The Great Northwest by Mighty Oaks

There are two magical places on earth that vie for home in my heart. There's North Bend, Washington and the greater Snoqualmie Valley -- the actual area where I grew up. On the other coast, we have my current neighborhood of Columbia Heights in Washington, DC. With Snoqualmie Valley, I can talk for hours about Rattlesnake Lake, Mt. Si, Snoqualmie Falls, the outlets, the Twin Peaks references, my childhood home, George's Bakery and all the other spots I miss. However, despite those feelings, Columbia Heights generally wins the home battle, if only because of the people. 

Today, Snoqualmie Valley wins. 

My hometown area tends to be heavily influential on musicians, a thought that shouldn't come as much of a surprise. A few favorite examples are the band Snoqualmie (they'll get their own write up soon), The Cascades by the Fleet Foxes, and Twin Peaks by both Surfer Blood and Genders. I'm going to add a new favorite to this list today: The Great Northwest by Mighty Oaks. 

Mighty Oaks are based in Berlin but feature three musicians from three different countries (U.S., Italy and the UK). Together, they released a self-titled EP that went big on Soundcloud. The follow-up to that EP is the Just One Day EP, released on July 5th this year. The band is touring with large acts already -- they have that indie-folk sound and catchy tunes that could easily be played alongside The Lumineers, Fleet Foxes or Imagine Dragons. I have high hopes.

With three musicians from three different countries, I'm glad the Pacific Northwest is part of their inspiration. Not only are their lyrics reflective of this, their overall musical style is. I was honestly surprised when I realized they're neither a Seattle or Portland band. However, one of the members, Ian Hooper, is from the Pacific Northwest. I'm dying to know where. It has to be my hometown area, right?

Regardless, the band knows how to capture the magic:
we lost our sun in the rain // oh my love found me at the right time // my heart is yours, I ask you to be kind // we drove out east to the mighty Cascade range // to the place where the water falls from the heights of Snoqualmie // 

Today, I just want to go home and fall in love.

You can stream The Great Northwest and the entire Just One Day EP on SoundCloud. 

Mighty Oaks – The Great Northwest from Raffaele Mariotti on Vimeo.

(the picture at top is Mt. Si and was taken in my front yard the day before leaving on a plane out east)

[Local] Hand-Me-Down Cardigans by The Raised By Wolves

(via DC Music Download)

I have a bad habit of not associating certain songs with certain people. Once upon a time, this was true only for guys I was dating. However, when I confessed this tendency to my friend Adam, he was a little miffed that I didn't have a song for him. It was a fair point. I'm highly emotionally invested in music and if I'm at all close to a person, friend-wise or otherwise, I should be able to have a song that reminds me of them.

Frequently, I meet a person and I immediately know "their song". Sometimes, in other cases, it takes a few months before "their song" shows up on shuffle. More rarely, I'm convinced "their song" does not exist. 

With one of my friends, his song didn't really exist until today. 

The Raised By Wolves are a local Maryland/DC band that just popped up on my radar a few hours ago, via DC Music Download. Their debut album, Sadie Hawkins, was released today. It's a fantastic array of experimental, indie-pop-rock. I really appreciate albums that I can leave on in the background while focusing at work, but also have the occasional song or two that pulls me out of the "Excel trance". 

When I heard Hand-Me-Down Cardigans, I stopped searching through my email inbox and immediately went straight to the lyrics page. It was a strange visceral reaction but I quickly knew who this song reminded me of. This makes sense, but there's a distinct feeling of "district" feelings/relationships/friendships sprinkled throughout the lyrics. 

[She was standing alone again in that little black dress

And if she became a silhouette, that would have been best

Because I was cut from a different cloth]

[There lives a stranger inside of me that you will never know

Because a heavy hard heart is worth its weight in gold]

[And I never didn't love a girl who loved me first

And I could never be your one and only

Be your one and only lonely one]

To all the dudes I've been friends with here, this song reminds me of one of you. Is this blog getting a little too personal? Quite possibly. 

You can download Hand-Me-Down Cardigans and the entire Sadie Hawkins album (for free, or pay as you wish) on The Raised By Wolves' bandcamp page. Maybe, one of their songs will remind you of someone too. 

