Momentum, Loss, Change.☟
It’s been a productive, emotional spring. I’m grateful to be riding some creative momentum as the sun begins to shine here in Portland. Last month my band and I recorded our first KEXP session (more on that soon), performed at Treefort Fest in Boise, and released an Aquarium Drunkard session. I’m fresh off a couple of PNW shows with William Tyler and fly to to the UK next week for a sold out performance in London before heading to Ireland for the Kilkenny Roots Fest, all part of the Cosmic Country Revue.
This has been balanced by a significant loss in my family. My wife (Sunny) and I said goodbye to Vada, our 19 (!!) year-old tabby cat. I met Vada on my first proper date with Sunny in Brooklyn, NY. My life changed, I fell in love 2x that evening. I miss her sounds, seeing her when going to bed and first thing in the morning, and her gentle, kind spirit. A friend recently told me, “we don’t deserve pets, which is why it’s so much harder when they’re gone.” Ain’t that the truth. Sending love to anyone who’s lost a pet recently.
I’m going through changes. Big V Forever.
Roseway EP - Out June 14th☟
Last week I announced Roseway, a new EP for Arrowhawk Records set for release on June 14th, 2024. The EP takes its name from our quiet neighborhood in NE Portland and is available to pre-order on black and marigold vinyl. It’s a special release given the b-side features Torii Gates (2021), on wax for the first time.
It was made alongside a tremendous cast of musicians including Dana Buoy (drums), Alex Chapman (bass) and Connor Gallaher (pedal-steel), all of whom helped elevate these songs in ways that surprised and inspired me.
This release marks the fourth project I’ve worked on with Ryan Oxford as producer and mixing engineer at his studio, The Center for Sound, Light, and Color Therapy. It was mastered by Amy Dragon via Telegraph Mastering. My dear friend Ian Everett handled design and layout.
The first single, ‘Gassed Up,’ is now available wherever you listen to music. Lots more on the way.
Gassed Up - Music Video☟
There is also a beautiful new music video for ‘Gassed Up.’ It premiered over at FLOOD Magazine. Filmed on 8mm by Roberto Johnson in southern California while on tour last summer, this video (and song) is my ode to the road. The footage you see is from shows in Santa Barbara (Mollusk Surf Shop) and Ojai (Ojai Deer Lodge). Austin Abbott knocked the edit out of the park and I’m so glad to have this artifact of this saccharine time.
Terra Cotta - Management☟
Now for some “music biz” news. I’ve officially joined the Terra Cotta artist management roster alongside Fruit Bats, Bonny Light Horseman, Dan Croll, and Joni. I’m hyped to work with Alyssa & Dean in this capacity and am honored to be the newest member of the fam.
Impossible Way of Life - Podcast☟
I was GASSED UP to be invited back onto my favorite podcast, Impossible Way of Life this week. We had a freewhelin’ conversation re: country funk, tour hacks/snacks and my new music/tour dates. This is a free episode but I highly recommend becoming a patron of the pod to stay up to date. Plus you’ll be supporting two wonderful musicians and producers.
Reading, Watching, Listening To☟
Reading:
Truckload of Art: The Life and Work of Terry Allen―An Authorized Biography (Brendan Greaves)
Watching:
Conan O’Brien Must Go (HBO)
Listening to:
The Twang Gang (compilation)
Greg Foat, Sokratis Votskos, Warren Hampshire & Ayo Salawu -Live at Villa Maximus, Mykonos
Keady & Vallins - self titled
Terry Reid - River
Lambert & Nuttycombe - At Home
So sorry to read about Vada. Just yesterday, we had to say goodbye to Meg - our 18-year-old Lynx Point. That came about a year after having to part with her brother, Jack. Never not brutal. Sending love and light, while holding back a bit for ourselves.
Loving that new track - about to share the video!