Abbey Sky

 

Photography © Bryson Roatch Huge thanks to Bryson for letting us use his photo, check out his work if you're in the Sacramento area and need quality photography. He does everything from family photos to band shoots. Drop him a line!

Let me take a step down from my last post about our heavy-hitting rockers over at 21st Century Goliath, and take the time to tell you about Abbey Sky. These guys hail from Orangevale, CA and carry a little bit of a different tune than most of the bands I cover on Music Versus Gasoline, but they're just as deserving.

Stanley Newton (mic), Jeff Matej (guitar), Thomas Tubbs (bass and acoustic guitar), and Johnny Vance (drums) put together a mellow but powerful sound that combines passion with the muted tones of an intimate and acoustic set even when they're not unplugged. I'm a sucker for piano, and they feature this instrument in several of their songs. Abbey Sky's music is quickly making its way onto my playlist for downtime and those days when I just want to chill and try to remember how beautiful the world is.

This is one of those bands that you tend to make you want to close your eyes and just allow it to consume you. Stanley's vocals have a rich and smokey flavor that's definitely appealing to the music-lover's palette, and I highly recommend Abbey Sky to anyone who needs some music to just relax to, or anyone who needs a pick me up from a bad day. If you like their music, head on over to their page and let them know you feel it!

Like Abbey Sky on Facebook!

Mike Snodgrass

If you’re looking for some feel good music, Mike Snodgrass is your guy. He is a natural with music because he’s been around it for his entire life; I guess you could say it runs in the family. He began drumming when he was young and was highly inspired by Carter of Dave Matthews Band. This is evident in his singer/songwriter, highly precussive style. He learned guitar to play more songs of this genre and has grown into the acoustic/folk rock, singer/songwriter style that he expresses in his music today.

When asked where he draws his inspiration from, he answered that the river near his home in West Virginia was a peaceful place where he used to go to write. He is influenced musically by some great artists such as: Dave Matthews Band, Jason Mraz, Brett Dennen, Ray LaMontagne, Ben Harper, Bob Marley, Michael Jackson, Boyz II Men, and many more. He also enjoys many classic rock bands as well.

Mike recently moved to Knoxville, Tennessee from Fayetteville, West Virginia to further his music career. Although he loves his hometown, he is ready to branch out and get his music to new audiences. He said it was something that he and his brother had talked about for years and now they have both finally taken the plunge. He hopes to get his name out to the folks of Knoxville and hopefully someday tour the country and hopefully the world! He has played shows at many venues in Knoxville and is currently setting up a Spring tour that takes him all the way to New York City!

His song Love You from his latest CD, Experience, is a beautiful song with a great range of vocals from Mike.

 Love You by Mike Snodgrass

He also does an awesome cover song now and then.

Like what you hear? You can buy his album for only $8!

http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/mikesnodgrass

Also, ‘Like’ him on Facebook and become a fan of his on Reverbnation!

Mike Snodgrass' Facebook Page

Mike Snodgrass on Reverbnation

21st Century Goliath

When I was told to poke around 21st Century Goliath's facebook page, the first thing I noticed was their bio section. I quote: "We're not here to pander. None of that 'this is the hottest new thing' or 'the best band this side of Beaver County' jive. No boring testimony about the 'hardships' we've conquered to get here. It doesn't matter. It's simple: loud guitars, raw vocals, and a crushing rhythm section make good rock and roll. We got it in droves."

If that didn't have me entering their fandom right off the bat, I jumped right onto their ReverbNation page and fell in love with their song "Love Me Again". It's catchy, smooth, powerful... A seamless rock'n'roll song that is a testament to exactly what the rocker in all of us wants to hear. I've been looping the three songs I can get my paws on over and over... I can only hope the appeal wears off soon so I can be functional again

21st Century Goliath is from North Carolina, and they're currently making their rounds with shows in the state right now if you're lucky enough to catch them at a local venue. They are made up of Tony Leone on the mic, Scott Roby and Grayson Flippin on Guitar, Cameron Ayers on Bass, and Samuel McCoy on Drums.

Check 21st Century Goliath Out on Facebook!