This Big Life
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This Big Life

Milwaukee, WI | Established. Jan 01, 2016 | SELF

Milwaukee, WI | SELF
Established on Jan, 2016
Band Americana Indie

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This band has not uploaded any videos
This band has not uploaded any videos

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"This Big Life - Both Sides Surrender"

This Big Life slides into a moderately paced groove within the first seconds of “Dinner Song,” the first track on Both Sides Surrender, the first EP from the band. The delicate vocals of the female lead singer ease into the mix and gently carry the melody of the song among a blend of shifting bass riffs, throbbing percussion, a droning musette/accordion sound and light strumming. The song takes an unexpected turn when a male vocalist adds rapping and rhythmic singing, contrasting greatly with the soft female vocals featured in the rest of the song.

The EP continues its unrushed, relaxed pace with “Run in Circles” a similarly instrumented tune exhibiting multiple vocal harmonies and layered riffs that build upon each other as the song continues. This bouncy song is lyrically driven and its down-to-earth feel helps it to connect with listeners on a relational level.

The title track of the EP “Both Sides Surrender” is a simple, soft ballad revolving around dueling mandolins providing accompaniment to sweet, lush vocals. The track slowly strengthens amidst sounds of thunder, rain and strings, finally giving way to a full band sound at the end of the track. The smooth melodies, skillful instrumentation and wide range of emotion and dynamics make this song one of the best, if not the best, on the EP.

The lilting female vocals prominent in the first three songs of the EP are superseded in “Carry Me” by cavernously deep male vocals. The record takes on a relatively darker tone in this song, but as the gravelly vocals are joined by the return of the velvety female vocals from before, the song transitions into a beautifully hopeful anthem with just enough tinge of a shadow at the edge of the soundscape.

The narrative of this EP follows a satisfying plot - each song feels like a raw idea that has been developed over time, without losing the unprocessed, natural vibes of the original concept. This, combined with the immense talent and variety in each in every track on the record, make Both Sides Surrender well worth many listens by listeners of all musical tastes. - Andrew Westberry with NO MORE DIVISION


Discography

Still working on that hot first release.

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Bio

This Big Life, a new Milwaukee band has come out with their EP “Both Sides Surrender” an album cultivated from the struggles of the everyday life and the triumphs that can be found in parallel.  This Big Life distinguishes itself through the vocals and songwriting of Danika Williamson whose voice can be characterized by a brick wall of intensity or a shelter from the storm.  Led by Grammy nominated producer and artist David Mayfield, ‘Both Sides Surrender’ appeals to the vulnerability of relationships and determination to continue that relationship regardless of the outside circumstances and environment. 

Backed by David Williamson on mandolin/guitar, Dave Matthews on guitar, Lileah Kroening on fiddle, and Adam DeSombre on upright bass and drums, This Big Life has unearthed both their Midwestern roots informed by their experiences living abroad in their musical pursuits.  We will be in the studio later in 2016 and hope to release a full length record at the end of this year. 

Band Members