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MIX TAPE

Todd Lewis Kramer Makes MAGNET A Mix Tape

ToddLewisKramer

Brooklyn Americana songwriter Todd Lewis Kramer is fresh off the release of brand new album Fairground. He’s been so kind as to compose a special mix tape of his favorites and influences for our loyal MAGNET readers, which you can peruse below. Keep the music loud once you finish, and check out Fairground.

Donovan Woods “Leaving Nashville”
I just discovered Donovan Woods recently, and a few of his songs stopped me in my tracks—and this one stood out. As someone who follows the Nashville scene a little from afar, it was interesting for me to hear a song this honest about just what it’s like to be a writer down there. I just think it’s a beautiful, poignant tune. Video

Jill Andrews “My Love Is For”
Speaking of getting stopped in my tracks, I stumbled upon a Jill Andrews show in New York City last year, and she had the whole room in the palm of her hand. It was just her and her guitar, and the audience was dead silent for the whole set (which is, ya know, a little rare for NYC). I made sure to catch her the next time she came through the city as well. Video

Rayland Baxter “Yellow Eyes” (specifically from Soho EP)
I’ve been a fan of Rayland Baxter for a few years now and really dug his latest album—and specifically this tune. As someone who will play a song I like on repeat until it’s no longer socially acceptable, this tune may have set the record for most re-plays. This stripped-down version is a beauty. Video

Ben Rector “Beautiful”
This one’s pretty simple—I just really like good pop tunes, and this, in my opinion, is one. It’s got an added layer of nostalgia that I’m a sucker for as well. I stumbled upon Ben Rector pretty organically when he was just starting out and have followed his rise as a performer and songwriter, and it looks like he’s starting to take off, deservedly. Video

Sara Bareilles “Basket Case”
Like I said, I just like good pop tunes and writers, and Sara Bareilles is one of the best out there, in my opinion. I could have picked any song from her album Kaleidoscope Heart–I think it’s an amazing record. But I’ll go with “Basket Case” because of the emotion and honesty in there. Love it. Video

Matt Sucich “Dog Eared Page”
Matt has that special skill of combining very strong lyrics with equally strong melodies. I’m a little biased because Matt has become a good friend of mine over the years, but this is an undeniably rockin’ tune. Video

Oh Wonder “Plans”
I’ve started to get into this electronic, mellow-pop sound (don’t really know how to describe it), and I was turned onto Oh Wonder by a few people when they came through New York City and played some shows a few months ago. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to make it to those, but I checked out the album. And it’s great! This is the last track on the record, and I must say, it’s a real mood-setter. Video