Wednesday Artist: M. Ward

Matthew Stephen Ward, known by his stage name M. Ward

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This singer-songwriter and guitarist has been blowing my mind since 1999. Having released 7 studio albums and 2 EPs was just not enough for this lovely fellow. He started a collaboration with American actress, Zooey Deschanel. As she wrote the lyrics, he’d come up the guitar rhythms. With that, She & Him had officially released an album that reached charts and melted hearts. In 2010, She  & Him released Volume 2 for the world to hear. That isn’t the last you’ll hear from M. Ward.

One of my favorite projects he has been part of is Monsters of Folk. Now, if you aren’t familiar with Monsters of Folk than you must have been hiding in a closet for the past few years. Monsters of Folk consisting of Jim James from My Morning Jacket, Conor Oberst and Mike Mogis from Bright Eyes and yours truly, M. Ward. They all joined together around 2004, but didn’t release their first album until 2009. For my 19th birthday, I got to see Monsters of Folk live at Stubb’s BBQ in Austin, Texas. It was pretty magical. I mean, come on, the NIGHT of my birthday I got to see all these guys play some of MoF tracks PLUS some MMJ, Bright Eyes, and M Ward stuff. Nothing can describe how magical that night was.

Last summer, I got the chance to see M. Ward live. Last summer, I got to fall deeply in love with this 36 year old singer-songwriter. He has talent, yes, we all know that. But, his charm is just on an entirely different level. His dark hair that sometimes has that grey spice in it, his dark brown eyes that you can literally get lost into, the way he always postures himself, his body language, the way he closes his eyes while he sings, everything this man does just makes me weak in the knees.

His 2009 album Hold Time made it to my Top 10 of 2009 chart. However, my favorite album of his HAS to be Transfiguration Of Vincent (2003). I will never be able to express how emotional that album makes me feel. It gives me feeling. It gives me feelings beyond belief. It’s as if I am just sitting on top of the world, listening to his music and watching life happen. It’s such a beautiful state of mind this album puts me in. I’m telling you, there’s just something special about Matther Stephen Ward.

Merge Records never lets me down. This is why I dream of working with these guys one day. My admiration and appreciation towards this record label is endless.

Pack your bags and walk your way to the top of the world with M. Ward.

Download Transfiguration Of Vincent here.

Neon Indian chills Emo’s ATX crowd

This past Monday night, Neon Indian performed at Emo’s in Austin, Texas. Mind you, this was my first time seeing Neon Indian live. During SXSW, I always managed to miss their set. The one time I was set to see them, they were performing inside Emo’s while I was watching the outside performances. Thus, I was readily excited to finally see them.

So much energy was shared with every person in the venue from these guys. Every member as beautiful and talented as one another, had so much passion in the music they were playing. It was beautiful.

I wish I could name drop the songs he played, but I will openly admit that before Monday night, I wasn’t really into the whole Neon Indian scene. I had never owned an album of his, I can’t even say I recognized a single song that was played. Yet, I mean this when I say that this was definitely a favorite show I’ve been to.

Grinding upon strangers hasn’t always been my idea of a favorite show. Being high with strangers has never been on the list either. But, when you put Alan Palomo behind a mic, everything just turns magical. Ronald Gierhart, guitarist and vocalist, literally blew my mind from the second I saw his long hair and big tee. As he was tuning up his guitars, he said a small greeting to me and flashed a smile so precious that my breathe was nearly taken away. Jason Faries, drummer, had the most beautiful blonde hair that would tousle everywhere as the fan hit his body. He was an amazing drummer. And, of course, Leanne Macomber, keyboardist, was the most beautiful woman I’ve seen in awhile.

Putting these 4 members together to play music has to be one of the greatest decisions ever made in the music business. These guys, they are passionate. They know what to do and how to do it. They have the ability to control an entire crowds emotions with their music. It’s beautiful.

A couple of kids next to me popped out these glow sticks and started throwing them out to everyone within the first song. It was amazing. Everyone was dancing; everyone was either high or second hand high; everyone was one with the music. There’s just something so special and chill about shows like this that makes me want to spend the rest of my life attending and photographing these shows.

Music, no matter what the genre may be, is just beautiful.

Check out more photos from Neon Indian here.