Mix: The 7 District Sins

(living and loving in the district)

1. the "claws at your insides" fear of settling down, the questionable hookups and constantly "trading up". Sometimes, we manage to get attached. (Lust). 
2. many of us have arguably decent jobs, yet we still yearn for a greater calling. (Envy). 
3. even if we shouldn't be, we might all be living paycheck to paycheck. (Greed). 
4. happy hour, brunch, day-drinking, drinks for dinner, "does anyone in this city do anything other than drink?". (Gluttony).
5. completely shutting down 25% of our time, because the rest has been spent rallying. (Sloth). 
6. "If you're a dick to me, I will run you out of this neighborhood." (Wrath). 
7. What do you do and where are you from? (Pride). 

***

The Agreeable White Tiger Moth: Vol 1 by Daniel Blue of Motopony

One of my biggest regrets of my last relationship was not being able to run through my backlog of music recommendations - a Netflix-esque queue of ridiculous proportions. You see, it's almost a rarity in my life to be dating someone who is at all musically compatible with me. It was a dream come true. Motopony's self-titled, 2010 release was the next album I was planning to share before the breakup happened. It's an album so full of brilliance, I almost inbox'd it as a "break up gift".

While I have endless thoughts on Motopony, I am highly anticipating the solo work from their lead vocalist, Daniel Blue. The project, The Agreeable White Tiger Moth: Vol 1 gets released sometime soon, with a release show on August 2. This is another one of those moments where I am dying to be back in Seattle. As a plus, it's the grand opening of Santcuary, "a hundred year old repurposed chapel in the heart of downtown Ballard." I can't find too much information on Sanctuary but I'm guessing it's going to be an artist mixed-use sort of venue (much like The Dunes). As an additional plus and major relief, all of Motopony will be playing music written for this show and, despite the solo project, there will be a second Motopony album.

These are exciting times.

Currently, there are two songs released off of the project on SoundCloud. Flower Children is a dreamy track where I'm envisioning myself running through an expansive field with not a care in the world. I know that sounds overblown, but I guarantee you will start daydreaming the same. I also agree with Sean DeTore of The Mixtape -- this song is straight out of the 1960's in the best way possible. I Don't Need to Know features Meagan Grandall of Lemolo -- the duo execute a beautiful, soulful track in unison. Grandall is just one of many collaborations. I'm very much looking forward to the collaborations with Mary Lambert and Jon Russel (of The Head and the Heart).

There's just so much Seattle-goodness involved.

I absolutely recommend checking out the release show if you're in the Seattle area. Go and let me be envious of you.

You can listen to Flower Children and I Don't Need to Know on Blue's SoundCloud page.

[Local] Morning EP by The Sun Kite

I keep lamenting over "breaking into the DC folk scene". To which, my friends and I question whether such a scene exists. I am convinced that it does, but not to the extent I'm used to being from Seattle.

That being said, a release such as Morning by The Sun Kite gives me hope that DC could be a place for folk to cultivate further.

Morning is conceptually, lyrically, and musically themed around, you guessed it, the morning and is the first of three releases. In my opinion, many albums nowadays lack something to tie everything together. I'm not saying every album released should be conceptual, but some sort of cohesion is always appreciated. When I first read the intents behind Morning on the bandcamp site, before listening, I was excited over the prospect but also a little apprehensive about how ambitious the project seemed.

Upon my first listen, I'm happy to say the project is beautifully executed. It's a slow build-up, on purpose, starting from Lantern through Braving The Wind. I think there's no other choice but to follow along with the intent and treat this EP as a niche. Listen to this in the morning -- preferably before the commute, work and that first cup of morning coffee. This is meant for stretching upon waking, embracing the birds chirping outside, taking a morning walk, watching the sunrise and soaking up that quiet morning period before the day actually begins. I'm fortunate enough to live right on the perimeter of Malcom X Park in DC. One of these summer mornings, I'm going to sit next to the fountain and play this through.

Michael Frommack, who self created the EP, reminds me of both Aqualung in the early tracks and Ben Howard in the later. For some reason, while listening to Bluebird Mend, I couldn't get Aqualung's 7 Keys out of my head. It's a strange parallel but I'm going to roll with it.

