11 Free MP3 Albums To Download - Sound Sunday
Discover Free Music with Sound Sunday
Sound Sunday is a regularly published article dedicated to showcasing freely available album downloads. Each installment offers an opportunity to discover diverse musical genres and artists globally.
This week’s edition focuses on albums and EPs that were professionally recorded in a studio environment.
A Diverse Selection of Genres
A wide range of genres are represented, guaranteeing there’s something to appeal to every listener’s taste. We aim to provide a curated collection of musical gems.
We encourage you to share your opinions and provide feedback through the comments section.
How to Contribute
Submissions of albums, suggestions for future features, and requests for specific genres are greatly appreciated. Please send your contributions via email to [tina at makeuseof dot com].
Your input helps us curate the best possible selection of free music for our readers.
Barricades Rise - The 'No Love Lost' EP
Genre: acoustic, indie, rock, folk.
Barricades Rise consists of Jonathan Coates and Michael McEntee, a musical partnership originating from the Midlands region of the United Kingdom.
About the Duo
They function as an acoustic duo, crafting music that falls into the Acoustic-Folk-Rock category.
The band themselves suggest their sound evokes comparisons to artists such as Mumford & Sons, Turin Brakes, and Elvis Perkins.
The 'No Love Lost' EP
The No Love Lost EP is currently available as a complimentary download via the Bandcamp platform.
This release provides listeners with a sample of their distinctive acoustic-driven style.
It showcases the duo’s ability to blend folk sensibilities with rock instrumentation.
Listeners can access the EP directly from their official Bandcamp page.
Wilson - Painted On Silence
The musical style of Wilson can be categorized as alternative, indie, ambient, soul, folk, and jazz.
According to Wilson’s Bandcamp page, he has been gaining recognition within the London music scene.
Artistic Approach
His music is described as a blend of diverse influences, drawing from soul, folk, and jazz traditions.
This combination, coupled with dedicated musical skill, allows Wilson to distinguish himself from other artists.
Availability
Painted On Silence is available as a complimentary download through Bandcamp.
The artist has consistently fostered a growing level of excitement among audiences in London.
A unique fusion of musical genres and heartfelt performance defines Wilson’s artistic identity.
This release can be accessed at no cost directly from the Bandcamp platform.
Lou Wreath - Exploding Diagram
Genre: space-folk
Lou Wreath describes the process of early film editing – meticulously cutting and assembling footage frame by frame – as a method for achieving narrative excellence. This painstaking approach, working in incredibly small increments, could transform a good story into a truly great one, often appearing seamless to audiences.
This detailed methodology serves as inspiration for Kris Glabush, the creative force behind Lou Wreath. He leverages the intimacy of a smaller ensemble to vividly portray his deeply personal and often poignant experiences.
The resulting work, Exploding Diagram, is a collection of songs built from equal measures of hardship, tenderness, and profound emotional depth.
Exploding Diagram is available as a name-your-price download through Bandcamp.
Key Characteristics of the Album
- Intimate Storytelling: The album focuses on raw and compelling details drawn from personal experiences.
- Emotional Range: Listeners can expect a blend of challenging life events, heartwarming moments, and significant suffering.
- Unique Approach: Glabush draws parallels between film editing techniques and his songwriting process.
The album’s title, Exploding Diagram, suggests a deconstruction and reconstruction of emotional landscapes. It’s a fitting metaphor for the way Glabush pieces together his narratives.
The influence of the “space-folk” genre is evident, creating an atmospheric and evocative soundscape. This complements the lyrical content, enhancing the overall impact of the album.
Folkroom Records – A Showcase of Emerging Talent: Anthology One
This release falls into the acoustic, folk, and singer-songwriter genres, presented as a compilation album.
Folkroom Records was founded by Stephen Thomas, Robbie Wojciechowski, and Ben Walker, who initially hosted popular ‘Folkroom’ gigs.
The label’s origins stem from a desire to expand the reach of talented artists discovered through these live performances.
According to the label’s website, Folkroom Records is driven by a genuine enthusiasm for and commitment to exceptional music.
Stephen, Ben, and Robbie combine their unique abilities and collective passion for folk music to bring noteworthy acts to a wider audience.
Folkroom Presents: Anthology One is currently available as a complimentary download via Bandcamp.
About the Label
Folkroom Records operates as a boutique digital record label.
The founders recognized a natural progression from organizing successful folk music events to establishing a dedicated record label.
Their shared objective is to champion artists they deeply admire and introduce their music to a broader listenership.
- Founders: Stephen Thomas, Robbie Wojciechowski, Ben Walker
- Focus: Discovering and promoting emerging folk artists
- Distribution: Digital releases
The label’s philosophy centers around a profound appreciation for quality music and a dedication to supporting the artists who create it.
Vintage Trouble - NoiseTrade Sampler
Genre: rhythm & blues, rock
The origins of Vintage Trouble, a band headquartered in Los Angeles, can be traced to the collaboration between Ty Taylor, the vocalist, and Nalle Colt, the guitarist.
Their shared passion for classic soul music and rhythm & blues prompted them to establish a rudimentary recording studio in Venice Beach.
It was there they began developing the initial concepts for what would become Vintage Trouble.
Rick Barrio Dill, already acquainted with Taylor and Colt, joined the project, contributing his bass playing and dynamic energy.
Subsequently, Richard Danielson was brought in on drums to provide the authentic and raw percussive element the band required.
Through the combined talents and creative contributions of these four musicians, a novel soul band emerged, characterized by its boundless creativity and powerful sound.
About the Sampler
Vintage Trouble’s NoiseTrade Sampler is offered as a complimentary download through the NoiseTrade platform.
