Don’t Miss the Latest From These Northwest Artists

March 28, 2022 by Cynthia Orlando

There’s always something exciting happening when it comes to the Pacific Northwest (PNW) music scene.

Though we might not often stop to appreciate it, many excellent bands and artists hail from, or are now based in, the PNW. Among them: The Shins, Mat Kearney, Ashley Flynn & The Riveters, blues artist Ty Curtis, Sleater-Kinney and many others.

Let’s take a look at what’s happening!

Mat Kearney

Born in Eugene and now based in Nashville, outstanding singer-songwriter Matt Kearney has lots going on.

His recent soft-rock “January Flower” release is getting rave reviews. That’s likely because he’s still sticking with his winning formula: heartfelt disclosure, superior vocals and polished pop arrangements.

He plays Portland’s Schnitzer Concert Hall in May.

Catch his show, and, check out “January Flower.”

It’s one not-to-miss!

Bees in A Bottle

Bees In A Bottle, above, have a new album due out this Fall.

Portland-based indie-rock duo Bees In A Bottle are a top-tier band to keep on your radar.

Don’t let their lovely layered vocals deceive you, as their songs often take on serious subject matter.

They released “Treasures Ugly and Few” last year. Filled with lilting harmonies and well-structured arrangements, exceptional tracks include “Language” and “Follow.”

Commanding rock track “Liar” is another standout. “Treasures Ugly and Few” confirmed their superior standing in PNW’s music scene.

Bees In A Bottle have 3 studio records to their credit, including two albums with Grammy Award-winning producers.

They’re recording their 4th album due out this Fall. It’s a collection of songs told from the perspective of the women closest to the many male musicians who’ve died from suicide or addiction.

“I wanted to give voice to the survivors’ point of view,” says band member and songwriter Christine McAllister. Chad McAllister is the other half of this duo; both are multi-instrumentalists.

Bees in a Bottle have two shows coming up!

They play Roland Winery in Longview Washington April 9, and Portland’s Flying Fish May 14th.

You can find all their music on Bandcamp. Catch them live if you can!

Eddie Berman

Folk-Americana artist Eddie Berman currently makes his home in Portland. An avid reader, Berman’s work is as much inspired by the books he reads as it is by hikes he takes in Portland’s Forest Park.

Berman’s sometimes mournful, introspective brand of warm folk-rock is worthy of a wider fan base.

His 2017 “Before the Bridge” is filled with great tracks like comforting “Easy Rider” and mournful “Low Down Curse.”

Berman released “Taurus” last year, and it’s on our playlist.

Brandi Carlile

Who’s up for a Grammy, makes her home up north in Washington, recently wrote a book and is currently on tour?

That’d be American singer-songwriter Brandi Carlile.

Now on tour, Carlile has shows scheduled in Nashville, Santa Barbara and Red Rocks.

If you haven’t added her latest “In These Silent Days” release to your library, you might be due for a trip to your favorite record store.

Don’t miss her when she comes to the PNW’s Gorge Ampitheatre in May!

The Muddy Souls

Eugene’s The Muddy Souls blend bluegrass and folk for a winning sound that’s sure to up the vibe quotient at your next social gathering.

The Muddy Souls’ American roots music is uplifting and expertly executed. Formed in 2018, the 5-member band has been consistently working on new music and booking live shows.

Out this month, watch for “The Raven,” their newest studio album.

Ashleigh Flynn

A native of Kentucky, Ashleigh Flynn has been on the Americana scene since 2008 with the release of her third “American Dream” album.

Equally impressive to her studio albums are her ace live performances.

Brilliantly mixing genres (country, zydeco, rock) and engaging her audience, Flynn and her band The Riveters consistently create charming, heartland rock that brings down the house.

Keep your eye on her Twitter feed or her website for upcoming shows.

Laura Veirs

Let’s hear it for Portland’s Laura Veirs! She’s currently on tour playing numerous venues in the United Kingdom.

Wow! Fantastic fanbase for this PNW musician.

If you’re new to Veirs, check out her last album here.

More music news

American rockers Sleater-Kinney (Olympia, Washington) just released “Path of Wellness.” It’s getting great write-ups.

PNW-based bands Modest Mouse and The Shins are among those headlining the second annual Just Like Heaven Festival in Los Angeles this May.

American indie-rocker’s The Decemberists’ “Arise from the Bunkers” Tour starts in August.

Blitzen Trapper play Sessions Music Hall in April. photo by Tyler Kohlhoff

Portland’s Blitzen Trapper play a unique brand of indie-folk-rock and are currently touring to promote their “Holy Smokes Future Jokes” release.

They’ve been written up by the likes of Rolling Stone and American Songwriter.

“Holy Smokes Future Jokes” was among my Top 10 when it came out (during the height of the pandemic). It’s great to see the band can finally get out and play some of these superb tracks live.

The northwest treasure that is Blitzen Trapper play Eugene’s Sessions Music Hall Sunday, April 24.

