I’m very excited about a lot of things right now. Going to see Band of Horses on Wednesday here in Spokane. Working on lots of new songs, trying to stretch my creativity in that department. Constantly having a genre crisis. Bought my ticket for Boston in October and have been working with my friend Kimber Ludiker on setting up some shows out there while I’m in town. Thanks to her, it looks like I will get to play three or four times during my stay! I haven’t been to the east coast since I was little and I’m very excited to experience a new music scene and a new culture. I love seeing new places.
November holds another tour, probably my last for a while as I will be trying to go back to school this winter and am extremely tired of being my own booking agent. West coast tour is what I’m shooting for…although venues attention seems to be harder and harder to grab hold of these days. Right before the tour I’m thinking about releasing a 4-song EP that I’ve had up my sleeve since Kory and I recorded The Breaking of Our Days. It’s a pretty neat EP, somewhat melancholy and ambient. I really like it. More details on that to come.
Fall is my favorite season. Always full of excitement and color and the fresh briskness of incoming winter air. An album that I think is a great new accompaniment to fall is by a little lady named Sarah Jarosz. A Song Up in Her Head is the title. I bought it just before my long drive back to Spokane from Denver and I just can’t get enough. I recommend it whole-heartedly. Inspiring song-writing, impeccable instrumentation, a sweet buttery voice and very forward moving emotions through the whole project. For fans of good, in the pocket, pleasing to the ears music. Be sure to check it out!
Almost exactly a year ago I started a side-project called Power Und Beauty. It was pretty much the most fun band I’ve ever been in. Here’s a free download of the EP we recorded (mixed by Caleb Ingersoll) in honor of our 1 year-ish anniversary!
this is us busking in leavenworth! and here’s a video of one of my favorite bands covering our song, “Beggars and Felons.” They did a fine job if you ask me. Thanks Pablo Trucker!
Joel Smith is the best all around songwriter-singer-musician Spokane has ever seen. Lofty statement I know, but I believe it wholeheartedly. Joel’s voice is unique, splendid and full of character. His multi-instrumentalist skills are beyond impressive from the fast picking banjo licks to the soulful guitar solos and just about every other instrument he can get his hands on. Not to mention his writing.
One time I stopped at Joel’s house, for a rehearsal I think, and I picked up a book that I saw on the kitchen table about boat-making. I noticed it was a library book and inquired to Joel, “Why do you have a library book about building boats?” He followed with, “oh, I’m just doing some research for a song.” I just kind of rolled my eyes and laughed. But secretly I wished I was better at putting so much meticulous thought and research into my songs. In my opinion, there’s too many uneducated, whiny, emotional, post-break up songwriters out there and not enough writers like Joel. Now, I have to take some responsibility on the first category. I have definitely written my fair share of purely emotive songs. But Joel has inspired me to stretch my creative mind and explore all angles of why a song should be written. He endlessly impresses me with his new material. The concepts of each song are so wide and deep and full of imagery.
So, what I’m trying to say in so many words is that I love Joel Smith. His music has had such an impact on me the past few years and really helped me grow through my own mediocre musical skins and into a musician that I didn’t think I could be.
Joel is releasing a new album (FINALLY!) that he’s worked really really hard on. I had the chance to play some accordion on the album and sing on a few songs. It’s a wonderful record, full of color, dynamic style, impressive musicianship and conceptual songs. If you like Josh Ritter, Andrew Bird, Lyle Lovett or Paul Simon…you will love this album.
The release show for the album in next Tuesday on the 11th. I’ll be opening the show and joining Joel’s band on a few songs. It’s at the Masonic Temple in the Commandery Room which is a really cool old room where some scene’s from the Basket were filmed. Please come and pick up an album!
