Sunshine Only Sometimes☟
It’s sunshine only sometimes here in the Pacific Northwest. I’m writing this with windows open for the first time in my office. Looking forward to lots of music making, running, and spending time on our deck as the weather finally turns. There are songs in my mind patiently waiting to come out and I am grateful to be surrounded and supported by so many creative, kind, and talented friends. Gonna keep pressin’ on.
(Theme From) Western Sky Music☟
I have no formal music training. With a limited understanding of music theory, I rely on other modes of communication with bandmates, mixing/mastering engineers, and other collaborators. I may not always know what key or chord I’m playing, but I can describe how I want a song to feel, move, or a scene/place it should conjure. On recent single “(Theme From) Western Sky Music,” I held in mind the moment after an intense storm passes, clouds peeling back to allow for a glimpse of blue sky or sun. We arranged this song on the spot in the studio. Once Barry landed on the ascending pedal-steel line that opens the tune, I knew we were onto something. I view this song as an anchor point for the entire album, and was honored to work with animator Mark Neeley to provide a visual component. Western Sky Music is out 5.12.23 on Arrowhawk Records.
A Conversation with Bailey Elder☟
I’ve admired Bailey Elder’s work since the early days of Anthology. It was an honor to have Bailey do the album artwork for You Become the Mountain. Had the chance to catch up with Bailey and talk intution, lived experience, and how motherhood influences the creative process for the Creative Independent. Read our full conversation here.
Tonight in Portland (April 27th)☟
TONIGHT in Portland - it’s a double dose of cosmic (kosher) country at Polaris Hall. We’ll be opening up for Brooklyn’s Dougie Poole (highly recommend checking out his new album). Rumor has it it’s Dougie’s birthday today. Come wish him a happy birthday and boogie with us. I’ll have advance copies of Western Sky Music on the merch table! Going to be a great night. Tickets available here.
…and don’t forget my upcoming run of shows with Fruit Bats in May:
5.24 Boise - Treefort Hall
5.25 Portland - Revolution Hall
5.26 Seattle - Showbox Theatre
5.27 Vancouver - Commodore Ballroom
tickets here.
Keys Lounge DJ Set☟
More boogie. More groove. I’m back spinning vinyl at Keys Lounge this Friday April 28th from 5:30-8:30pm. Get your weekend started right with me.
Headcleaner April ‘23☟
Get lifted (however suits you) and dig into this months subscriber only playlist. Enjoy.
Reading, Watching, Listening To☟
Reading:
An Oral History of Broken Social Scene’s ‘Anthem’s for a Seventeen Year-Old Girl’ (Billboard)
The surprising afterlife of a ’70s L.A. cult: How the Source Family became hot IP in 2023 (Los Angeles Times)
Is Therapy-Speak Making us Selfish (Bustle)
The Lost Music of Connie Converse (New Republic)
Hellhounds on His Trail: Mack McCormick’s Long, Tortured Quest to Find the Real Robert Johnson (Texas Monthly)
Watching:
Barry (Season 4 - HBO)
Dave (Season 3 - Hulu)
Showing Up (in theaters now)
Elliott Smith on a morning television show called Breakfast Time
Listening to:
Tape Op Podcast w/ Steve Gunn
Smooth Talker Playlist (New Commute)
That’s How I Remember It Podcast w/ Bill Hader
An Impossible Way of Life podcast w/ John Andrews
Ahmad Jamal at the Perishing - But Not For Me
William Tyler - Secret Stratosphere
The Music Book Podcast w/ Vashti Bunyan
Rick Roberts - Windmills (1972)
Barry is so, so good. Gonna miss it when it's gone!