December 08, 2014

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Best Guitar Stocking Stuffers

Buying stocking stuffer and gifts for guitar players can be tough.  You know they're interested in guitars, but what's a gift they'll actually use and enjoy?  Selection is limited and unique accessories priced under twenty dollars are hard to come by. There are guitar stands, guitar tuners, guitar picks, basic boring straps, guitar strings and a few other iconic staples- but as a guitar player myself, and recipient of many guitar gifts, I’m guessing the guitarist you’re shopping for this season already has those covered.  So why not fill the stockings, tie the bows, and wrap up some innovative guitar accessories for the musicians you love this holiday season?  This gear has been crafted by guitarists for guitarists and will surly upgrade their play!  Which leads to our number one guitar gift/stocking stuffer...

#1 GUITAR STOCKING STUFFER

HOGJIM PICK HOLDER

Both practical and functional, this pick holder provides seamless transitions between strumming and fingerpicking,  a skill that many guitar players long to have.  If you've ever seen a guitarist with a pick in their mouth, then this is the perfect gift for them. The pick holder suctions to the guitar, holds the pick upright, and allows easy access to the pick while playing.
Watch the video HEREStreet Price: $9.99 |  BUY NOW

#2 GUITAR STOCKING STUFFER

GUITAR STRAP WITH STRAP LOCK

This isn’t any old guitar strap, but one with our built in quick connect system which creates a no-fumbling, secure connection between your strap and end jack.  Fitting most end jacks without adjustment, the over molded, high-quality TPE material will leave your guitar unscathed. | Street Price: $19.99 | BUY NOW
www.hogjim.com
December 07, 2014

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Music Spotlight: Craig Campbell

Craig Campbell is a country singer from Lyons, GA. Recently signed to Red Bow Records, Campbell has seen continued success since his 2010 release of Family Man- which led to the release of his debut self-titled album in April of 2011. Campbell's voice is a unique blend of a sultry darkness combined with a smooth charm, most evident in the chorus' of his songs. Campbell himself has as much stated his desire to bring some uniqueness to the oft-filled crowd of cliche vocals in country music. In an interview with CMT, Campbell said of his music:

"How do I show my love for that style of music, but make it my own? I believe that’s exactly what we’ve done here.”

Craig Campbell's work ethic, and desire to provide a fresh voice to the country scene while dishing out great music is what is driving his success. My favorite songs include Keep Them Kisses Comin', Family Man, and Fish. 

You can follow Craig Campbell on Twitter @craigcampbelltv. His music is available here.

Hogjim is a small business specializing in innovative guitar gear. To check out some of their products, click here.

November 30, 2014

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Music Spotlight: Brothers Osborne

Recently profiled by Rolling Stone, Brothers Osborne is a country jam band that makes you want to get out in the sunshine and have a good time. Originating out of Deale, Maryland, Brothers Osborne is composed of John and T.J. Osborne. They have recently found success with their releases of their singles Let's Go There and Rum in 2013 and 2014, respectively. In an interview with Rolling Stone this past July, John Osborne had a wonderful quote about country music: 

"People think that county music is only in the south, but if you travel, you realize it's everywhere." 

My favorite songs include RumLove the Lonely Out of You, and Stay A Little Longer

Of the aforementioned Rum, Rolling Stone had the following the description, which I believe is applicable to the overall vibe and attitude that this band takes to heart: 

"Indeed, the tune isn't about tipping back fancy paper-umbrella-adorned cocktails in the land of Jimmy Buffett — it's about making the best of what you've got, whether it's a summer house in the Hamptons or just a rusty truck bed and a hose. Or, in this case, some shellfish, slide guitar and spiced rum from plastic cups. Because Maryland is for lovers — and Brothers."



You can follow Brothers Osborne on Twitter @brothersosborne. Their music is available here

Hogjim is a small business specializing in innovative guitar gear. To check out some of their products, click here.

November 24, 2014

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Music Spotlight: Levi Riggs

Levi Riggs is a country music artist currently residing in Nashville, TN. Whether its the rhythmic, folky glow expressed in I'm Good, or the homestyle, feel good vibes found in There's Still A Place For That, Riggs' propensity to tell a story through song lives in the music. His vocal ability is what brings his music to life. As CMT notes

"Having spent his entire collegiate career on stages all over the world with the famous Purdue Varsity Glee Club, Riggs has learned to craft his recordings to fit his live show."

One of my favorite pieces of information from Riggs' bio regards his authenticity to country music. As Levi's website points out, "When it comes to authenticity, Levi truly lives the country lifestyle he sings about, working with country music fans every day, selling corn and soybean seed to farmers in the state of Indiana. “I spend my weekdays visiting with growers and providing seed recommendations on their farms. They are my audience...That’s who I am,” he says.  

My favorite songs include Between Me and God, I'm Good, and Easy. 

You can follow Levi Riggs on Twitter @LeviRiggs. All of his music is available here. Levi Riggs has also released seven free songs available for immediate download here.

Hogjim is a small business specializing in innovative guitar gear. To check out some of their products, click here.