This sampler provides a taste of the band’s unique blend of rhythm & blues and rock influences.
Listeners can experience the energy and artistry that define Vintage Trouble’s musical style.
The NoiseTrade Sampler serves as an introduction to the band’s broader catalog of work.
Bhi Bhiman – An Overview of Bhiman’s Music
Genre: folk, soul
Bhi Bhiman is described as a uniquely American artist, evoking a time when the substance of a song outweighed the prominence of the performer. His vocal style is characterized by a powerful and versatile tenor.
He possesses the ability to transition seamlessly between gentle calmness and explosive energy within his performances.
Despite his relative youth, Bhiman’s delivery conveys a sense of experience and wisdom.
His songwriting is noted for its immediate appeal and captivating quality.
A blend of wit and profound compassion places Bhiman alongside established songwriters such as John Prine, Nick Lowe, and Randy Newman.
Furthermore, Bhiman’s guitar playing is technically proficient and emotionally resonant, complementing the strength of his voice.
The album Bhiman is available as a complimentary download through NoiseTrade.
Recoder - Subtly Present
Genre: alternative, emo, pop, punk, rock
According to the band’s Facebook profile, Recoder originated following the dissolution of Jesse James. Rich and Guy, desiring to continue their musical collaboration, opted to proceed as a duo, foregoing a bass player.
Jase subsequently joined the project, having previously discussed a potential partnership with Guy.
The album, Hidden In Plain View, is available as a complimentary download from Bandcamp.
Band Origins
The formation of Recoder represents a continuation of musical efforts from former members of Jesse James.
Rich and Guy made the deliberate choice to create music without the inclusion of a bassist, marking a stylistic shift.
This decision led to a streamlined instrumental approach for the new band.
Collaboration and Membership
Jase’s inclusion in Recoder was the result of prior conversations with Guy regarding a possible musical alliance.
His addition completed the band’s lineup, solidifying its core membership.
The band’s origin story highlights a pre-existing musical connection between its members.
Album Availability
Hidden In Plain View is offered to listeners at no cost.
This accessibility is facilitated through the Bandcamp platform, allowing for easy distribution.
The free download encourages wider exposure to Recoder’s music.
- Genre: A blend of alternative, emo, pop, punk, and rock influences.
- Formation: Evolved from the band Jesse James.
- Download: Available for free on Bandcamp.
Olympian - Rusted
Genre: hardcore, punk, rock
Olympian identifies as a melodic hardcore group originating from the Southwestern United States.
The band expresses significant enthusiasm and dynamism within both their musical compositions and live shows.
They aim to collaborate and perform alongside other artists who share similar artistic values.
About the Release
Rusted is available as a pay-what-you-want download through Bandcamp.
This release allows listeners to support the band directly by choosing their own price for the music.
The band’s Facebook page provides this description of their musical approach and goals.
Bandcamp serves as the primary platform for obtaining Rusted.
The band hopes to connect with a wide audience through their energetic performances and passionate songwriting.
Awax & Ariano - Gold Fire
The musical genre of this release is hip hop.
Awax is recognized as an integral part of The Rhythm Writers, a collective based in Orange County.
Availability
Gold Fire is being offered as a complimentary download through the Bandcamp platform.
Listeners can acquire this track without charge directly from Bandcamp.
Artist Background
It is worth noting that Awax contributes his talents to the OC-based musical group, The Rhythm Writers.
This affiliation highlights his involvement within a broader creative community.
Release Details
The album, Gold Fire, is accessible to the public as a free digital download.
Bandcamp serves as the distribution point for this offering from Awax and Ariano.
This allows for widespread access to their music.
THREE KINGS HIGH - Demo
The musical style of Three Kings High can be categorized as indie, soul, pop, rock, and hip hop.
According to their official Facebook page, the band originated in Bristol, a city renowned for its diverse cultural landscape.
The members themselves hail from various regions of England, spanning both its northern and southern extremities.
Their musical influences are as varied as the locations they represent, drawing inspiration from a multitude of genres.
Genre Fusion and Lyrical Themes
While firmly grounded in hip hop, Three Kings High distinguishes itself through a unique blend of genres.
Uplifting and soulful indie melodies are interwoven with rhythms that reflect both drum ‘n bass and classic funk traditions.
The band’s songwriting focuses on authentic depictions of contemporary life in England.
Their songs are crafted to convey impactful messages, designed to resonate with listeners and remain memorable.
Availability
The Demo is available as a complimentary download from Bandcamp.
This allows audiences to experience their sound firsthand without any cost.
Listeners can access the music directly through the Bandcamp platform.
I Heart Noise - Gone In 60 Seconds - Vol.2
Genre: experimental, ambient, indie, pop, rock, post rock
The music blog I Heart Noise originated from a vision to compile a comprehensive encyclopedia of rock music. During the summer of 2010, the blog initiated the project Gone In 60 Seconds, soliciting musical pieces limited to a duration of one minute.
Project Overview
This initiative was successfully revisited the subsequent year. According to the I Heart Noise website, "The second volume of audio miniatures from I Heart Noise has arrived! It showcases submissions from artists including Marax, Unsacred Hearts, Cheapmachines, Handglops, VRSA, No Anchor, and numerous others!"
Availability
Gone In 60 Seconds - Vol.2 is offered as a complimentary download via the Bandcamp platform.
Sound Sunday
If you are new to Sound Sunday, previous installments can be found here.
Suggestions, feedback, or free music submissions are welcome. Please contact me at [tina at makeuseof dot com] or share your thoughts in the comments section below.