10 Free Anti-Stress MP3 Albums - Sound Sunday
Sound Sunday: A Weekly Collection of Free Albums
Sound Sunday presents a recurring weekly feature dedicated to showcasing complimentary album downloads. Each installment offers an opportunity to discover a diverse range of musical genres and artists originating from numerous countries.
Should you find yourself preoccupied with the demands of Christmas present procurement and the typical pressures leading up to the holidays, this week’s selection is tailored for you.
A Relaxing Musical Blend
This edition features a calming compilation encompassing pop, rock, folk, americana, electronic, samba, and accessible hip hop – styles designed for broad appeal.
The curated list aims to provide a sonic respite from the seasonal rush.
Engage and Contribute
We encourage you to share your opinions and provide feedback through the comments section.
Submissions of albums for consideration, along with genre suggestions and requests, can be sent via email to [tina at makeuseof dot com].
Your input is highly valued and helps shape future Sound Sunday selections.
Moddi - Away From Home
The music of Moddi falls into several genres, including alternative, pop, rock, post-rock, and singer-songwriter styles.
Pål Moddi Knutsen, as stated on his Facebook page, is the artist behind Moddi. He was twenty-four years old at the time of this statement.
Background of the Artist
Knutsen originates from Senja, an island located in the northernmost region of Norway.
He expresses gratitude to anyone who chooses to listen to his music, acknowledging the value of their time.
Availability of the Track
Away From Home is offered as a complimentary download through the Bandcamp platform.
This allows listeners to access the song without any cost.
The track provides an opportunity to experience Moddi’s musical style.
Adventure Club Records - Winter 2011 Compilation
Genre: indie, pop, rock, americana, folk, sampler
Adventure Club Records operates as a label managed directly by the contributing artists, based in the UK.
According to the album’s description, the compilation was created as a response to the approaching colder months.
The intention was to offer listeners a collection of songs evoking warmer memories.
All featured artists on this EP are preparing to release new material in the coming year, and this sampler serves as a preview of their upcoming work.
The Winter 2011 sampler is available for free download through the Bandcamp platform.
About the Compilation
This release functions as a curated selection, showcasing the diverse range of sounds within the Adventure Club Records roster.
It provides a snapshot of the label’s artistic direction and the talent it supports.
Listeners can expect a blend of indie, pop, rock, americana, and folk influences throughout the tracks.
The sampler’s release strategy highlights the label’s commitment to fostering a community around its artists.
- The compilation is a digital-only release.
- It is offered as a complimentary download.
- It serves as promotional material for future releases.
The Winter 2011 sampler represents a unique offering from a self-managed label, prioritizing artist collaboration and direct engagement with fans.
Zach Ellsworth - So-Called Heroes
Genre: christian, pop, rock
This album is accessible for streaming on Bandcamp. However, a complimentary download is provided through NoiseTrade, as detailed in the link provided.
Zach Ellsworth shares on his NoiseTrade page: "A sense of incompleteness frequently pervades my thoughts – a feeling that something, or someone, holds the key to a more fulfilling and meaningful existence."
It’s as if a single choice separates me from genuine happiness or contentment. Consequently, I pursue goals and dedicate myself to endeavors I desire or believe are essential, yet a persistent longing remains.
This recurring pattern forms the core theme of my album, So-Called Heroes.
I invite you to explore the shared reality we all inhabit, viewing it from a fresh perspective.
Consider a viewpoint that acknowledges a singular Hero capable of liberating us from self-destructive tendencies and breaking the chains of darkness, dissatisfaction, and emptiness.
The remarkable aspect of this narrative is its universal applicability.
About the Album
So-Called Heroes delves into the human condition and the search for lasting fulfillment.
Ellsworth explores the cyclical nature of striving and the inherent dissatisfaction that can accompany the pursuit of worldly goals.
The album’s message centers on the idea that true liberation comes not from self-reliance, but from recognizing a higher power.
Download Information
So-Called Heroes is available as a free download from NoiseTrade.
Listeners can access the album directly through the NoiseTrade platform.
This provides an opportunity to experience Ellsworth’s music and message without financial obligation.
Matt Wertz - Twenty Three Places [No Longer Available]
Genre: acoustic, pop
Information sourced from Matt Wertz’s Facebook profile reveals his origins in Liberty, Missouri, with Nashville, Tennessee, serving as his residence for the past seven years.
Early Career and Independent Success
Wertz acknowledges the early support he received, specifically a loan from his parents which facilitated the production of 1,000 copies of his debut album, Somedays, released in 2001.
His career trajectory has been characterized by incremental progress, ultimately leading to success as an independent musician.
The Impact of 'Twenty Three Places'
A significant turning point arrived with the release of Twenty Three Places in 2003.
This album marked the first collaboration with producer and friend, Ed Cash, and proved instrumental in accelerating his career.
Sales, Performances, and Label Interest
Throughout his career, Wertz has achieved approximately 75,000 album sales.
He has shared the stage with notable artists such as Ben Folds, Jamie Cullum, and One Republic, and has consistently headlined sold-out performances across the nation.