You can download Morning on The Sun Kite's bandcamp page or listen on Spotify! 

[Local] Moonless EP by Blatant Neon Ion

Once upon a time, an ex-boyfriend of mine declared he was working on a theory that coming to age exists on the spectrum between Frightened Rabbit's Midnight Organ Fight and Neutral Milk Hotel's In The Aeroplane Over the Sea. I sometimes hate how brilliant this sentiment is.

I'm convinced that the Moonless EP by Blatant Neon Ion should be a milepost somewhere on the same spectrum.

With rough vocals that are reminiscent to me of Frightened Rabbit and Foals, Moonless EP is an acquired taste that is quick to acquire to.

The exact lyrics aren't readily available, but this is my interpretation. The album tells a story of a young man going through many of life's themes and downturns and how those themes and downturns continue to exist when a love ends.

Marianna is rooted deep with this theme of time passing regardless of a relationship's existence [didn't feel any time pass at all/ not ready yet/ too scared/ give us our dreams/ don't leave me/ crash]. Moonless delves into a similar theme with the monotony of every day life [fresh pot of coffee/ save me a pot, okay/ it's 7am and I'm leaving/ let me take you to the movies/ tell me you love me again]. Restless Ashes discusses the life cycle in general and possibly how we fit in with the rest of the earth [from here this is all I know/ scatter my restless ashes/ return me back to where I came]. Rocket Summer seems to be a flashback to a nice, simple summer with a lovely lady and the aftermath of trying to not only hold onto the memory but repress it from every day thoughts. I adore the dreamy, softer backup vocals here. Alone spends equal parts of time reflecting on how to exist while alone but also the struggle to navigate back home. This is the perfect ending song -- despite how emotional the whole album is, it still feels like there's a build up that ends here.

I'm sold. This may be my new go-to when things feel particularly rough with life and love.

You can download Moonless EP (for free, or pay as you wish) on Blatant Neon Ion's bandcamp page. 

2013 Summer Staples: Cayucas/ Pickwick/ TWINSMITH

Can we take a moment to discuss summer jams? My absolute favorite time of the year to share music is the summer. There are endless opportunities to put on tunes, kick back with friends and enjoy warm-weather inspired drinks. Every year around this time, I end up with a few albums that are through and through enjoyable to everyone that end up getting heavy play time. When I'm too lazy to make a playlist (rarely, these days), it's nice to have a few go-to options.

My first choice of the summer is the Cayucas album, Bigfoot. I hosted a little brunch gathering on the 4th of July this year. I had Bigfoot playing in the background for a good half an hour before everyone showed up. My intentions were simple -- rope someone into going to their concert at DC9. I wasn't able to sell anyone and I find that crazy. When asked to describe them, I've been stating, "a distinct, young Vampire Weekend vibe without the hipster snobbery". What's not to love about that? Listen to Cayucos, East Coast Girl, High School Lover or really anything off the album while at the beach or patio drinking. Pair it with Hell or High Watermelon by 21st Amendment Brewery and I guarantee you it will be a good time.



I'd like to pick Pickwick's Can't Talk Medicine as another perfect summer soundtrack. The following opinion might be a little unpopular and I don't care. While everyone else is obsessing over More Than Just a Dream, the Fitz and the Tantrums album, Can't Talk Medicine should really be getting most of that love this summer. I adore both artists but Pickwick is, in my opinion, excelling at showcasing that retro vibe. When I put on this album, I can't stop dancing and envisioning myself in 1950's or 60's DC. It's a beautiful daydream. Stream The Round, Halls of Columbia and Brother Roland while preparing to go on a classic date this summer. Need ideas? Hit up a drive-thru movie, go swing dancing, attend a jazz concert, or find a local Speakeasy-inspired bar for some fancy cocktails.



Finally, TWINSMITH is a fun band I've discovered out of Omaha, NE. I've spent a good two days trying to pinpoint what band they remind me of and I can't pick one in particular (always a good sign). I've determined they're sort-of a lovechild between The Walkmen, The Shins and Local Natives. It's about as close as I can get. While their debut self-titled album hasn't quite been released (July 12), I've been frequently streaming it via Soundcloud the past few days. I have a strong feeling this album will get played constantly while having daytime drinks on my apartment rooftop. I'll make some boozy popsicles and life won't get much better.

