Their current buzzworthy single is named "Best Day of My Life," but it's probably the best year American Authors' have ever had. In 2013, the Brooklyn-based band signed to Island Records, received significant alt-rock airplay with debut single "Believer," and played Lollapalooza. That's not all. They're opening for Airborne Toxic Event, appeared earlier this month on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, and if that weren't enough, they just dropped their debut EP. Continuing their laundry list of bucket list items, the band have filmed not one, but two, A-Sides sessions! OK, let's be honest the latter probably doesn't resonate as much for them as it does for this guy but it's all good.
The band has gone viral like a sinus infection (I'm sticking with this analogy and not Googling if they're contagious), and have showed no signs of slowing down, like, at all. Actually, if you read the intro to this piece, you only get half of the picture of what Zac Barnett, James Adam Shelley, Dave Rublin and Matt Sanchez have been up to since their last session. In between tour dates and prior to their appearance with "the chin," Zac Barnett, James Adam Shelley, Dave Rublin and Matt Sanchez broke it all down and performed "Best Day of My Life." Watch the videos below, and catch them on the road this fall, including a headlining spot at the A-Sides 2nd Anniversary Show at Garcia's within The Capitol Theatre in Port Chester, NY on Saturday, Oct. 26. Watch. Listen. Love.
"Best Day of My Life"
Foy Vance looks like an old-fashioned boxer who should be viewed 24/7 in a sepia-tinged tone. But, there's more to this Irish singer/songwriter than his throwback, rugged looks and killer 'stache. Still, his music and lyrics pack quite the emotional punch. Vance is currently on the road in support of his sophomore effort Joy of Nothing, and has been garnering legions of fans for years as an opener for David Gray, Michael Kiwanuka, and most recently Ed Sheeran who appears on "Joy." Have a listen, and you'll know what the fuss is about. A-Sides was fortunate to snag Vance again (see his first time here) earlier this month. At a taping at Electric Lady Studios in New York City, Vance performed "You & I" and took part in a brief chat afterwards. Watch it below, and check out the "Joy of Nothing" title track music video . The vid, which features Vance interacting with his daughter, is like his music: raw and true. Watch the A-Sides below, and love me for it.
About A-Sides Music
Jon Chattman's "A-Sides Music" series was established in August 2011 and usually features artists (established or not) from all genres performing a track, and discussing what it means to them. This informal series focuses on the artist making art in a low-threatening, extremely informal (sometimes humorous) way. No bells, no whistles -- just the music performed in a random, low-key setting followed by an unrehearsed chat. In an industry where everything often gets overblown and over manufactured, I'm hoping this is refreshing.