Taylor Jones's Profile

Joy Williams and I had the chance to speak on the phone, and her warmth was tangible. She immediately began to talk about the changes she’s been experiencing lately and how the feelings of grief, fear, and need for home have inspired her.

Anderson East, Nashville singer-songwriter, brought his Encore World Tour through Cincinnati on Sunday night. Selling out the 20th Century Theatre, East and his band proved that their influence has spread far and wide. After opening for tours with artists like Chris Stapleton and the Dixie Chicks, East’s country and R&B infused sound has appealed to a variety of audiences.

I’m With Her, made up of Sara Watkins, Sarah Jarosz, and Aoife O’Donovan, took the stage at Memorial Hall this Monday night. The band formed on a whim in 2014, recognizing their chemistry after playing an impromptu show. Their debut album, See You Around was released last month and is full of transcendent harmonies and unrivaled musicianship. To say that those things translated well live would be quite the understatement.

MISSIO, electronic rock duo from Austin, Texas, graced the stage of 20th Century Theatre Wednesday night for their first show in Cincinnati and delivered an incredible set. I heard “Middle Fingers,” the band’s hit single, on the radio awhile back and was immediately hooked. I was excited to see how their sound translated live, and I can say I was fascinated the entire show.

A highly anticipated return happened this Saturday night at the Woodward Theater. Cincinnati’s own Bad Veins played their first show in two and a half years and made it clear that they are back and better than ever.

Bad Veins has been a favorite in the local music scene for years. From the release of their first album, Bad Veins, they’ve taken Cincy by storm and gained national popularity. Fans everywhere fell in love with Bad Veins’ unique sound and stage set up, with just a drummer, Ben, and the beloved Irene (a reel to reel player that gives the band a vintage feel). Touring with bands like Walk the Moon and Two Door Cinema Club, Bad Veins is no stranger to success.

I’m no newbie when it comes to Hippo Campus shows. I saw them a couple of years ago for the first time and was immediately struck by their energy. This was the biggest turnout I’ve seen thus far, only proving the success Hippo Campus has achieved since the release of their first solo album Landmark. Selling out 20th Century Theater, the band has made an impact on Cincinnati and gained quite the following.

If we’re being completely honest, I am a huge fan of Hippo Campus. I have been since a few of my friends suggested I check them out before they came through Cincinnati in 2015. I fell in love with their unique sound immediately, and their songs still find a spot on almost any playlist I make.

To say that the show took me on an emotional journey would be an understatement, as one moment Ryan was making jokes about giving birth and the next they were singing a song about death.

The one thing on my mind after seeing Royal Blood is "How in the world can only two men make so much noise?"