Nick Urb – Until The End Of Days

Twenty-six year-old singer-songwriter Nick Urb has crafted a beautiful new album rich with storytelling and an ethereal sound that falls somewhere between the acoustic pop of Ed Sheeran and captivating folk of Noah Gundersen. Until the End of Days, Nick’s sophomore album, is being released by Independent Ear Records on February 26th. His last, self-released album, We Are Able, received over 7 Million streams on Spotify and a earned him a session on Daytrotter.

For his new album, Nick began tinkering with odd tuning and exploring both the happiness and hardships of his young adult life. The title track of the new album, “Until the End of Days”, solidified his commitment to pursue music. “If you love something, that’s the way it is,” he asserts. “Whether good or bad, right or wrong, your mind has been made up.”

“Emily,” the lead-off single from the album, tells the story of young lovers forced to separate because of a life on the road. It is both sad as they must say goodbye and also optimistic as Nick sings about reuniting forever in the end with “Emily”. There is nothing like being in love in your twenties. The highs and heartache are captured beautifully in “Emily.”

“Higher Ground,” the track following “Emily” is all about the highs of young love and the idea of running away together and remaining together despite obstacles. The next track “Everything and More” is about meeting the love of your life, in the beginning and how perfect they are for you. “Brothers” is a lovely and upbeat yet sad song about two best friends who grow apart. Another story of life in your twenties when you realize your childhood has ended and friendships sometimes fade away. These are highlights of the romantic, wistful acoustic pop of the album. It transported me back to the romantic angst, highs and lows of my twenties and whatever your age, it will resonate as Nick is a gifted storyteller.

Nick was born and raised just outside Detroit in Clawson, Michigan. Being stuck in a small town played a big role in him gravitating towards music as a way out. Nick occupied his time playing in bands around Michigan for over 8 years, finally going solo and finding his way up the East Coast and as far South as Austin, TX. Nick played churches, house shows and small theaters throughout his early twenties, an experience he refers to as “reflective and therapeutic”.

Nick recorded Until the End of Days in Hamilton, Ontario at Catherine North Studios. After hearing the sounds the studio naturally produced, he knew this was exactly the creative space the album needed. The resulting recordings are flushed with nostalgia and bittersweet melodies which showcase Nick’s pristine vocals and delicate musical sensibilities. More than anything, he extends a comforting assurance to others by honestly documenting the experience of coming into his own. As Nick sees it, “my songs are all inspired by deeply personal experiences as I intend to keep those moments and memories alive”.

I highly recommend buying “Until The End of Days,” which releases on February 26th. Stream or buy “Emily” below.

Connect with Nick Urb:
Official Website
SoundCloud
Facebook
Twitter
Bandcamp
YouTube

Jill Sobule – Dottie’s Charms at City Winery

Last night I spent a wonderful evening at City Winery for the Album Release show of Jill Sobule’s new record Dottie’s Charms.

I have seen Jill at Joe’s Pub a few times and her shows are always enjoyable. The audience shouts out requests from her vast catalog of witty yet sometimes sad songs and she plays her’s and their favorites. She always plays “I Kissed a Girl” the mid-1990s hit that was not covered by Katy Perry.

The City Winery show was quite different. She began by warming up the audience of devoted fans with “Jetpack” from Underdog Victorious. The first few bars were played and I was so happy because that is one of my favorite of Jill’s songs. She then launched into several songs from Dottie’s Charms which is a very interesting concept album.

Jill collaborated with her writer friends to write a song about each charm on a charm bracelet she was given that belonged to Dottie, whom Jill never knew. It is a great idea and the songs were sad and funny and very Jill.

Jill’s band Dinah Shore Jr. electrified her set, and that was also different. I had never seen her play with them. Personally I have a huge admiration and respect for girls who play electric guitars. That really is a boys’ club and there’s something rebellious about it that I like.

Sidenote: I took a few guitar lessons when I was 18 and it was on an acoustic guitar with steel strings. Coming from playing classical piano, I was not used to the pain and I didn’t have the strength to practice for more than a 1/2 hour. I so wanted to be a cool girl with a guitar.

Back to Jill’s show! First I must not forget to mention that City Winery is a great venue. Since I almost always go to shows alone, at City Winery you are always at a very small table with 2 or 3 other people. It’s great if the people are friendly and awkward if they ignore you.

I lucked out last night. My three tablemates couldn’t have been nicer. It reminded me of when I went backpacking through Europe during college and would meet great people on the trains and in the hostels. Anyway they really enhanced Jill’s show for me. We talked and ate and had wine before the show began and they were excellent company.

Back to Jill – she brought her Mom Elaine on stage to perform a rebuttal to Jill’s song about the orthopedic ugly big shoes Jill has to wear as a teenager. It was clever and cute.

So what a great night! I didn’t buy Dottie’s Charms yet, but I want to get the vinyl hopefully from Jill’s online store. It sold out everywhere on Record Store Day. Go to jillsobule.com and check out her online store and definitely check out Dottie’s Charms.