Two Years Swapping
We're two years old + our top five posts + an album and a song we like
Just you and I, defying gravity
With you and I defying gravity
They'll never bring us down
Well, are you coming?
—Defying Gravity, Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande version
Hey music friends! Today marks two years of the Music Swap. On January 20th, 2023, Ben, Jonathan, and Kody hit send on “Introducing the Music Swap.” Since then, we’ve been recommending songs and sparking music conversations in inboxes every Friday (minus summer and winter breaks). Thank you for defying gravity with us! We’re about to launch our Spring 2025 edition of the Swap. Are you coming with us?
While this isn’t the official start to the Swap's Spring 2025 tour, we’re getting close. Ben, Jonathan, Mat, Adam, Kody, and anyone else who wants to join will meet on Thursday, Jan. 23, to plan the Bonus Tracks and themes for the spring editions of the Swap. If you’d like to join the convo, reply to this email and we’ll send you a calendar invite. OR just reply with your recommendations!
While you wait, here’s a rundown of our five most popular Swap editions (per Substack), plus a song and album from each contributor’s current playlist.
Five Most Popular Swaps
Google that question, and you’ll find that we’re the experts on the subject (LOL). Thanks to Whitney Alexander for making this one happen.
What a great idea!!! Thank you, David Simmons, for this gift that keeps on giving.
We heard this one got read by some of the who’s who in Nashville. Thank you, Devin Maddox, for penning this beautiful tribute to your city.
Great theme! It’s too bad we’re in down-jacket weather. Thank you, Joel Whitson, for this idea!
A music newsletter published a piece on silence, and it worked! Well done, Scott Meadows!
An Album and a Song the Swap Contributors Have Recently Enjoyed
Kody
Album: Deja Entendu by Brand New
Song: Defying Gravity from Wicked: The Soundtrack
Adam
Album: Flight B741 by King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard
Song: 5 Minutes by Allen Stone
Jonathan
Album: Son of Dad by Stephen Wilson, Jr.
Song: Year to Be Young by Stephen Wilson, Jr.
Mat
Album: RFK Stadium, Washington, DC, 6/10/73 (Live) by Grateful Dead
Song: Real Love Baby by Father John Misty
Ben
Album: Olly Olly by Penny and Sparrow
Song: Rain or Shine by Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors
See you soon! May all your favorite bands stay together!
-TheMusicSwap
I immediately thought of your Dawes sign-off when I watched their performance on Kimmel right after the fires. Happy birthday, Swap!
What a thoughtful Swap! “Papa Don’t Preach” was certainly one of my favorites!
I missed the newsletter from Good Friday at the time it was published. What a beautiful and thoughtful Guest Swap piece. I have printed it out and filed it to reread during this year’s Holy Week. Please pass along my gratitude to the author.