Band of the Week: Joe Hertler & the Rainbow Seekers

Joe Hertler & the Rainbow Seekers hail from Detroit, Michigan and have become fairly well known in the Midwest. They smoothly combine a wide variety of genres like indie, folk, soul, and pop. With energetic lyrics and the playful sound of folk instruments, they easily pull the listener into their songs (in some ways they remind me of Matt Costa). The band has played along side several bigger name bands including The Civil Wars, Electric Six, and Frontier Ruckus, as well as having many sold out shows of their own. Joe Hertler & the Rainbow Seekers released their debut album, "On Being," in 2011 and just recently released the single, "Home For a Funeral."

So, how did I find Joe and the Rainbow Seekers? I found them on one of those pesky Facebook ads (just another of many ways that I stumble upon new music). When I followed the link and liked the page, I discovered that their new single, "Home For a Funeral," was available for a free download. Who doesn't like a free download (especially when it's good music)? You can find more about Joe Hertler & the Rainbow Seekers on their Facebook page and at their band website. Below are a few notable songs by them. Enjoy!

"What It Feels Like To Drown"

 "We Are Everything"

"Good Times"

Seeing Scars on 45 Live, Twice

Scars on 45 is hands down one of the best bands I've ever seen live, and trust me, I've seen A LOT of bands. Seeing them twice in one week, at two completely different venues, gave me huge respect for the band's music and the band's members.

The first time I became aware of Scars was when one of their songs was featured on Itunes this past April. I had honestly kind of forgotten about them until I saw that they were playing at the Bunbury Music Festival. They were the opening act for the outdoor music festival and there was a surprisingly small crowd. Scars on 45 is one of those bands that you can't help but be captivated by as soon as they take the stage. They had amazing sound, especially on the outdoor stage. Aimee's voice is unbelievable live. It makes you wonder how someone can have such a naturally pure voice. Their incredible sound, memorable lyrics, and wonderful personalities had me hooked. Before the show was over, I was already looking at their next tour locations, and it just so happened that they were playing at The Vinyl in Atlanta less than a week later.

Of course after seeing Scars on 45's show at Bunbury, I had to see them again. The Vinyl is a very small, bar style venue in downtown Atlanta. The band took the stage around 10:00 p.m. and had about an hour and 45 minute set. The small setting allowed the band to be much more interactive with the audience, which made the show even better than I had expected. The band members had conversations with the audience off and on throughout the show and, at a few points in the performance, they even came off the stage and mingled with the crowd during songs. With the smaller venue, the sound wasn't as good, but the band made up for that otherwise. It was yet another fantastic show from Scars on 45.

After both shows, the band did meet and greets with fans, talking and taking pictures with them, signing merchandise. All of the band members were genuinely excited to meet their fans and more than happy to sign merch. When bands truly appreciate their fans like Scars on 45 does, to me, it is priceless.

In conclusion, Scars on 45 is a band you should definitely see live if you ever get the chance! Believe me, you will be shocked at how good they are live. I know I was. And, as of now, I plan on seeing them again in the very near future.

My friends, my sister, and I at the Bunbury Fest. with Scars on 45

My friends and I at The Vinyl with Scars on 45's co-lead singer, Aimee Driver