Preview: Aaron Schroeder - Black & Gold

Just as we'd hoped, one of RC's Fresh Faced Artists has spread his wings and left the nest. Aaron Schroeder is the man in question - he is also the artist that debuted the Fresh Faced series.

During my discussion of Southern Heart in Western Skin, I admitted that the songs still needed work, but believed Aaron had a strong foundation. These two new songs from Aaron Schroeder's second full length, Black & Gold, prove my original point nicely. Aaron no longer sounds like a kid in his basement (which was endearing by the way) - his vocals are solid and "Call Out to Me" has a great guest spot by Ben Barnett (Kind of Like Spitting). The whole production is a step forward musically, and made me proud of our graduated Fresh Faced Artist.

Exclusive preview tracks:

[mp3] Aaron Schroeder - Call Out to Me
[mp3] Aaron Schroeder - What We Don't Know

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Fresh Faced Artist: Aaron Schroeder

Much like the continual disappointment that comes from reading an unsolicited script, Myspace bands are a constant bore to the eardrums and a plague that's growing exponentially. So why on Earth would I check out another myspace submission? Probably because this particular email had a distinct lack of exclamation points and html banners.

Aaron Schroeder is the first installment of what I'm calling "Fresh Faced Artists." Basically, this section is for introducing new artists that the Content feels have a future in music.

The most refreshing aspect of Arron's songwriting is just that - he's a songwriter. Aaron has a deep respect for the artists who wrote music before him (Billy Bragg, Johnny Cash, Elliot Smith), and has taken a kind of apprenticeship with them. Every note on this album feels familiar - in the vein of Bright Eyes' I'm Wide Awake. There is a twang in "Movin' Movin' Train," that's in "Train Under Water," and on back to Dylan. Schroeder strives to embed his notes with a deep history, and although his translation is still a bit rough, I think he's on the right track.

I say translation, because that's exactly what every artist is - a translator. They take in the world through their eyes, and translate it for the world. The results are good and bad translations (thanks Spencer). Aaron Schroeder's might be somewhere in the middle, but I trust his foundation. I believe he does have a "Southern Heart In Western Skin," and I want to hear more from him.

His roots in Americana are something to be envied in this synth dance age. Read my MSTRKRFT review and you'll realize I'm not dismissing dance music; yet, merely admiring Aaron Schroeder's commitment to melodies that feel unique to our continent.

Check out these tracks below, and if you want in on the ground floor of Aaron Schroeder's career, buy his album here or visit his myspace here.

[mp3] Aaron Schroeder - Movin' Movin' Train
[mp3] Aaron Schroeder - Antlers

Bonus mp3:

[mp3] Aaron Schroeder - Sky Ain't Blue (DEMO)