Trouvere: La La Love

 

If you're wondering just who they are, Trouvere is the duet and La La Love is the EP. Coming out of Nashville, Trouvere (consisting of Greg LaFollette and Shell Snyder) debuted their EP "La La Love" on February 11, 2013 and it is, by far, one of the best of 2013.
This five song EP is the epitome of the word LOVE. Trust, doubt, promises, reassurance. For every emotion you've ever felt whether you're falling in love or you have your feet planted and are simply enjoying the feeling, "La La Love" is definitely one for the books.
The first song off the EP, titled "La La Love," is 1:44 full of just that. From the beginning to the end, this song is the essence of love. It brings forth a smile and the uptempo allows you to dance. (Happy dance, if you will.) Simple feelings of being in love for the first time, being held and feeling safe; support. Dance through the streets with the one you love to this one, because they're the only one you see and the feeling is quite mutual. You had me at, "Hey."
"Your Heart Is My Home" is such a simplistically beautiful song. The feeling of sitting next to the person you love and having that moment when you have to simply breathe because everything seems to click. "We are home." It is the feeling of love put to a melody that makes you sway and sing along. I could easily see Fred and Ginger dancing together to this song as though it was made for them.

"I'll Catch You When You Fall" is, by far, my most favorite song off the entire EP. The melodic tone makes me want to close my eyes and fall in love. Shell's voice is soft, reassuring and completely captivating. I would slow dance to this song on any given day, at any given time. "Let go, darling. Close your eyes. I'll hold you with my heart."
This EP is a classic. It is one that you can and will listen to at any given moment of any given day and it will definitely remind you of the meaning of love. I could easily go on about every song and the musical arrangements of this EP forever, but I don't want to give it all away. I don't fall head over feet for too many voices, but these two, together, are pure bliss.It is with great pleasure that I introduce to you Trouvere:

A: First and foremost, your EP titled "La La Love" is, by far, one of my favorites of 2013. Tell us a little about the EP itself and how you chose the name.

One of the first songs that we wrote together was La La Love, so it made sense that when we introduced ourselves to the world, we used that song. It also encompasses the spirit of who we are as individuals and as a band.

A: What was the inspiration behind the making of La La Love?

Shell had written the chorus melody beforehand and brought it to a writing session.  At the time, she was just singing "la la's" as placeholder lyrics. I thought that we should keep the playfulness of the "la la" lyrics, but should figure out what the song was about. So, I suggested we add the love. After we defined our sound with La La Love, the rest of the songs fell into place pretty easily.

A: Tell us a bit about how the two of you came together to form Trouvere.

I worked on a record with Shell's previous band, Sinclair, as an engineer. I'd worked with a lot of artists at that point, but I knew there was something special about her that made her stand out. From then on, in the back of my head, I made a mental note to work with her in the future. Then I did.

A: Who are some of your biggest influences?

These aren't necessarily influences, but here are some bands we like at the moment:

Shell: The Lumineers, Gungor, M.I.A.

Greg: Hem, The National, and Justin Bieber

Fill in the blank: Music is awesome.

Okay, this is where the fun begins. I want to play a game. Word association. First word that comes to mind when you read the listed word. Ready? Go!

Home:

Greg: Improvement

Shell: Family

Love:

Greg: Peace (I know that doesn't make sense...Shell wouldn't let me change my answer.)

Shell: Heart

Duet:

Greg: You can...

Shell: Sonny and Cher

Tango:

Greg: Cash

Shell: Salsa

Heartbeat:

Greg: Lilli (my niece)

Shell: Life

Paris:

Greg: France

Shell: France

Thank you SO much for allowing me to talk to you two! It was a pleasure and all of you should go and download the La La Love EP here: Download

Be sure to to follow them on Twitter and show your love! @trouveretheband

Tell your family, your friends and even strangers! Spread the word! LA LA LOVE.

No Music; No Life.

Music posts seem to be the one's I look forward to the most. I think it's because I get to willingly share all of the amazing music that I listen to with you. :) 

So, it's well into summer here in Northern California and it is HOT. Immediately, beaches come to mind. Or getting lost somewhere in the hills where you're shaded by trees and feeling completely free. Not to mention the awesome road trips that take place on a whim just because you'd rather be out there in the world.

I'm not quite sure why, but music of the spring and summer has always been my favorite. I strongly believe that some of the best songs are put out for the summer months. No offense to winter and fall.

So, here we go. These are songs, both new and old, that I have on repeat on a daily basis. Hope you enjoy!

"Hit Me Down Sonny" by The Ting Tings. I dance around my house to this song. Or the store. Or the park. Wherever, really. I just dance. 

"Loveblood" by King Charles. Okay, I admit it, I'm a hopeless romantic and I do tend to wear my heart on my sleeve. This song makes me think of love in itself. Flowers and smiles. Oh, and accents :)

"Oh, Hi." by Now, Now. LOVE. Turn it up. Sing along. Trust me, it's fun. I'm very much a drum girl, but the guitar is what grabs me in this song.