Don’t miss them!

That’s a wrap

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Most of all, thanks for supporting listener-powered radio at KRVM.

Lots to love about Oregon’s music scene

January 29, 2021 by Cynthia Orlando

Oregon is renowned for its forests, fisheries, microbreweries, and natural tourist attractions like Mount Hood, Crater Lake and Mount Bachelor.

However, one of our best-kept secrets just might be our talented bands and musicians.

While the likes of Modest Mouse, The Shins and Blind Pilot are well-known in the music world, there are lots of other excellent bands that hail from the Beaver state.

Here are a just few additional Oregon-based bands and artists who merit a listen.

Pete Kartsounes

We’ll start with one of Oregon’s least-known, most talented musicians, Pete Kartsounes.

Based in Bend, Kartsounes is an award-winning singer-songwriter, impressive flat picker and cutting-edge musician’s musician.

Kartsounes started playing piano “as soon as I was able to climb up on the bench,” and has played guitar since he was seventeen. “I’ve been playing for a living ever since, and playing my music has taken me around the world,” says Kartsounes.

His musical influences include Jerry Garcia, Ray LaMontagne and Carlos Nakai.

He released “Out Here On My Own” last August. Don’t miss standout tracks “Air to Breathe,” and “The River.”

Looking back at his inspiration for “Air to Breathe,” Kartsounes says: “It had rained recently so the wood was damp. Every time I got a fire going, it would die down and I would have to blow on it…after doing this three or four times, it hit me: ”You can’t have a fire without a little air to breathe.”

While along the spring-fed Fall River, between Sunriver and La Pine, Oregon, Kartsounes wrote “The River,” another great track.

“I wanted to write something that was a tribute to the river. The river really brings you to the moment, and this song came to me in about an hour,” he says, adding, “I will always play this one at my shows, and give tribute to the rivers.”

Then, just last November, the prolific artist released “Mindful Muse” – 60 minutes of music designed for yoga, meditation, massage and mindful practice. “It’s the first album I’ve ever recorded where I am playing dominantly piano and flute,” he says, adding, “this will most definitely not be my last album in this genre.”

No stranger to life on the road, Kartsounes has played for more than two decades on stages around the world.

Let’s hope he comes to Eugene soon.

You can find his music on his website , and on iTunes.

The Noted

Ace band The Noted, above, are based in Portland.

Based in Portland are rising stars The Noted.

Founded by songwriter Daniel Work, they released “Lost & Found” last year. The band’s clean sound has a cool, appealing retro vibe. It’s solid pop-rock that encompasses a breadth of musical styles.

“Lost & Found” is very much a “band” record – no studio musicians or outside guests. All songs are inspired by real life events, like “Too Many Trees,” their musically upbeat plea for less gun violence.

Buoyed by a pervasive sense of optimism, The Noted encourages listeners to “be yourself, don’t care what others think…and sing out loud!”

Mr. Work even built a new recording studio several years back, allowing the band more creative freedom. New tracks currently in progress are “Time, Time to Run,” “A Story,” and “The Lucky Ones,” a rocker about 2020.

Find music from The Noted on their website , on iTunes and on Bandcamp.

Souvenir Driver

Moody bliss-pop Souvenir Driver are another absolutely ace Portland Indie band.

Like many of the best bands today, Souvenir Driver began as a solo bedroom project. And, while the band can be elusive, their music is well-worth searching out.

Their stunning 2017 “Brace Yourself” – about the band’s reaction to Trump’s election – is outstanding. Mixed by Gregg Williams (Dandy Warhols, Blitzen Trapper), “Brace Yourself” remains an Indie classic, and is a personal favorite.

The band released their compelling “A Dangerous Crossing” in 2019, and a remix its atmospheric “Haze,” the same year. Remix artist Jonathan Allen is quoted as saying he was listening to The Cure “and thinking of our withdrawal from the Paris Climate Accord” at the time he worked on it.

Equally compelling, don’t miss fabulous “Voices of a Traveler” from their self-titled CD, recorded in a mountain cabin and at Trench Studios.

Great stuff!

You can find music from Souvenir Driver on Bandcamp.

Coordination

Also based in Portland is Coordination. This band is a bit of a mystery, but hey! Sometimes, mysteries are fun.

Coordination was founded by Portland musician Anthony Brisson.

Their new “The Great Adventure,” released last year, is splendid pop-rock. Guest performers and collaborators include: Eddie Bond (synthesizer & piano), Lisa Schonberg (drums, percussion, synth bass), Cam Mazzia (bass guitar), Amenta Abioto (vocals), Zachary Blake Nelson (slide guitar) and Robert Murphy, violin.

Coordination’s new release is atmospheric rock n’ roll. Fans of fresh-sounding shoegaze, lo-fi and synthwave are sure to love tracks like “Conor Stays Up Late”.

You can find music from Anthony Brisson and Coordination on Bandcamp .

