“Sounds like the promise of days growing longer, and the possibilities of youth.” —The Autumn Roses The debut release from Austin duo Beth // James, All In Life, combines "a shimmering mix of modern folk, mindful pop, and Americana charm. The album taps into the soul of a rhythmic back and forth between two distinct voices blending into one," according to Paste Magazine. Their original songs and razor sharp musicianship pick up where the Civil Wars left off. All In Life was recorded at Rattle Trap Audio with Brian Douglas Phillips (David Ramirez, Rob Baird). 
 The duo, Mikaela Kahn and Jordan Burchill, only began writing together a year ago, though they met in 2008 while studying jazz at the University of North Texas. Through the years they’ve played in various bands together, but this EP takes their musical chemistry to the next level. Creating their own unique sound, Beth // James navigates effortlessly among American music traditions, rooted in storytelling, but with added indie pop/rock elements, intricate guitar work and arresting harmony. Album standout "Lion Eyes" is a dark ballad spun from moody tumbleweed electric guitar and iridescent organ, setting the stage for Kahn and Burchill to take everything up a notch with their emphatic, impassioned vocal performance. The duo drives it home with a raise-your-bourbon-to-the-sky chorus, lambasting "her lion eyes", a rally cry against anyone who's careless with other peoples' hearts. Songs such as “I Wanna Be In Love” capture a more freeform jazz structure, while the upbeat “Jewels” creates a bright, sparkling splash, splitting the difference between Paul Simon and Nickel Creek. Another highlight, "I Miss The Music In Austin" is an easy-going tune written outside of a deli in Portland, OR while on tour. Breaking out banjo and some classic vocal harmony, Kahn and Burchill evoke sunny skies and good times, “Patio lights and a lone star band / Simple songs with new friends / I miss the music in Austin.” It's an anthem for lovers of the Austin sound and the creative community that makes it so special. Beth // James comes from two halves of one whole. The band name takes a piece of each middle name to create one entity. The collaboration doesn’t stop there. All In Life devotes an equal amount of effort to both melody and lyrics as Burchill and Kahn share the workload. Both come from diverse musical backgrounds and this influence can be heard throughout. Burchill had performed in more synth heavy bands and Kahn sang in R&B projects. Burchill has played guitar for Ndambi and Avant, and Brannen Temple (The Dixie Chicks, Janet Jackson). Kahn has toured as a vocalist with Ben Folds and Chrisette Michele. They were finalists in NewSong’s national LEAF 2016 Singer-Songwriter Competition and won top honors in the 2016 Indie International Songwriting Competition. All In Life establishes Beth // James as an exciting new voice, pushing the boundaries of indie folk with an offering of six original songs that invariably tug listeners’ heartstrings.