by Meredith Schneider | Jun 6, 2018 | albums, premieres
Portland-based art-folk musician Michael Charles Smith is hitting a high note with the soundscape provided by his often ambient melodies and soft – yet assertive – vocals in his new 12-track release, In The Shadow. Bathed in a raspiness that is both emphatic and ethereal, Smith’s lyrics are apt to tug at the heartstrings of many, as they paint him as a vulnerable, masterful lyricist.
Beginning with the upbeat track “Hello Hello”, the album establishes a true journey for the listener, pace changing with each no track, and mindsets shifting from one end of the spectrum to the other, as he repeats, “I’ll die alone” in third track “Angel, and then softly croons, “I must have fallen in love” immediately following, in fourth track “One Word”.
The variety in the soundscape of In The Shadow makes sense, when the album is put into context. Inspired by his past struggles with addiction, Smith has come to terms with his circumstances, transforming that energy into a beautifully well-rounded body of work that you might never turn off. We’ve got the exclusive streaming premiere below.
Keep up with Michael Charles Smith here.
by Meredith Schneider | Jun 6, 2018 | snapshot, visual
Day 3 of Sasquatch! Music Festival 2018 brought many surprises with it, including an unforgettable set from Big Thief of the Yeti stage. Check out our photos below
Keep up with Big Thief here.
by Meredith Schneider | Jun 6, 2018 | snapshot, visual
Day 3 of Sasquatch! Music Festival 2018 gave us two of the best “Alex”-centric acts we could have ever dreamed of. Alex Lahey and Sandy Alex G played their hearts out, and we nabbed some quick photos of the fun.
Keep up with Alex Lahey here and Sandy Alex G here.
by Abby Trapp | Jun 5, 2018 | albums, review
Jessie Kilguss recently released her latest album, The Fastness. The Fastness is the fifth album for the Brooklyn based singer/songwriter. The alternative-indie artist has a lot of things to offer on her latest album. The Fastness is an album of regrets, hope, love, and wanderlust. Jessie’s voice and style brings weight to the album as you can hear the Stevie Nicks and Norah Jones influences. The album has ten tracks, each song a little different from the last. “The Master” is a song about a person of great wisdom, holding the key to all the answers. Leaving his followers behind, Jessie asks “Who will be the oracle when he is gone?” “New Start,” tells the story of one’s ability to believe in love again. The hopeful and upbeat song will lift your spirits with lyrics like “I thought it was over, but I made a new start,” “Now I’m ready to be mystified, I know I’m not the only one,” and my favorite “You changed my mind.”
Jessie shows us her darker side on “Hell Creek.” The song is full of sinful regret, shame, and morbid themes. “I knew I the time had come to break myself free- and every thing went red,” cries out the singer. The song remains haunting with the line “Going down to hell creek, wash the blood off my hands.” The artist also shows off her love for travel and the world with “Spain,” and “Rainy Night in Copenhagen.” I completely related to the song “Spain” as I once fell in loved with Madrid and the beautiful lyric “Maybe I’ll find it here- Spain stretched out in front of me.” It describes the country perfectly. “Rainy Night in Copenhagen,” is a place to leave all your troubles. “So peaceful, so far away from home,” Jessie sings on the countryside. “I’m not ready to go home,” laments the artist as the song is a feeling of wanderlust, a thirst for the world- something we all experience at least once in our lives. The Fastness provides a variety of melodies to feed your soul, heart and mind. Jessie’s beautiful voice and thoughtful lyrics will take you to a peaceful place that is all your own.
The Fastness is currently available on major streaming services. Get your copy here.
by Meredith Schneider | Jun 5, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
Our world is so fast-paced and upbeat nowadays, that it can feel impossible to escape the craziness. Let yourself do that with San Diego-born Jean Dawson‘s new track “Bull Fighter”. Beginning at a leisurely pace, Dawson will first make you fall in love with his raspy vocals, before breaking out into a more abrasive set of lyrics. But it’s the raw truth that he brings to light that makes the song that much more appealing, causing blood to pump through your veins faster with every line despite its slower pace.
Perhaps his truth will set you free, perhaps not. But either way this 22-year-old is one to watch.
Keep your eyes peeled for his 9-track release Bad Sports, due out this summer. More info can be found here.
by Meredith Schneider | Jun 5, 2018 | albums, review
Kara Grainger may have had more humble beginnings in Australia, but her world travels and body of work speaks to a dozen lifetimes of success. All of her musical influences and inspiration have culminated in her latest 9-track body of work, her full-length Living With Your Ghost that dropped on June 1st. Full of robust harmonies, rock-tinged guitar, and a whole lot of twang, this album has so much attitude that it could give Carrie Underwood a run for her money. (Though we in no way are referring to any of this beaut as “pop music.”)
Not only is her soulful attitude palpable with each track, but the lyrics are something to grasp onto, making Grainger accessible and relatable in the best ways. Personal favorites include “Man Without Soul” and “Broken Record”, but we’re sure most of this album will be the soundtrack to your late night, summertime pool games all season.
Living With Your Ghost is available now. Keep up with Grainger here.
by Meredith Schneider | Jun 5, 2018 | snapshot, visual
As the sun slowly began to set on Day 2 of Sasquatch! Music Festival 2018, Shakey Graves took the Bigfoot stage to entertain the masses. The color of the sky cast a warm glow on the band, who powered through their set as phenomenal as ever (despite the fact that they were essentially staring into the sun).
Keep up with Shakey Graves here.
by Meredith Schneider | Jun 5, 2018 | snapshot, visual
On Sunday night – Day 3 of Sasquatch! Music Festival 2018 – Slowdive took the Bigfoot stage and played with brilliantly colored lights and smoke surrounding them. We popped in to grab a few photos during the first song, soaking in the beauty and wonder of their immaculate sound.
Keep up with Slowdive here.
by Meredith Schneider | Jun 5, 2018 | snapshot, visual
Sunday, May 27th marked the third day of 2018’s Sasquatch! Music Festival overlooking The Gorge in Quincy, WA. PNW-native Michelle Zauner of Japanese Breakfast led her band through an incredible performance, and we nabbed some photos of the fun.
Keep up with Japanesr Breakfast here.
