The National Lights and the Bland Allisons (the sister projects of Jacob Thomas Berns and Ernest Christian Kiehne, respectively) write songs about mid-western wife killers, zombies, Hamlet, man-eating grizzlies, and the destiny of the human soul. They are staunch proponents of traditional songwriting elements: beautifully orchestrated acoustic guitars, pianos, organs, banjos, and pedal-steels surrounding tightly wound harmonies; song structures concerned more with immediate and enduring beauty than eccentricity or dissonant charm. They are sinister and beautiful and hopelessly refreshing.

Aaron Nathans is famous for writing songs about nothing. And yet, they're clearly about something. This Madison songwriter picks small things to write about, like grapefruit, squirrels and politicians. He deftly evokes a sense of place, balancing emotion with a wicked sense of humor. He's supporting his debut album, "Same Old You," released this spring.