"Puppy Love" by The Little Bear. This song is just so great. The melody is so happy and carefree, but the words are a complete contrast. "Took a while to figure it out. It wasn't love, we just fell down. And when I stand up, I hope you've gone with your puppy love." (Come on, we've all been there) 

And I dare you not to smile and dance. 

Do you accept the challenge?

"Female Robbery" by The Neighbourhood. I don't even know how I fell in love with this song, but I did. It's loud, but I love it. To a point where I play it two or three times in a row. "I think I found out that I have nothing. That I have nothing in this place for me."

"Hey, Please" by Orange and Lemons. This song makes me feel like I've hopped back into the past. The 60's, to be exact. I tap my foot and my head nods from side to side and I can't help but to feel happy. Again, flowers and smiles. And an incredible amount of LOVE.

"Is It Too Late To Apologize" by The Oh Wells. This song. This song is... amazing. If I quote it, I'll end up quoting the entire song.

"That's It That's All" by We Are The City. It's a little bit more on the rock side, but it's SO good. The voice of the lead singer makes you want to sway, but the guitar won't quite allow you to do so. It's edgy, it's raw and the lyrics are, once again, pretty amazing.

"Angels" by The xx. Talk about wanting to fall in love. 
"A light reflects from your shadow and it's more than I thought could exist. You move through the room like breathing was easy..."

I don't know how to NOT love when I hear this song. It makes me want to fall in love. First single off the upcoming album and I am completely at their mercy.

And last, but most certainly not least... Who would I be if I didn't include Correatown in my list of music?!

"Further" by Correatown is constantly on repeat for me.

 "We have a fascination with the darkness, although we're standing in the light." 

The lyrics alone are incredible and when you add the melody, it becomes so much MORE. It's hard for me to put into words why I love any Correatown song and this moment is no different.

I should stop there or this will get incredibly long. I hope you enjoy all the music and rest assured, I'll be back with more sooner than you can say, "treble clef." :)

Music is Essential.

If you're a music head like me, then I know you're practically looking for new music every second of every day. No? Okay, well then, maybe it is just me. Be that as it may, I am constantly in a state of "ears open" because there are so many new and old bands out there that I have yet to discover! 


Are you with me?


So, here we go. I'm going to compile a list of songs and videos for you to check out. Now, I will warn you, this post is SO INDIE IT HURTS, but the music is so incredible that I couldn't pass it up. Each week, I find myself searching this single part of YT and discovering new music from all parts of the world. It's what most seem to be calling "the best part of youtube." I can't say that I disagree.


First, "Crave You" by Flight Facilities (Adventure Club Remix): There is something about this song, from the beat to the repetitive lyrics that just draw me in. Every time it plays, I repeat it. Twice. "I walked into the room dripping in gold." 


Follow them at: @FlightFac

Up Next: "You're Too Cool" by The Zolas: I don't know much about them, but I do know that I love this song. From the first line, "Love don't live at home, oh no, it slithers in the wild," the unkempt beat makes me want to dance. And we won't even talk about when the entire beat slows down... It's something like magic. 

Follow them at: @TheZolas

Third: "Someone Loves You" by Pants Yell!: This band, though I've just learned is no longer together, puts me in the mind of Weezer during the "Buddy Holly" days. I envision sitting on a grassy hill with a couple friends, summer sun beating down on us, and smiling like there is no tomorrow. "Yes, it's true, someone loves you."

Fourth: "I Won't Break Your Heart" by The Young Friends: This is another song that has me constantly pressing the repeat button after its ended. I have this idea... I want to turn this song up as loud as I can, slip on a sundress, hair wild and barefoot, and I want to dance like no one is watching. "You know how we get down. Bring your friends and come on down." Another one for the summer months to come.

Fifth: "Youth" by Sunburns. It's another one of those feelgood summer anthems. You know, if you're into that sort of thing. It reminds me of that feeling, you know, when you're just starting to fall for someone and....well, you know that feeling. Dance. Dance. Dance. Even now, I'm tapping my foot and nodding along. It's just that good. "Control your heartbeat, never think it's a waste."

And last, but certainly NOT least: "Turn Me On" by The Grates. Ah, this song. Well, the title certainly speaks for itself, but I don't think it's quite what you're thinking. Though, it might be. Yet another song that makes me want to dance from the drum intro to the last note. This goes with my explanation of Youth, but a little farther into the falling process. "Wrap yourself around me. Do it, just define me. Do it to ignite me." I won't say any more. Just listen. And fall in love.

Follow them at: @thegrates

Six of my most favorites for the moment. I could have easily gone on forever, but I think six is a good number. Everyone should always carry a song in their heart. Hope you enjoyed and I'm sure I'll be posting more music soon.

"Lyrics speak when words fail."