The type of music one listens to says a lot about a person. I listen to a variety of music based on what mood I am in. At the Gym I prefer Hip-hop because it is up-beat and keeps me going. In the car I love jamming to country music with the windows rolled down. And as I am typing this article I prefer Singer/Songwriter and Alternative music. This music is what I like to call my “book reading music” – yes, that is the actual name of my playlist. It’s soothing music that fades into the background of whatever thought provoking task you’re doing. These artists are not just one-hit wonders in this playlist, but all of their songs are equally as great and the ones linked in this article. Thus, you can download all of their albums and have the perfect start to a playlist of your own.

James Bay

Besides his hit song “Let it Go”, the rest of his songs are just as heart-breakingly beautiful as he is. Is it James Bay or James is Bae?

(P.S. If you are from the Pittsburgh area and you are going to James Bay's concert this Wednesday, September 28, at Stage AE, I apologize in advanced for passing out from the sound of his voice.)

Sleeping At Last

Sleeping at Last is just that, it's music you could play while sleeping. Their melodies are soft, and all beautiful. Not to mention they have a million and one songs, which is a lot of sleeping.

Daughter

Hozier

Reasons to hate the radio: 1) It overplays top songs and ruins them - such as "Take me to Church" by Hozier. 2) It neglects to play all of the other great music an artist has to offer. 3) Refer to number one again.

The Lumineers

Ho Hey, The Lumineers are pretty great too!

Damien Rice

Damien rice is different than most artists. When he sings it is very pained, and you can really feel what he is feeling.

Iron & Wine

Flightless Bird, American Mouth is my favorite song - EVER. Please listen to it and love it with me.

The Paper Kites

Birdy

Not only is Birdy great at covers, like Skinny Love, but her own music is even better. Your music videos are dark and mysterious and gives a completely different feeling to her light, wispy voice. One of my personal faves!

The Hand and the Heart

Daughtry

Okay, so I guess I am cheating here because Daughtry is technically Rock. But he deserves to be on every playlist ever. (Can you tell I'm a huge fan?)

Kodaline

Thanks to the Fault in our Stars we have discovered you and your music.

Phillip Phillips

Not gonna lie, I cried when he won American Idol and then when I saw him in concert four years later ... Some things never change.

NEEDTOBREATH

Ivan & Alyosha

Although they are a little more of an up-beat band, I find they are a perfect fit amongst this array of music.

Jp Cooper

JP Cooper is a breath of fresh air. He has that perfect down to earth, run-away hippie style we all want.

Joshua Hyslop

Mumford and Sons

Okay so you had to see this one coming. Or if you didn't it's easy to see why once you listen to their music. Their wide range of musical instruments gives their music a jamboree-like feeling.

The Civil Wars

This adorable couple is the perfect duet. The chemistry between them is obvious and it shows in their music!

Peter Bradley Adams

Noah

Oddly enough, I randomly discovered Noah's music on YouTube years ago and I have listened to his stuff ever since. I was love at first listen.

Escondido

JBM ( Jesse Marchant )

I would describe JMB is eerie and still. His echo-like style is hypnotic.

I hope this list of some of my favorite Singer/Songwriter and Alternative artists helps you begin a playlist of you own!