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Those who know me, know how much music is a big part of my life. Since Whitney and I have been together we have connected on music in so many different ways. We both realized that we love Ray LaMontagne and you can hear him playing in our apartment often. We discovered new artists together and share music that means so much to us. Many bands that I like have come on tour over the past few months and Whitney has trekked all over with me to go listen to them live. It has been awesome connecting on music together and we want to share a few songs / artists that have meant so much to our relationship.

“Temptation” – New Order: As a kid who idolized my brothers, they introduced me to 80s New Wave. New Order was such a great band that I still listen to today. Even though I have known Whitney for months, it was only on our first date did I notice Whitney’s eyes change color from time to time. The next day, I was on cloud nine having such an awesome time with Whitney the night before. This song came to mind, particularly the line “Oh, you've got green eyes, oh, you've got grey eyes, Oh, you've got blue eyes”

“Lebanon” – Ondara: A few weeks into our relationship, I drove Whitney and her mom to the airport to catch an early morning flight. On the way back, this song came on and it was the first time I heard Ondara’s voice. The song hit me and I sent it to Whitney while she was on the plane. Ondara, now lives in Minnesota which is where Whitney grew up.

“Hold You in My Arms” – Ray LaMontagne: I loved Ray LaMontagne for years, and not many of my friends really were familiar with his music. During the first few days of our relationship, I played a song and she asked “Is this Ray LaMontagne”. I was shocked that she knew him and even more shocked she liked him. In the “Our Story” page, Whitney mentioned our first trip was to Denver where we saw him at Red Rocks. It was truly magical. You will see more Ray LaMontagne songs in this list.

“Cover Me Up” – Jason Isbell: I love this song so much. Years ago, when I first heard this song, it gave me a glimpse into what I want from a partner.

“….. home was a dream. One that I'd never seen 'til you came along,"

“Apalachee Plain” – Leif Voilbekk: Whitney and I went to Jacksonville with Merrill and Katie, to watch the Giants play the Jaguars (The Giants Won!!!). Whitney and I decided to drive back that night and this song came on. We both instantly loved it and played it often during the trip.

“A 1000 Times” – Hamilton Leithauser: This is an oldie but goodie for me. I once played this at night and the next morning, Whitney asked about this song. We found ourselves waking up in the mornings singing this song and joyously starting our day

“Forever My Friend” – Ray LaMontagne: Yes, another Ray LaMontagne song. I love the vocals and the words are so special. “I just think if we keep our hearts together. Just think if we build on this trust that we have for one another. Baby we can make this last a lifetime”

“Of Up and Coming Monarchs” – Pedro the Lion: Pedro The Lion / David Bazan is one of my favorite artists of all time. Such an amazing song writer with an ability to tell stories with his lyrics. Whitney and I went to Orlando to check him out and had a fun weekend. Most of his music is pretty depressing, so this was maybe the lighter of his songs.

“Sweet – Cigarettes After Sex”: Whitney came with me to Bayfront Park and sat through a hot and humid weeknight to listen to this band. I love having Whitney by my side wherever we go.

“Down By The River” - Milky Chance: We saw Milky Chance open for Young the Giant in Miami. I don’t think Whitney has listened to them before but it was great seeing her get into to it and dancing along.

“Simplify” - Young The Giant: I’ve been a Young the Giant Fan for over 10 years and have seen them live several times. It was probably the most energetic concert I took Whit too. She was happy to see that not all the music I like is sad and depressing 

Staring in your eyes, everything simplifies

Leave it all behind, everything simplifies

All we need is nothing more when everything simplifies

You and I need nothing more, everything simplifies

“The Sunshine” – Manchester Orchestra: The artist wrote this song to his 2 year old daughter. He tells her that she is his everything and he is fine that she doesn’t know it yet. We look forward to the birth of our child and we are already in love even though he doesn’t know it yet.

“Second Chances – Gregory Alan Isakov”: In October, I surprised Whitney with a trip to NYC where I proposed to her. It was great to take her back to my stomping grounds, and see where I grew up and the places that had meaning to me. She also had the chance to meet Joe, a dear and old friend and I had a chance to see her sister Allie and her partner Tad. While in NYC, I realized that Gregory Alan Isakov was playing. Whitney and I had been planning a trip with our friend Ben to see him in concert somewhere but a few things had changed since that plan. Luckily tickets were available and we got to see him perform that night. I love this song because it talks about how important forgiveness is in a relationship. “if it weren't for second chances, we'd all be alone”

“You are the Best Thing” – Ray LaMontagne: Yes, another Ray LaMontagne song. When we were thinking about our first dance, we both knew we wanted it to be a Ray LaMontagne song. This is a classic and really tells us how we feel about each other.