Courtney Leigh Heins is one name you’re bound to hear more of in the world of Alt. Country. The singer-songwriter from Indiana packed her bags for LA soon after graduating from Boston College to try her hand at being a full time musician. While in LA, she met her current songwriting partner, multi-instrumentalist Bryan Dobbs. Together, Dobbs and Heins write tunes inspired by the Heartland and Hollywood. This week’s free track, “The Great Divide” provides an insightful commentary on American politics in small town America in between twangy guitar solos and folky mandolin riffs. With influences spanning from Loretta Lynn to Wilco, Courtney is destined to win over a wide variety of listeners.
There are a couple of names that normally spring to mind when you hear the words “Bloomington, Indiana.” Hoosiers. Alfred Kinsey. John Cougar Mellencamp. Tibetan monks (true story —look it up.) Here’s one you can add to that list: Jenn Cristy.
Cristy has been a fixture on the Bloomington music scene since 2003, playing alongside such acts as Shawn Mullins, Antigone Rising, Bree Sharp and Jeffery Gaines. Her bright piano melodies will win over fans of Colbie Caillat and Norah Jones —or anyone looking for something pretty, sunny and simple. Case in point: “Mr. Beautiful Brown Eyes,” which coasts along with brushed drums, cascading keys and breezy-sweet vocals. For those who prefer a coarser sheen, “Butterfly Wings” gets a little more raw — the piano iterates defiantly as Cristy plays the scorned lover. It’s not “You Oughta Know,” but it’s as close as an upbeat girl can get.
