The first time I heard ZZ Ward’s voice, I knew that I had stumbled upon something magical – something incredibly special. It’s not just her voice either…it’s her all-around musical depth and rhythm – it’s her radiating self-confidence and raw talent. Her debut record, ‘Til the Casket Drops, is a collection of bluesy, gritty songs with the dirtiest beats you can find (in a really good way) and if you haven’t checked it out, I suggest you drop everything and do it right now.

Every song on Cedar + Gold is like a window into the soul of an artist who is learning how to deal with the worst, while still hoping for the best. “I don’t take a story and spin it. I didn’t do that with this record, didn’t do that with these songs. I didn’t take something and make it mean something else. I literally took it and this is it. There’s no metaphor or something else I’m trying to get at. Just, ‘here it is.’ It was honest.”

Sometimes, in order to move forward with whatever it is I’m striving for, I need to redefine some words.

This week, I’d like to introduce you to my friend and fellow indie-artist, Joachim.

It’s a difficult thing, offering up for criticism what’s very dear to you, what you put a lot of time and effort into. Your best effort. But, although I’m an artist and believe in the inherent value of art and that the act of creating doesn’t “need” anyone’s approval, let’s be honest – We all want someone to pay attention. No one would play shows or record they were creating simply for the sake of creating. They want people to listen.

Though time has gone by, the excitement and anticipation for this record have only grown stronger. Having spent a little time on the road with Madi and Kyle a few years ago, I can tell you that they sound even more incredible live than they do recorded.

Made in the Foo Fighters’ Studio 606 with John Lousteau producing, A Gentle Reminder features founding members Shehan and guitarist Benito working alongside Mendel (filling in on bass for the departed John McGinnis) and new drummer Bob Penn. Josh Staples (the Velvet Teen) contributes backing vocals and bass on two tracks.

That’s right everyone! Findyourfav friend Eric Hutchinson is slated to release his highly anticipated sophomore record on April 17th. Moving Up, Living Down follows Eric’s 2008 release, Sounds Like This and I couldn’t be more excited!

This past Thursday (1/5/12), I had the pleasure of sharing the stage with Jeremy Elliott (guitarist for Bellingham, WA band Polecat), Beth Whitney (Snohomish, WA) and Jenna Ellefson (Portland, OR) at the beautiful and historic Columbia City Theater. It was a night I’ll not soon forget.

It’s that stinging self-doubt. I’m just not good enough. Why am I doing this? Is that really the best I can do? It’s that sigh that follows after watching a YouTube video of a five-year-old who picked up a guitar yesterday and plays like he’s been at it for 30 years…meanwhile, you just learned how to play a bar-chord without making the strings buzz. But there are several things I think we forget.

That’s right, y’all! Jack’s Mannequin is hitting the road this June following a performance at Coachella on April 17th. Andrew McMahon of Jack’s Mannequin says of Guster: “”It’s going to be a great year, between Coachella, a headlining tour, and going out with Guster. I’ve loved Guster since picking up their record, Keep It Together, years ago. They’ve made another amazing album that just came out, and I can’t wait to be hearing the tunes side stage.”

You can download Paramore’s new single, “Careful,” here!