November 20, 2014

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Music Spotlight: Sundy Best

Sundy Best is an American country band originating out of Prestonsburg, Kentucky. The sound of this band is remarkably unique. The vocals are smoky, yet smooth; the guitar lights up with rhythmic blues; and the lyrics are soulfully composed. CMT describes the band similarly:

"Sundy Best crafts music that re-imagines timeless classic rock of the ‘70s and ‘80s – think the Eagles and the smart, whiskey-voiced lyrics of Tom Petty and Bob Seger. With Nick on guitar and Kris on cajon, Sundy Best takes that sound, modernizes it in their own unique way by borrowing hints of country and bluegrass, to make it personal."

My favorite songs include Until I Met You, Lotta Love, and These Days. 

You can follow Sundy Best on Twitter @SundyBest. Their new album, Salvation City, is due out December 2nd. You can find all of their music here

Hogjim is a small business specializing in innovative guitar gear. To check out some of their products, click here.

November 16, 2014

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Music Spotlight: Mac Powell

Mac Powell is a musician from Clanton, Alabama who has found a new home in country music. Powell is widely known as the lead singer of the Christian rock band, Third Day. Whether Powell is creating Christian or country music, the fabric and identity of each song remains the same- powerful vocals coupled with heavy lyrics and an incredible sound. Powell recently did an interview with Rolling Stone magazine, in which he talks about his motivation behind creating country music: 

"Alabama was a big influence on me. That was the band I aspired to because I loved their songs and their playing and their harmonies. When I was a kid I also listened to Kenny Rogers, Dolly Parton, Ronnie Milsap, and of course Johnny Cash and Willie Nelson are huge inspirations to me."

Some of my favorite Mac Powell songs include I've Always Loved YouEverything to Me, and Carolina

You can follow Mac Powell on Twitter @macpowell. His music- including his recently released album, Southpaw, is available here

Hogjim is a small business specializing in innovative guitar gear. To check out some of their products, click here.

November 11, 2014

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Music Spotlight: The Icarus Account

The Icarus Account is a pop/acoustic band out of Florida. The band is comprised of twin brothers Ty and Trey Turner. Together, the duo blends various melodies with a gorgeous backdrop of guitar and other instruments to compliment their vocals. The pop/acoustic genre is a difficult one to pierce, because it can be difficult to develop a sound that is unique from the general sound that we have become accustomed to hearing on the radio. The Icarus Account has it all- unique, lush melodies, matching acoustics, and a harmony that will have your ears in musical heaven. 

My favorite songs include Favorite GirlProudGirls Like You, and my favorite from the Girls LIke You EP released April of this year- No One Else.

 

You can follow The Icarus Account on twitter @icarusaccount. Their music is available here.

Hogjim is a small business specializing in innovative guitar gear. To check out some of their products, click here.

 

November 05, 2014

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Music Spotlight: Beta Radio

Beta Radio is a folk/indie/americana band out of Wilmington, North Carolina. The band presents a colorful combination of voices and acoustic guitar. The guitar provides a subtle background to the sultry, smooth vocals of Beta Radio. Last.fm is also a fan of the band, and describes the band with impressive compliments: 

"Musically reminiscent at times of Bon Iver’s atmosphere heavy For Emma, Beta Radio’s lyrics and music carve out a space in your head and find a way to fit into your own cosmology."

This band actually reminds me of City and Colour, especially when you listen to City and Colour's 'The Girl.' My favorite Beta Radio songs include Either Way, Where Losers Do, and their newly released East of Tennessee. 

You can follow Beta Radio on twitter @BetaRadio. Their new album, Colony of Bees, due out November 18, is now available for pre-order here.

Hogjim is a small business specializing in innovative guitar gear. To check out some of their products, click here.

November 03, 2014

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Music Spotlight: Wake Owl

Wake Owl is a folk/acoustic/alternative band with an emphasis on indie and a touch of soul. The band reminds me of a mix between The Lumineers and Slow Club. The progression of Wake Owl's music seems to take on a similar path as that of Slow Club, which is incredible. Vargrant describes Wake Owl as: 

"effortlessly cohesive, telling stories of love, loss, and dreams; and harvests playful experimentation and raw emotion in perfect harmony."

My favorite songs include Wild Country, Gold, Candy, and Desert Flowers. 

You can follow Wake Owl on Twitter @wakeowl. Their music is available here.

Hogjim is a small business specializing in innovative guitar gear. To check out some of their products, click here.

October 29, 2014

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Music Spotlight: Adam Hood

Adam Hood is a americana/country/blues music artist from Alabama, who has garnered an impressive following in the state of Texas. Hood's lyrical sway and calm, yet raspy voice produces a quality sound unique to the country scene. ReverbNation describes Hood's music beautifully:

"Hood captures a white-hot passion to create pure art that honors Southern culture and sets it to music. [It's an] arresting collection of music that celebrates the beauty of life's everyday struggles."

Set to release his new album Welcome To The Big World on November 4th, you should become familiar with this artist. My favorite songs include "Tennessee Will," "Million Miles Away," and "Trying to Write a Love Song." 

You can follow Adam Hood on Twitter @adamhoodmusic. His music is available here

Hogjim is a small business specializing in innovative guitar gear. To check out some of their products, click here.