Staff Picks - NoiseTrade’s Best of 2014

Best of 2014 Now that 2014 is coming to a close, we wanted to take a moment to stop and reflect on some of the stellar music and eBooks we've had the pleasure of featuring this past year. Enjoy these picks below from the NoiseTrade Staff. Khary Durgans Love + Anchors In the tradition of underground favs like Lupe Fiasco and Childish Gambino, this debut record from Providence, RI rapper Khary Durgans is just as self-deprecating as it is guns-a-blazing. Love + Anchors is a strong and complete artistic statement from an artist who's next record I'll buy sight-unseen. Derek Webb, Co-Founder & President My Brightest Diamond Until Now This stellar collection offers a wonderful glimpse into Shara Worden's enriched musical world; a beautiful palette of sounds, songs and words. Christopher Moon, Vice President of Content and Operations SerialBox Presents The SerialBox Collection SerialBox Presents managed to capture painfully honest live recordings of songs from some of my favorite songwriters. Listen to Noah Gundersen's "Cigarettes" and tell me you didn't just learn to feel again. Hannah Boren, Creative Coordinator Ethan Luck Hard Seas EP I just can't seem to stop listening to (or apparently stop talking about) Ethan Luck's Hard Seas EP. Luck's alt-punktry instrumentation and honest songwriting provide a strong sonic support for the raw vein of humanity that runs through the songs. Don't sleep on this gem! Will Hodge, Music Editor  Lenachka Lenachka Lenachka's smoky smooth vocals are both soulfully hypnotizing ("Hard Target") and nostalgic ("Good Luck"). This debut EP was co-written and produced by Charlie Peacock and the quality of the four tracks shows it. Christopher Tobias, Designer SideOneDummy SideOneDummy Sampler I've been a huge fan of SideOneDummy Records for years—home of one of my all-time favorite musicians, Chuck Ragan. I'm so excited to have the chance to offer such a fantastic sampler to the NoiseTrade audience, featuring a song by Ragan and many more. Check it out now and find your own new favorites. Sean Doyle, Advertising / Sales Arisa White A Penny Saved (eBook Excerpt) I first found Arisa White through an article about her dear Gearld project.  I have a great relationship with my dad, but the way she's building connection with other fatherless people through the project is incredible.  When she posted this introduction to her work on our site, I was thrilled our community was going to get a chance to meet her.  Arisa's poetry is at once clear and complex and sits with you long after you're done reading it. Amanda Moon, Author Relations Tyler Ward Marriage Hacks (eBook) This well-designed eBook stayed at the top of our download charts for weeks, and for good reason. It's filled to the brim with insightful tips for a healthy and growing marriage. Joel Rakes, Author Relations Bear's Den Above the Clouds of Pompeii Sampler Bear's Den is easily one of my top 5 favorite new bands this year, so I'm thrilled we were able to feature them on NoiseTrade. This sampler will definitely leave you wanting to hear more! Kelly Redfern, Accounting Over the Rhine Even The Snow Turns Blue: An Over the Rhine Christmas Compilation A perennial favorite in our household, Over The Rhine provides a holiday soundtrack that is at once unspoiled by wear, while at the same time comfortable as an old sweater. These are songs that sound like they've weathered life in America's Rust Belt for the past half century. Brannon McAllister, Co-Founder Liz Vice There's A Light Liz Vice may have made the perfect modern, late 60's early 70's influenced gospel record here. Her voice is full of grit, ache and soul and the songs balance both tension and joy. This is an artist and record not to miss. Mark Nicholas, Co-Founder Carlos Whittaker Moment Maker (eBook Excerpt)  Everybody's busy these days with work, friends, family and a list of unchecked errands. For me, it's so easy to switch my brain to autopilot and just go from one thing to the next. Carlos' book is a great reminder to look for opportunities - both big and small - in your everyday schedule to live a better story. Sarah Lai, Public Relations

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