Wednesday, December 21, 2011

ME AND THE MACHINE RELEASES THREE STELLAR ALBUMS


Adam Burrows, Joel Meeks and Nathan Griffin Showcase Some of Nashville’s Best Underground Singer/Songwriters

Those in the know in Nashville understand that in a city known for country music, there are hundreds of extremely talented songwriters that most average listeners may not have heard of.  Local label Me and the Machine, run by Josh and Lisa Preston, has been putting some of this incredible talent on the map for the past few years, and its 2011 releases feature some of the label’s best work as well. 

Adam Burrows’ Tall Tales (July 26), Joel Meeks’ Pouring Down (August 23) and Nathan Griffin’s self-titled album (October 11) have all exceeded the creative expectations of Josh Preston, who plays a large role in the recording and production of each release in addition to running the business side of the label. 

"Each of these albums represent almost two years of incredibly hard work and beautiful musical discoveries,” said Preston.  “Having been fortunate enough to produce these albums, I took the approach that no idea - no matter how crazy it might be - was off the table. The resulting albums embody unbridled creativity and deeply honest performances, and I am truly honored to be a part of them.” 

About Adam Burrows
Adam Burrows' music draws the listener in with celebrations of life's everyday moments and laments those that are fleeting. His lyrics capture the simplistic beauty of a conversation and each character remains with you like an old friend. Every story that Adam tells touches the listener in a deeply relatable way, evoking emotions and inspiring images of less complicated times. The recollections of hope and heartache are matched only by his percussive finger-picking and catchy melodies that you will find yourself humming for days.  Burrows's latest album, Tall Tales, was recorded at Me and the Machine Studios in Nashville, TN.  Produced and engineered by Josh Preston, the album was a year-long labor of love shared by those closest to Burrows, including good friend, Wendy Spence, who contributed her angelic vocals on the album.  

About Joel Meeks
Like an old friend you've just met, Joel Meeks is simultaneously captivating and disarming. When you see him live, whether he's performing by himself or rocking out with a full band, his stage presence immediately fills the entire room with intense, contagious energy. The combination of his youthful spirit and timeless lyrics convey a distinct flavor of country, blues, and soul that leaves audiences feeling rejuvenated; just like a home-cooked meal.  On his latest, Pouring Down, Joel's ability to capture the exact emotion his songs require is unparalleled. He's also a multi-instrumentalist, highly proficient on saxophone, harmonica, guitar, mandolin and washboard. As a recording artist for Me and the Machine Records, Joel's studio projects feature performances by some of Nashville's most legendary session players. His songwriting is understated and tongue-in-cheek, yet profound and honest. It sends you on a roller coaster ride that allows you to laugh at th e absurd one moment and feel the sorrow of lost love the next.

About Nathan Griffin
Great songs convey and expand upon the human experience. They embody humor and tragedy. They shelter the listener in the warmth of a moment that can stay with them for a lifetime. When Nathan Griffin (from popular Nashville band Stillhouse Hollow) bottles these moments and shares them with the listener, there exists an unshakable familiarity in his sometimes unconventional delivery. Nathan Griffin is as much a messenger as he is a songwriter. He exists in a musical world that is all things rustic, timeless and modern. On his self-titled debut, the opening track "Everything" floats in colorful atmospherics while the lyric is firmly grounded in universal truth. While some of the songs on this album are sparse and direct ("Same Old Story") others were born out of fierce experimentation and sheer chance ("Wild Unknown"). His distinct and weathered voice is strikingly personal and uncompromising. It guides the listener through an often genre-mashing musical expanse while still giving them time to reflect on what is really being said.

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