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Micki Balder Reflects On Lessons Learned Through Love and Loss With Debut EP ‘A Feeling I Once Knew’

‘A Feeling I Once Knew’ tells a detailed story of an uncertain, nerve-wracking period in Balder’s life with dreamy folk tones steeped in earnestness and vulnerability. 

Folk singer-songwriter Micki Balder delivers a heartfelt recount of the whirlwind she experienced during the pandemic with her debut EP, ‘A Feeling I Once Knew,’ out November 4. This project, for Balder, serves as a time capsule capturing the series of events that impacted her the most during a time characterized by uncertainty and doubt. This EP delves into the stories of tender romance, star-crossed circumstances, the sorrows of heartbreak, and embracing new beginnings; Balder effortlessly captivates listeners with her warm tone and introspective lyricism. Following the release of the lead single and title track of the EP, this Denver based songwriter has listeners waiting on the edge of their seats to get the full scope of the story they previewed in early October. Micki Balder EP Cover.jpeg

The colors she paints throughout the EP – from the electric groove on “Lonely,” to the decadent symphonies on “With You” – come together in a vibrant soundscape detailing a beautifully heartfelt story-driven record. Balder deep dives into her most personal experiences on this EP, and loved hearing “the ways people see their own experience through the lens of this story.” She says, “that’s the beauty of music and honest storytelling, is that when we can share our vulnerability, even if it feels personal and specific, listeners resonate with that and are able to examine their own lives through shared experience.”

Stream ‘A Feeling I Once Knew’ wherever you listen to music on November 4.

Micki Balder Portraits_Adrienne Thomas-46.jpgMicki Balder is a folksy singer-songwriter writing sad songs for happy people (and ever so occasionally, happy songs for sad people!). Her music is born from a life-long desire to be a character in a musical, unapologetically singing her feelings for the world through simple and poignant lyrics. Though she’s been dabbling with music her whole life, it wasn’t until 2018 when a friendship’s moment of truth unveiled itself in the middle of a Denver coffee shop. She walked home, wrote a song, and has been writing ever since, now a regular at local music venues around her Colorado home. Micki writes from a place of vulnerable storytelling, with people and relationships at the core of her music. She’s been compared to modern folk bands like The Weepies and Mipso, along with classic songwriters like Joni Mitchell and Paul Simon, but she draws inspiration from all over the spectrum — the swing and soul music of her lindy hop days, the earthy folk of Gregory Alan Isakov and Mandolin Orange, the candor and dry humor of John Craigie, or the heartbreak of Sara Bareilles, to name a few.

Artist Spotlight

NNORDY steps into jazz fusion with latest release “Wrong Turn”

NNORDY

 

NNORDY’s latest release, “Wrong Turn” is a fully live jazz fusion album that showcases the limitless possibilities of instrumental storytelling with the remarkable chemistry between guitar, keyboards, bass, and drums. The song has no words but is an excellent story told through musicianship and sets the stage for listeners to embark on a rich jazz experience.

“Wrong Turn” shows the strength of live performance from the get-go. Each instrument feels alive and in conversation with the others, a dynamic dialogue that develops organically over the course of the piece. Without vocal guidance, each musical phrase is left to speak for itself, giving the listener the freedom to interpret the track in their own way.

The guitar and keyboards often lead, crafting complex melodic lines and textures that give the music direction and atmosphere. Meanwhile, the bass and drums lay down a solid rhythmic base, creating movement and momentum while still leaving a lot of room for exploration. NNORDY creates a track that both dedicated jazz fans and listeners looking for something adventurous and fresh will enjoy. “Wrong Turn” shows that instrumental music can be as expressive and compelling as vocal music.

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Artist Spotlight

TABOO ZERO unveils tthe beauty of unexpected connection on new release “Stay”

TABOO ZERO

TABOO ZERO beckons emotional honesty and timeless storytelling with “Stay,” a captivating alternative duet about the rare and transformative experience of finding something real when you least expect it.

The track, influenced by the romantic ambiance of Meet Joe Black, develops with a wonderful patience, letting its emotions breathe naturally. “Stay” works best when it isn’t rushing towards dramatic conclusions. Every beat is intentional. It’s a listening experience that slowly brings audiences into its story.

The track is based around a story of connection, which feels authentic, vulnerable, and refreshingly sincere. The duet format helps in this emotional dynamic, with the voices working in tandem to communicate longing, hope, and the uncertainty that often comes with significant relationships. The chemistry in the performance lends a human quality to the song that can’t be ignored.

It’s one of the most striking things about it, “Stay,” managing to feel both nostalgic and fresh at the same time. Its low-key approach is a throwback to classic, emotionally driven songs, but never feels stuck in the past. TABOO ZERO instead redefines heartfelt storytelling with a modern voice, proving that true emotion is always in style.

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