Twin Forks

This group is an interesting combination of musicians from other bands.  The lead singer is Chris Carrabba of Dashboard Confessional, and one of the backup singers is Suzie Zeldin of the Narrative.  Check out this song as an example of their style (note the music doesn't start until about 1:20 into the video).  I would consider it folky pop music.  You can download some of their stuff on noisetrade right now, if you like it!

Mandolin Orange

This is another group I came across on noisetrade recently.  It's a guy-girl folk/bluegrass duo from North Carolina.  Normally I don't go in for old-school bluegrass, but this couple has nailed the genre.  The technicality and flow of the music they produce is really incredible.  The dude plays the guitar, but it almost sounds like a banjo with his style of picking.  The girl plays the violin.  Check out this video as an example of their skill.  I like the lyrical style, too; the lyrics are smart but understated, and complement the instruments well.  The harmonies are very clean and well-executed.  It looks like they are currently on tour in NC, GA, and TN...I have a feeling they are amazing live.

Jon Samuel

Ever heard of the Halifax, Nova Scotia band "Wintersleep"?  Neither had I until just now.  But one of the band's members, Jon Samuel, the keyboard and guitar player, recently released a solo album.  A couple of the songs were included on a record label mixtape put up on noisetrade, and in my opinion they were the stand-out songs on the mix.  I was intrigued enough that I read on at the bottom of the noisetrade page and saw that they were offering the entire album for free!  It's spectacularly good.  I really enjoy the fusion of genres.  You can stream four songs from the album on Jon's website.  If you want proof that he is skilled live, check out this video.  I really like his sound; a nice mix of acoustic guitar work and backing instrumentation, and he has a unique voice.  I highly recommend the album.

Ellie Holcomb

Some of you may have heard of Drew Holcomb and the Neighbors, a Christian folk-rock group from (I believe) Nashville.  Well, Drew's wife Ellie has been making music recently too; it's in much the same genre, and I sometimes enjoy it.  Here is the link to her noisetrade page, where you can download a five-song collection.  It's a little bit on the poppy side for my general taste, but she has a really nice voice, and the melodies and backing instrumentation are quite well done.

Stargroves

I apologise for the heinous lack of posting...I have had no free time.  But today I give you "Stargroves".  I came across the group on noisetrade about a month ago.  I know some of you will hate their musical style, but here's an example of their stuff.  I admit it's extremely poppy.  If you're not in the right mood it could even be nauseating.  But I think there is a time and a place for this type of music.  I came across a cover of Fireproof by the National which is pretty good (although the video is weird, and lasts for ages even though the song is over in like three minutes).  You should check out the band; you could recently download a 6-song collection on noisetrade.