I work as a project manager for a larger medium-size custom CD and DVD manufacturer. I have held this position for close to four years and have been with the company for almost five. I could probably count on one hand the number of projects that have come across my desk that excite me. It is unbelievable how many bad musicians are out there and even more unbelievable how serious some from that group take themselves. It's one thing to have a hobby, do something you love and want to share it with others. It's another to treat people like you've already inked a major label deal when the truth is no one is interested in buying your music. I recently came across a client I am proud to have. It happens so rarely, I thought it might be fun to compile a little list of music I have come across at work and enjoyed. Most likely, I never would have heard of these folks if it weren't for my job. I should also point out that I hardly ever take the time to listen to the projects I'm working on so, in a many ways I've just stumbled upon these.
7oi - Don't Push the Rocks in My Face
My contact for this project was a guy from Iceland by the name of Johann Johannsson. I made the mistake of assuming it was the Johann Johannsson and made an ass of myself. Turns out that's a common name over there. It also turns out that this album is quite beautiful in it's own rite. It's ambient and electronic.
Mumford & Sons - Sigh No More
Occasionally, I'll hear one of my client's names after I've finished the project and then realize they are musicians that other people actually listen to. Mumford & Sons is one of those. From what I've read, they're English. They make folk rock. It's decent. You will probably hear more about them in the near future.
Hoots and Hellmouth - Hoots and Hellmouth
These guys have been doing alright for themselves for a good while now and if you live in Philly, chances are you've heard of them. I recognized their name right away, although I wasn't familiar with their music. It's roots music, kinda. I can't say I love it, but I gotta give some love to a local favorite.
Clean Guns - Sometimes There is Trouble
I went to college with one of the MC's in this duo, as well as some of the contributing beat makers. These guys have good taste. They make some of that "real" hip-hop, with wit and a broad vocab. I still have one of their posters up at my desk. People walk by and say things like, "Why is that little girl cleaning a gun?" And I think to myself, isn't it obvious?
Oto - Time Capsule Sunday
This is really nice ambient, electronic music. Very quiet and minimal. It might be my favorite from a client. The packaging was nice too. This image doesn't do it justice. It's clean and simple, just like his music.
Metavari - Be One of Us and Hear No Noise
I recognized their name from a recent R5 email promoting one of their shows. Turns out these guys make some fairly interesting post-rock music. They incorporate samples of various spoken words, whether from film or public speeches or old radio programs I am not sure. I wonder how it made it past our intellectual property rights department, but perhaps they couldn't pin point the samples either.
Liza Kate - Don't Let the Dogs
This one surprised me. Liza is a singer/song writer and a pretty good one, especially as my clients go. Her songs are emotional, but not overwhelming. Including her in this list also makes six albums, which means I would need two hands to count, which means I lied to you in the opening paragraph. Sorry.
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