Beginning by Matthew Fowler

(via r/folk and slowcoustic)

Outside of music and thrifting mid-century modern decor, Reddit is probably the other big facet that my life revolves around. Last night, I subscribed to r/folk and r/indiefolk for the first time. I can already tell these will be frequent stops for me. As I was scrolling through the latest submissions, about a hundred threads down, I noticed a post from an artist himself. Personally, I'm a huge advocate for more artists promoting their music via Reddit. However, a lot of the time, these sort of posts go unnoticed.

That wasn't the case with Matthew Fowler and his album Beginning. The Redditors of r/folk embraced this album with open arms and warm reviews. I concur entirely with just about every comment in that thread.

Blankets and Beginners are what I consider to be the real high points. Blankets astonishes me with the lyrics alone: "I ache to venture out and join to circus/ of people learning how to feel alive". The trumpet seems to be a recurring instrument in the folk songs I've been listening to lately, and I absolutely love its incorporation here. While the trumpet doesn't showcase in Beginners, the melodica ties the song together. I find myself yearning for the vocal-less downtime in this song, just to hear Sam Coplin work his magic on the instrument. The vocals do have a strong showing here as well -- partially due to Fowler's raspy, emotionally-heavy voice and partially due to the lyrics. It really is such a raw, honest love song. "We are beginners, you and I" should really be a mantra for love in my life.

While slowcoustic pegs him as similar to Damien Rice, I find close parallels to Ray LaMontagne, David Gray and Alexi Murdoch as well. Basically, I think I'll be emailing my dad a link to Fowler's album. That's a high praise in my book.

You can download Beginning (for free, or pay as you wish) on Fowler's bandcamp page. It'll go perfectly with that cup of chamomile tea on a rainy day. Or, with everyday life.

Step Into My Life (Restless) by Marshall Lewis Baker

As of late, bands have been following me on Twitter and Tumblr. It's been the catalyst I've needed to work on a larger scale music project, such as what I'm attempting to do here. I obsess over the indie-folk genre quite frequently and it's nice when people take notice. I will always give the bands that do follow me, on any platform, a listen and it's a great way to find new gems.

One of these gems is Marshall Lewis Baker, an 18-year old artist out of Bloomington, Indiana. He's drawing comparisons to Dallas Green already, and I surprisingly agree with the parallel. I can see him living up to that soulful, deep, emotional-rollercoaster you'd expect from a City and Colour album. I'm excited to see Baker's development.

I've been listening to Step Into My Life (Restless) on repeat for the past half hour. It's an unassuming, quiet song with just enough of a hook to keep my ears peeled. The vocals span an impressive range of talent and the minimalist folk background compliments perfectly. I adore this song.

He is releasing an EP around August, which just got funded off of Kickstarter. With 12 hours left, I pledged. It was worth it.

You can download Step Into My Life (Restless) on SoundCloud or Bandcamp. I highly recommend that you do.

Letter to My Lover by The Local Strangers

I think I should miss Seattle more than I do. It's home by way of North Bend, Washington but the city lost it's charm after I graduated college. I felt the pull to flee and I've never looked back. As I've gotten more into music again, in the past year, I find myself overwhelmingly drawn to Seattle bands. Some days, I long for free posters from Silver Platters, house shows in the University District, and listening to Emerald City with the windows rolled down. A band that gives me major Seattle-lust on a regular basis is The Local Strangers. Their release late last year, Left for Better, has been a staple of mine over the past few months.

Their new track, Letter to My Lover, is absolutely heart wrenching.

Aubrey Zoli strongly showcases her vocal capabilities in a way where the emotion bleeds from her voice, through my headphones, and into my brain. Coupled with the lyrics, in particular, "you light the dark inside/ in so little time/ and I want to stay and fight this out with you", I'm left with a song that is highly reminiscent of my latest breakup. The song strikes the right chord between therapeutic and overtly damaging. The other high points include Andrew Joslyn on the violin and Ethan Eade on the trumpet. The violin is omnipresent-ly gorgeous but the unexpected trumpet is truly the aurally intriguing part of the song.

You can download Letter to My Lover (for free or pay as you wish) on The Local Stranger's bandcamp page.