Wah-Wah☟
I think about George Harrison writing ‘Wah-Wah’ after deciding to leave the Beatles all the time. Not only is it one of my favorite tunes (that riff, come on) of all time, it is a reminder of the importance of recognizing your own self-worth and the freedom that results in doing so.
Believing in my own abilities has always been an uphill battle for however recently I’ve found myself able to deflate negative self-talk with a bit more ease. I’ll often ask myself, ‘what is thinking that way doing for you right now?” Posing questions allows me to confront the reality of the moment and avoid entering a deficit mindset.
When I’m having a rough go of it, my wife often reminds me that ‘things won’t always be the way they are right now.’ If someone or something is currently giving you a ‘wah-wah’ (headache), just know you’ve got everything you need to see it through. And I’m here for you.
“I don't need no wah-wah
And I know how sweet life can be
If I keep myself free” - George Harrison
You Become The Mountain - Vinyl Reissue ☟
Very hyped to share that You Become The Mountain, my debut LP from 2020 is getting the vinyl treatment via Arrowhawk Records. Pre-orders are live now via Bandcamp and the Arrowhawk webstore. Available a la carte on forest green (direct-to-fan exclusive) and black vinyl, or bundled with a limited edition art print from Bailey Elderberry and a fruit sticker (jumbo size) designed by Fine For Now.
Making this album set me on the path. We recorded nine songs in two days here in Portland. It was the first time I truly enjoyed the recording process and the beginning of my friendship/creative partnerships with Barry Walker (pedal steel), Alex Chapman (bass), and Ryan Oxford (engineer). All of my subsequent releases (including LP2 which is back from mastering) have been made with them and I am grateful for their continued support, trust, and love.
A while back I told myself I’d only do cassettes as my schedule doesn’t allow for me to be on the road throughout the school year. Since its release in 2020, many of you have shared kind words/messages and asked if there will ever be a vinyl release. Feels so good have the answer be a resounding ‘yes.’ This reissue is 100% for you.
A Conversation with Robert Beatty ☟
Robert Beatty is a multi-disciplinary artist and musician based in Lexington, Kentucky. He is known primarily for his prolific work in the field of contemporary album cover artwork for both underground and mainstream artists, designing well over 100 record covers for the likes of Tame Impala, Kesha, The Flaming Lips, Oneohtrix Point Never, The Weeknd, and countless others. I recently had the honor of speaking with Robert about how limitations can be useful, what he learned from growing up in relative isolation, when collaboration doesn't work, and why it's worth getting things wrong. Check out our entire conversation for the Creative Independent here.
Upcoming DJ Sets + Live Performances☟
Shows in PDX and Seattle last weekend were top notch despite some last minute venue and lineup changes. Looking forward to the following live performances + DJ sets coming up here in the Pacific Northwest. East Coast - I’m coming for you next. Stay tuned. Here’s where you can find me in May and June:
+ Sunday 5/1 - DJ Set at Mad Hanna (Saloon Sundays) 4-730pm.
+ Friday 5/6 - Live at Polaris Hall w/ Widowspeak and Sylvie (Sold Out)
+ Saturday 6/4 - DJ Set at Show Bar (in Revolution Hall) 8-12pm.
+ Friday 6/10 - Live at Show Bar (in Revolution Hall) w/ Weezy Ford. Tickets on sale Monday 5/2. (flyer above by Kate Stomber)
+ Tues 6/14 - DJ Set at Donnie Vegas 9pm-1am
8mm Edit - Live in Santa Barbra☟
The supremely talented writer, photographer, and videographer Roberto Johnson put together a stunning 8mm edit of our show at the Mollusk Surf Shop in Santa Barbara set to my tune ‘Trip Sitter.’ I would like to play under an orange tree on beautiful outdoor stage again real soon. Highly recommend checking out Roberto’s zine A Sense of Place here.
Reading, Watching & Listening To☟
Reading
Mount Analogue: A Novel of Symbolically Authentic Non-Euclidean Adventures in Mountain Climbing.
River of Fire, River of Water: An Introduction to the Pure Land Tradition of Shin Buddhism
Landline - A Newsletter by Jay Babcock (Arthur Magazine Co-Founder/Editor)
Watching
Barry Season 3 (HBO)
Winning Time (HBO)
Russian Doll Season 2 (HBO)
Etran de L’Air - Live in Agadez
Listening To
Michael Parks - Long Lonesome Highway
Speedy West - Guitar Spectacular
Tony Rice - Church Street Blues