “Of Monsters and Men” debut album “My Head Is An Animal”, but I can already tell that this six piece indie folk/pop band from Iceland is going to be on my regular rotation.

Jess

With Easter being yesterday, I choose a song that reflect that a little. The Beautiful Things album by Gungor is one of my favorites, especially the song in which the album is named for.

Sarah

Album on repeat, Torches by Foster the People. The whole album is amazing, but my favorite song is “Don’t Stop (Color on the Walls)“. I love listening to it while I work out, just keeps me going.

Music Monday

Duncan
Lately, I’ve been repeating The Decemberists’ album The King Is Dead like my Jr. High girlfriend did “Angel” by Shaggy. So now that the latter is stuck in your head, you can listen to former.

From the first blast of a harmonica supported by a great southern stomp in “Don’t Carry It All”, to the soft Dylon-esque “January Hymn”, and Ending with the musical letter “Dear Avery”, the entire album takes you down a back-country-road adventure. If you like good ole’ southern music, with a little rock, a little folk, and a dash of country, then this is your ticket. Especially like a good harmonica. I’m a sucker for them.

My Favorite Songs: Don’t Carry It All, Down By The Water, June Hymn.

Jess
Last week was overcast and rainy, which calls for a certain type of music that is chill and relaxing. The Low Anthem won this week, especially “Charlie Darwin”.

Cody
Most commonly known as “The girl from the Gotye song”, Kimbra’s “Settle Down” EP has been added to my regular rotation.

Sarah
This album was on my heavy rotation this week because sometimes you just need some music that’s upbeat and “fun.” This was one of those weeks.

What have you been listening to?