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MIX TAPE

Josh Gilligan Makes MAGNET A Mix Tape

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Nashville-based singer/songwriter Josh Gilligan readies for the release of his debut full-length, Steady On, which exemplifies his talent and simplistic style of easy-listening country. Gilligan grew up in a musical home and listened to mostly oldies, and it can definitely be heard in his sound. Now he has been so kind as to make MAGNET a mix tape. Check it out below.

America “Ventura Highway”
When asked what my favorite song is, this one almost always comes out in the short list. It’s the first song that really made me want to learn guitar. It’s one of the first songs that I memorized the lyrics to. My family vacationed in East Tennessee every summer, and this was on the vacation playlist every year. It’s always been a favorite. Video

Wilco “You & I”
This is one song I could probably listen to 50 times in a row. It’s just enough. Never too much. Driving music, background party music, wedding music, it’s just one of those songs. Love it. Video

José González “What Will”
To get a little more current: This is one of my favorite cuts off of his latest. Overall, it’s such a patient volume of work. Both the music and the lyrics weave smoothly between complexity and simplicity, and nothing ever feels overstated. I would’ve enjoyed this record 10 years ago, and I’m sure I’ll probably enjoy it 10 years from now. Just great stuff. Video

Laura Marling “I Was An Eagle”
Beyond the emotional impact it brings when I hear it, this song really changed a lot for me. As a listener and as a creator, this song (and the record it’s on) made me crave new things from music. It effortlessly reaffirms the beauty of musical simplicity, and the lyrics are so strong you feel as if you’ve lived each situation she sings. Note: You can’t listen to this song without listening to the following track, “You Know.” Just let it play… 🙂 Video

Dawes “Moon In The Water”
There’s a lot of sad love songs. This one sits on the top of the pile for me. Video

The Staves “Blood I Bled”
The Staves just put out a new record. I saw them open for Justin Vernon in 2011, and it was gorgeous. It’s just hard to beat family members harmonizing together. I’ve loved their music ever since. The new record is wonderful, and this song is a masterpiece. It’s my number one played song right now. Video

The Real Efforts Of Real People “Ink & Tight Jeans”
Like some of the earlier tracks, this is another longstanding favorite. But, I’ve never really heard anything about the band since this release. I came across the Real Efforts’ music online when I was in high school, and the songs just stood out to me right away. After years of wearing this one EP out, I emailed the band through an old BandCamp link to extend my thanks. A swift reply let me know that it was one guy who had made the tracks from his house and never really put too much stock into the project. Slightly disappointing, but even more so it was a cool experience—music is so powerful, and you never know who your songs will find and what they’ll mean to that person. Video