Beth // James is riding high on the coattails of its recently released EP All In Life, which we’ve told you about before. The Austin folk duo put together a mix tape for you all to enjoy. Check it out below and be sure to queue up All In Life after it’s over.
Ari Hest, “Something To Look Forward To”
This song is completely gorgeous and one of our all-time favorites. When we first heard it, it was constantly on repeat on long car rides. Ari’s voice is delicate and desperate, and when the string section comes in, good luck not crying. This vocal performance is honestly one of the best we’ve ever heard. Don’t sleep on Ari Hest. Video
S. Carey, “Alpenglow”
S. Carey is Justin Vernon’s right-hand man. You can hear the Bon Iver influence right away in his music. His sense of harmony and lyrics really is something truly captivating. We were lucky enough to see him at a house concert at home in Austin, and that show was a real source of inspiration during the months we were writing our EP. Video
Alison Krauss & Robert Plant, “Let Your Loss Be Your Lesson”
The album Raising Sand had a huge impact on us starting Beth // James. These two legends bring untouched musicianship and the most swag a duo has ever brought on this record. “Let Your Loss Be Your Lesson” reminds us of going to hear shows at places like the Continental Club in Austin. You can feel the dimly-lit bar and people dancing their ambitions away while listening to this song. We can’t think of an album with a better vibe than Raising Sand, and we hope they’ll grace us with a sequel someday. Video
Blake Mills, “Don’t Tell Our Friends About Me”
Blake Mills is truly a master of guitar. You can see him on YouTube playing duo with Bill Frisell, and if Bill Frisell calls you to play tunes with him, you really have something going on. But not only is Blake a wizard at his instrument, he’s also a fantastic singer and songwriter. “Don’t Tell Our Friends About Me” is by far our favorite track on his newest album, Heigh Ho. This cut could’ve been a radio hit, but he decided to drop the F-bomb in the bridge. Respect to Blake for being true to himself and not giving an F-bomb about anything. Video
Relick, “Another Life”
We had to show some love to some of our best friends from Denton, Texas, in this mix tape. Relick is a new-age Beatles with a ’90s rock influence. Fronted by Amber Nicholson’s sticky sweet vocals and Matt Hibbard’s swoon-worthy guitar, Relick’s arrangements are like an indie-rock symphony. “Another Life” is the perfect song to blast with the windows down, driving around town. If you have a chance, go out and buy Relick’s debut EP Twin House. They are one of these bands that you brag to your hipster friends about discovering when they make it big. Video
