Evolving Musicians Pt. I

This is a two-part feature on musicians who have gone solo/are involved in other projects.

She’s Spanish, I’m American- Josh Rouse, one of my favorite artists of all time, along with long time girlfriend Paz Suay make up the multi-cultural duo of She’s Spanish, I’m American. With catchy pop-inspired tunes, Rouse takes a backseat to Suay with most of the vocals, but takes control with writing the captivating songs that are far more poppy than most would expect from Rouse. Suay brings Rouse’s work to life with an airy, Peruvian-flavored voice. But don’t think you need to be into Selena and J.Lo’s new album to be into Paz Suay. I’m not into the whole “Latin Fusion” style of music myself, but for these two it totally works. “Answers”, from their self titled debut, features Rouse and Suay as a couple, singing almost equal amounts, although this is not consistent throughout their entire self titled EP. http://www.myspace.com/shesspanishimamerican

The Almost- Underoath. The not-so-underground-anymore, once amazing, now kind of cliché screamo band, has one of, if not the most multi-talented drummers in rock music today [at least in my opinion]. Known as “Piggy” by his Underoath band mates, Aaron Gillespie is one of the best drummers in his genre, and one of my favorite voices. I personally have been waiting a long time for Aaron to follow in the footsteps of fellow drummer-turned-front man Dave Grohl, and step out from behind the drum kit; one reason being that he’s just so damn cute, and the other, obviously, because he’s just so damn talented. Aaron took all of his musical prowess, and with the encouragement of his wife, created “Southern Weather”, a good ‘ol pop/rock album, a far cry from his work in Underoath. This record is the definition of a solo project, with Aaron playing all of the major instruments, leaving only keyboards and string arrangements to other musicians. I really enjoy their debut album, especially “Drive There Now”, where we get to hear the full spectrum of Aaron’s range and an intense yet soothing jolt from relaxing verses to an intense chorus. http://www.thealmost.com/

Dustin Kensrue- Dustin Kensrue of Thrice has had a solo career for quite a while now, formerly going by the title “Ursus Verditas”, meaning “bear truth”. I just started listening to his solo work about a month ago, so far, I’m lovin’ it [no, I do not endorse McDonalds, but their fries own me]. Once known as the voice of a hardcore/screamo scene, Kensrue has stopped screaming and picked up the acoustic and his harmonica, and has really showcased his God-given talent for storytelling in an honest and musically fulfilling manner. When asked about what he wanted to achieve with his solo career, Kensrue stated “I get a little heady with the Thrice songs. And I like doing that—I think people like engaging in that—but I wanted these to be more folky, in the sense that this is music coming from a natural place.” When I first heard “Pistol” [my current favorite song of his], I thought to myself “Is this the same Dustin Kensrue that was screaming his lungs out in Thrice?!” And it’s hard to believe, but yes, it is the same multi-faceted, mutli-talented guy as we knew and loved before, just showing us a new reason to love him. Check him out if you’re into Bright Eyes/Conor Oberst, David Dondero, An Angle, and Owen. http://www.dustinkensrue.com/