She & Him Do ‘Volume 2′

She & Him is a folk duo is comprised of singer Zooey Deschanel and guitarist M. Ward. With a hit debut album in 2008 and a performance at SXSW this past weekend, She & Him have been making quite a name for themselves in the independent music scene.

The band has carved a niche with a unique sound that is channeled from another era. If it would be possible to  create “new” oldies, She & Him seem to have found the formula. Zooey Deschanel, famous for her roles in Elf, Yes Man, and (500) Days of Summer exploits her voice with a fresh take on the 1950’s crooner sound. Bringing back images of Connie Francis and Teresa Brewer, Deschanel’s melodic vocals sing of tales of happiness and woe. Backed by Ward’s upbeat folk guitar and occasional vocals, the duo layer instruments and lyrics to create a hip retro world that might have existed prior to the British invasion.

In their newest album, Volume Two, She & Him explore the possibilities love and heartache. The first single, ‘In the Sun,’ is a summery pop ballad that reminds everyone how hard it is to capture the desired. The music video is a humorous montage of high school dance choreography that harkens to the more innocent era of Britney Spears’ music video career. read more

Getting deep: Selling out or selling your soul?

When you create something that other people will read, listen to, taste or touch, it’s always wise to think about your audience, that is if you want to be successful. Feedback and criticism are vital to growing and learning, but when does it become too much? Pandering to your audience can become tiresome and takes away originality. Being well liked as an artist, musician, writer, chef, or other career can be reward, but if the work isn’t your own, it can chip away at your soul.

Many people start out loving something and it quickly turns into a twisted, bizarre version that you’ve have to bend and disfigure as a way to make money. The American dream if all about having the freedom to find something you love. Integrity is often the first character trait shelved once making ends up meet becomes a struggle.

This is why rock stars drink and party and do drugs. There is a nagging voice somewhere in their head that has no idea what is going on anymore. The voice will wonder “Where is the music that used to be played in my best friend’s garage?” “Why do all my songs sound like Fall Out Boy, or Britney Spears?”

Is there a way to be truly successful without selling out?

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