Music for Japan

I know many bands are donating money from album sales directly to Japan relief efforts. I just want to share them with you and make sure to thank the artist/band for being so generous, it's a wonderful thing they are doing to help those in need. Do your part too, which should be easy with such good music involved. I'm sure there are many more bands doing this so leave comments for more suggestions. I'll try and keep the list ongoing and will share new updates on twitter and facebook.

Amber Rubarth - singer/songwriter is giving 100% of sales from any of her albums directly to the Salvation Army Japan Relief fund. You can buy them on bandcamp. Easy Peasy.









The Morning Benders - Donate anywhere from $5 to $100 dollars and get the 8 song EP.
Just go HERE

You can also read a full longer list of musicians donating to various Japan relief outlets and funds here.

Zack Hickman - Cowboy song

Bou and I saw this guy open for Amber Rubarth last night and he was one of those great little unexpected surprises. He plays with Josh Ritter on a regular basis as well as a bunch of other musicians. He plays the upright bass, casio digital guitars from 1983 (awesome), harmonica, guitar, keyboard...I'm sure the list goes on and on. He was a riot. Here is his goofy song "Mustache" he really does have a crazy, wild, well waxed mustache...it was rather impressive. You can see his onstage antics in the mustache song. But his cowboy song was really fun too and the video quality of this one is the best. Just keep in mind that he is one goofy guy and enjoy.

Amber Rubarth - You Will Love This Song

If you are in the mood for an easy going honest song, this one is for you. Amber Rubarth has a unique little voice that can not be mistaken for anyone else. She maybe reminds me a little bit of Jenny Owen Youngs, but still totally unique. The  way she decided to become a songstress makes me admire her "why the hell not?" attitude. She randomly did woodcarving in Reno, Nevada and then one day just five years ago she decided she had always wanted to be a musician so she learned how to play the guitar (for the first time!) and now she has a good little collection of songs under her belt. 


Her songs tend to be mini-story-esque which I just love.  She released her newest album "Good Mystery" this past September and it has some great songs. Just keep in mind its totally about the lyrics. I can't find a song of hers that I don't relate to. From "This is Real" lyrics "You know I love where I'm living/ And where I travel too/But if you asked I'd trade it all for you/ Cause there's something that you give me/ Something that is true/ That all this travelling 'round will never do." To my other favorite "Wish We'd Gotten Drunk" about awkward moments that you wish could be explained away by drunkenness, but alas there you are being awkward and sober. "Its never to late to get tanked, and claim the whole thing was misconstrued....the wine has already been opened and there is whiskey for two, so tomorrow when we wake up we can blame it all on the booze." But here is a really great one by her with an interesting little intro. I hope you appreciate the honesty.