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MIX TAPE

Chris DuPont Makes MAGNET A Mix Tape

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Chris DuPont is inching ever closer to the release of new record Outlier. After featuring his beautiful track “Forgiveness” a while back, MAGNET has got a nice glimpse into a songwriter’s personal favorites, all collected nicely together in Mix Tape fashion below. Be sure to check out Outlier on November 13.

London Grammar “High Life”
London Grammar is my favorite recent pop act. Their entire debut record hits that perfect mark between minimalist restraint and indulgent anthemic pay-offs. “High Life” is loaded with simple-yet-memorable hooks, painted into a lush arrangement in which every element has its own comfortable pocket in the frequency spectrum. I love the unusual and almost counterintuitive rhythm of the bass line, and the play on words in the bridge: “We own everything, we owe (/own?) nothing.” Video

S. Carey “Glass/Film”
S. Carey’s compositions are beautifully composed and textured, and make me feel like I’m being caught in a tidal wave. I can say with no hesitation that Sean and CO. gave me the best live concert experience I’ve ever had. I saw them at the Hope College Theatre in Holland on the “Range Of Light” tour and was overtaken. Each band member went far above the multi-instrumentalist call of duty, with most players being highly proficient on drums, marimba, pedal steel and tight vocal parts. The show set the bar so high for what a live music experience can be. Video

Ben Howard “Depth Over Distance”
Ben has somehow managed to push the limits and possibilities of the guitar without merely being another gimmicky “tappy guitar guy.” It’s such a fine line. His technique is bizarre, broken, unusual, but undeniably musical. His guitar lines are loaded with melodic, timbral, and rhythmic hooks. And that voice astounds me. He tells micro-stories in the ways he delivers his words and lines. Every inflection begs us to look for a deeper layer. “Depth Over Distance” hasn’t stopped playing through my head since I first gave it a spin. Video

Ryan Adams “I See Monsters”
I’m a huge fan of the prolific, devastating, slightly goofy Ryan Adams. It’s abundantly clear that he is obsessed with the craft of songwriting, but not necessarily with pleasing anyone but himself. His nonchalance is something that a lot of self-conscious artists could learn from. “I See Monsters” is one of those tunes that feels like it’s been around for a long time. The chord turns and melodic twists are masterful and effortless, and the minimalist but ethereal approach to the recording makes this one stick for me. Video

James Taylor “Never Die Young”
I have no shame for my love of all eras of James Taylor’s music. This song’s indulgently crisp production has the late ’80s all over it. But the song’s structure, guitar arrangements and lyrics pack a great punch. I think this is one of his best-crafted gems. James has inspired me greatly as an artist, not only as a great guitarist, vocalist and writer, but also as someone who is always gracious, considerate and thankful to his loyal audience. Video

Brendan James “Constellations”
Brendan is one of my favorite living songwriters. He has a one-of-a-kind tenor that grabs my attention with its immediacy and reedy clarity. This song captures that expansive melancholy that comes with growing older and watching dreams fade. The imagery in the lyrics is remarkably vivid. I also love that this song wasn’t over manufactured. This tune, like most tunes on James’ Simplify album, was recorded rawly, with the vocal performance practically untouched. He sounds just like this at a live show. Video