Notably, all of this was accomplished while maintaining his independence as an artist.
Signing with a Label
As momentum grew, increased attention from various record labels followed.
Eventually, Wertz found a suitable label – one capable of providing the necessary support and possessing a clear understanding of his artistic vision.
This culminated in a recording contract being signed.
Availability of 'Twenty Three Places'
Twenty Three Places is currently available as a complimentary download through the NoiseTrade platform.
Jon Troast - Jam Sampler
Genre: pop, folk, rock.
Jon Troast’s NoiseTrade profile details his musical journey. He initially honed his skills performing in various venues throughout the Midwest.
Currently based in Nashville, TN, Troast’s career trajectory expanded beyond local performances.
Early Career Highlights
A significant milestone arrived in June 2007 when he appeared as a musical guest on the nationally syndicated radio show, "A Prairie Home Companion with Garrison Keillor."
Following this exposure, Troast embarked on extensive touring.
This included a remarkable series of 100 house concerts completed within a 100-day period.
Recording History
For over seven years, Jon Troast has dedicated himself to music full-time.
He has recorded four full-length albums in collaboration with producer Mitch Dane at Sputnik Sound.
Currently, he is releasing a series of four EPs, working alongside producer Andy Osenga.
Troast remains consistently engaged in the creation of new music.
Jam Sampler is available as a complimentary download through NoiseTrade.
Dan Oschrin - Haunted House
Genre: indie, alternative, lo-fi, rock
Dan Oschrin operates as a one-person musical project. He is originally from Kent, Washington, and presently resides in Ankara, Turkey.
The track Haunted House is offered as a pay-what-you-want download through Bandcamp.
About the Artist
Oschrin’s work is characterized by its independent spirit and diverse influences.
His musical style blends elements of indie rock with lo-fi aesthetics, creating a unique sonic landscape.
Details of the Release
Haunted House provides listeners with a flexible purchasing option via the Bandcamp platform.
This allows fans to support the artist directly and obtain the music at a price they determine.
Genre Breakdown
- Indie: Reflects an independent production and artistic vision.
- Alternative: Demonstrates a departure from mainstream musical conventions.
- Lo-fi: Emphasizes a deliberately unpolished, raw sound quality.
- Rock: Forms the foundational genre upon which other elements are built.
These genre classifications collectively define the distinctive character of Dan Oschrin’s music.
The availability of Haunted House on Bandcamp underscores the artist’s commitment to direct engagement with his audience.
Labyrinth Ear - Oak EP [Currently Unavailable]
Genre: electronic, pop
Labyrinth Ear is described as an electronic duo originating from New Cross, London, and was established in 2010. Their initial performance took place at In The City in October of the same year.
The duo subsequently released their debut EP, titled ‘Oak’, as a complimentary download that same month.
The Oak EP is offered as a free download directly from Labyrinth Ear’s Homepage, hosted through MediaFire.
Passo Torto – Self-Titled Album
Genre: Samba Torto.
The band Passo Torto, as described on their Facebook page, is comprised of young musicians Rodrigo Campos, Kiko Dinucci, and Romulo Froes.
Each member brings a unique perspective, collectively forging a novel path for the music scene in São Paulo.
Their musical style is deeply rooted in samba, yet extends beyond the rhythm itself.
The group draws inspiration from the extensive and vibrant history of Brazilian music as a whole.
Album Availability
The self-titled album, Passo Torto, is available for free download.
Interested listeners can obtain the album directly from Passo Torto’s official website.
This provides easy access to their innovative take on Brazilian musical traditions.
Bear Bones - Seat Save Infinity
The musical style of this project can be categorized as instrumental, fusion, and hip hop.
Bear Bones represents the artistic endeavor of musician Mike Osso.
About the Album
Seat Save Infinity is offered as a complimentary download through the Bandcamp platform.
This release showcases Osso’s compositional skills and unique sonic approach.
Listeners can access the album directly from Bandcamp, making it readily available to a wide audience.
The project provides a compelling listening experience within the specified genres.
Self Taught - Arrival
Genre: atmosphere, hip hop
The Vancouver-based duo, Self Taught, consisting of Vintage and Cliff Herman, concluded their initial run in 2002. They have since dedicated the last five years to developing a diverse collection of music, collaborating with numerous artists.
Their creative process involved extensive experimentation across multiple genres. This exploration ultimately led to a unique sound, blending elements of hip hop, rock, jazz, blues, punk, and electronic music.
Self Taught intentionally avoids genre constraints in their work. Each album is approached with a spirit of limitless creativity and artistic freedom.
This diversity is particularly evident in their latest album, Arrival. Released in 2007, it offers a distinctive and captivating listening experience.
Arrival consistently engages the listener, providing a truly immersive sonic journey. It’s designed as a complete artistic statement, akin to an epic work.
The album is considered essential listening, appealing not only to hip hop enthusiasts but also to a broader audience of music lovers.
Arrival is available as a free download from Bandcamp.
Are you new to Sound Sunday? Previous installments can be found here.
Please contact me at tina at makeuseof dot com with any free music submissions, suggestions, or feedback. You can also share your thoughts in the comments section below.