I am what I consider a very eclectic music fan as I will listen to just about anything. I’ll add that I got much of that love of music as I grew up and both my parents introduced me to different styles of music. I inherited my father’s “Time Life” Collection of Big Band music on record. I even own some old 45 rpm records from my time of working as an announcer at a few radio stations as I was in High School and College. Those also led to my love of different music styles and artists through the years.

So, with that background information, I want to bring some light to some musical artists I recently came across.  I found them through social media, like Twitter, and in one case just letting a certain company’s music device play a top list of music.

There are three artists I’d like to bring to the attention of those reading this posting. You will find 1 top-selling artist, and two (what I call) independent artists who may fly under the radar.  The key thing to me each have a message within their music.  You will find a mixture of upbeat toe-tapping music, to those lyrics that leave the listener asking questions. The lyrics will make you think and have you interrupt the song in a way you, the listener, will likely do.  The primary thing for me is each one has a message within their music that I hope others will enjoy, or learn from, depending on how you take their lyrics.

I’m starting this out with the duo A.J and Tara who I will say fittingly are out of Sunny California. Their about page on their website will tell you a bit more about their connection to Los Angeles, and Berkley.  They are what I considered a pop group with lyrics that are very upbeat. They have music that makes you smile and that will also get you thinking. I would not go as far as calling them a Christian duo, but their message is one that would fit into a category along those lines. I have seen where many of their songs are original and often, if not always, written by A.J of the band. They collaborate together with others when it comes to the music for the songs. I will say some of their music also reminds me of a rock sound as you listen to them.  I can say that they are a duo that is working on getting their name out as they have some things available to those who check out their site, at least of the time of this posting. I have added a video card YouTube video of their song “Believing” just below.

 

Now, let me introduce to you artist Jon Magnusson, who is first to tell you that he is an independent artist who likes connecting with people. I’ll admit when I first listened to his music it took a moment to figure out his slight accent, well one I noticed. You see the man is from the country that brought bands like; Europe, Ace of Base, Roxette, Opeth, and I’d be in trouble if I left ABBA out of this list. Yep, Jon Magnusson is from Sweden.  His music style is just like my music taste, a bit eclectic. I say that as you look at his YouTube page you will find he has many influences in his music. I found a mixture of Rock, Folk, a bit of Jazz and even some soul. His lyrics have something to say as I shared the video to his song “Your Dreams” below. I will say you can tell he is truly an independent artist as you listen to more of his music he does what he likes. It shows in his music that he truly loves what he is doing and he is one that will gladly take time and interact with his listeners, and fans. I should also mention that the man has a podcast as well.

 

The last artist I want to write about is one Nathan John Feuerstein who is out of a small town in Michigan, called Gladwin. It’s no shock that the state that put out artists such as Glenn Frey, The White Stripes, Pop Evil, Kid Rock and Nathan’s prime influence rapper Eminem.  You will ask who is this guy, and really he goes by a two-letter acronym for his name.  You likely heard his music on the radio and announced by artist NF.  NF has a great website that will bring you so much of his other links, and showcase his music. The thing that drew me to his music is the lyrics are powerful as NF is not afraid to put topics such as depression, anxiety and even mental illness. He admits that he is a Christian, but he has stated that his music is for everyone. One can look him up on the internet and find interviews where he will say that his music isn’t Christian Rap. I personally don’t blame him as I have listened to many of his songs, and to me being labeled in that way may impact those who will give his music a try. Just like A.J and Tara and Ron Magnusson, NF’s music has some great messages. I included his song “Time” below as an intro to the man if you have not heard him before.

I must add I own no rights to the videos, and images I share within this posting. All music is owned by the artist.