The type of music one listens to says a lot about a person. I listen to a variety of music based on what mood I am in. At the Gym I prefer Hip-hop because it is up-beat and keeps me going. In the car I love jamming to country music with the windows rolled down. And as I am typing this article I prefer Singer/Songwriter and Alternative music. This music is what I like to call my “book reading music” – yes, that is the actual name of my playlist. It’s soothing music that fades into the background of whatever thought provoking task you’re doing. These artists are not just one-hit wonders in this playlist, but all of their songs are equally as great and the ones linked in this article. Thus, you can download all of their albums and have the perfect start to a playlist of your own.
James Bay
Besides his hit song “Let it Go”, the rest of his songs are just as heart-breakingly beautiful as he is. Is it James Bay or James is Bae?
(P.S. If you are from the Pittsburgh area and you are going to James Bay's concert this Wednesday,September 28, at Stage AE, I apologize in advanced for passing out from the sound of his voice.)
Sleeping At Last
Sleeping at Last is just that, it's music you could play while sleeping. Their melodies are soft, and all beautiful. Not to mention they have a million and one songs, which is a lot of sleeping.
Daughter
Hozier
Reasons to hate the radio: 1) It overplays top songs and ruins them - such as "Take me to Church" by Hozier. 2) It neglects to play all of the other great music an artist has to offer. 3) Refer to number one again.
The Lumineers
Ho Hey, The Lumineers are pretty great too!
Damien Rice
Damien rice is different than most artists. When he sings it is very pained, and you can really feel what he is feeling.
Iron & Wine
Flightless Bird, American Mouth is my favorite song - EVER. Please listen to it and love it with me.
The Paper Kites
Birdy
Not only is Birdy great at covers, like Skinny Love, but her own music is even better. Your music videos are dark and mysterious and gives a completely different feeling to her light, wispy voice. One of my personal faves!
The Hand and the Heart
Daughtry
Okay, so I guess I am cheating here because Daughtry is technically Rock. But he deserves to be on every playlist ever. (Can you tell I'm a huge fan?)
Kodaline
Thanks to the Fault in our Stars we have discovered you and your music.
Phillip Phillips
Not gonna lie, I cried when he won American Idol and then when I saw him in concert four years later ... Some things never change.
NEEDTOBREATH
Ivan & Alyosha
Although they are a little more of an up-beat band, I find they are a perfect fit amongst this array of music.
Jp Cooper
JP Cooper is a breath of fresh air. He has that perfect down to earth, run-away hippie style we all want.
Joshua Hyslop
Mumford and Sons
Okay so you had to see this one coming. Or if you didn't it's easy to see why once you listen to their music. Their wide range of musical instruments gives their music a jamboree-like feeling.
The Civil Wars
This adorable couple is the perfect duet. The chemistry between them is obvious and it shows in their music!
Peter Bradley Adams
Noah
Oddly enough, I randomly discovered Noah's music on YouTube years ago and I have listened to his stuff ever since. I was love at first listen.
Escondido
JBM ( Jesse Marchant )
I would describe JMB is eerie and still. His echo-like style is hypnotic.
I hope this list of some of my favorite Singer/Songwriter and Alternative artists helps you begin a playlist of you own!