The Muddy Souls

Eugene’s Muddy Souls, above, are a fine blend folk, country and bluegrass.

Eugene’s The Muddy Souls are an acoustic blend of folk, bluegrass, and country, and are sure to get you smiling and stomping your feet.

Band members are: Peter Romanelli, guitar and vocals, Grace Honeywell, fiddle and vocals, Mila Butler-Bass, vocals, Jacob Camara, banjo, guitar, vocals, and Austen Slone, mandolin, vocals.

They released their new album “Medicine” just last year. The new album confirms the band’s gift for delivering an upbeat, original sound.

Look for their music on iTunes or on their website.

Parting thoughts

Of course, no story about Oregon’s music scene would be complete without mentioning Portland’s ever-popular Blitzen Trapper.

Their newest “Holy Smokes, Future Jokes” is superb.

And extremely talented songstress Laura Veirs , also based in Portland, released her gorgeous new “My Echo” just last year. It’s a stellar sound that should make any Oregonian proud.

If you have a chance to catch either of these acts live…don’t miss out!

Support local musicians

That’s a wrap!

Thanks for listening to KRVM, and supporting listener-powered radio!

What’s new in music? Here’s four for your collection.

November 5, 2020 by Cynthia Orlando

Are you a music fan seeking new tunes to help you coast through to the end of 2020? Here’s a few recommendations you’re bound to love.

Tom Petty – “Wildflowers & All the Rest”

The new 5-disc release includes a remastered version of Petty’s original (1994) “Wildflowers” album. Also incorporated is the 10-song second disc Petty wanted to include the first time ‘round (music execs had other ideas).

Unreleased songs – plus – live album tracks from over the years, are also included. New, previously unreleased tracks like “Confusion Wheel” and “Something Could Happen” are both quintessential Petty. Live tracks from the peak of his career include “You Wreck Me” and “It’s Good to Be King.”

“It was the last project that he was working on and we know for a fact that he really wanted it to be out,” says Petty’s daughter Adria in a recent interview with USA Today. “It’s been really a treasure hunt for us.”

Be on the lookout for tracks “Something Could Happen” and “Leave Virginia Alone” – “Virginia” is on KRVM’s playlist.

Summing it up, “Wildflowers & All the Rest” is a generous retrospective collection sure to lift hearts up for years to come.

Laura Veirs – “My Echo”

Don’t miss exceptional “My Echo” from Portland’s Laura Veirs.

This is the eleventh full studio release by the gifted singer-songwriter. “My Echo” is filled with gorgeous, insightful folk pop. On the label Bella Union, it’s being well-received by both critics and fans.

The bright, catchy “Turquoise Walls” sees Veirs processing the end of her marriage to music producer Tucker Martine; much to her credit, the music never becomes moody, or overly morose.

Her remarkable “Brick Layer” is tender and pensive. Spritely, retrospective “Memaloose Island” is a celebration of life. Lastly, you’re bound to love colorful “Burn too Bright” – currently on KRVM’s playlist.

“My Echo” is firm confirmation of Veirs’ continued artistic abilities and her standing as one of Portland’s brightest stars.

Fleet Foxes – “Shore”

By now you’ve surely heard the many acclamations about Fleet Foxes stunning new release. The Seattle-based Indie-folk rockers dropped “Shore” in September to coincide with the autumnal equinox.

Musically venturesome “Shore” boasts fifteen appealing tracks including uplifting “Sunblind,” which pays homage to some of the band’s songwriting heroes. Fans are also loving melodic, sonically rich hit single “Can I Believe You.”

Beautiful, thoughtful and evocative “Featherweight” is another album standout. Lead singer Pecknold wrote these songs as a way of coping with the pandemic, and helping others to cope, too.

The gorgeous, comforting vibe of “Shore” will endure long after the pandemic is over, and may well earn the band a grammy nomination.

Blitzen Trapper – “Holy Smokes, Future Jokes’

Rich harmonies and complex melodies abound on this new album from one of Portland’s favorite bands. The new songs often bring another great Northwest band – The Shins – to mind. Hopefully, Blitzen Trapper won’t mind the comparison because this album is not-to-be-missed.

There isn’t a poorly written song or lackluster arrangement to be found anywhere on “Holy Smokes.” The album’s multilayered, multi-textured folk-rock compositions – like dreamy “Baptismal” – are elevating and lovely.

Especially noteworthy? The album title track, “Masonic Temple Microdose #1,” and “Hazy Morning.” Vocals from the band’s lead singer Eric Earley are sincere, engaging and smooth throughout.

The band’s mystical “Bardo’s Light,” pensive “Think Magically,” and lovely “Don’t Let Me Run” are all musical balm for a frantic year. “Don’t Let Me Run” is now on KRVM’s playlist.

Simply put, this new unique release from Portland-based Blitzen Trapper is a “must-have.”

That’s a wrap!

It’s been a long year, music lovers.

Thanks for listening to KRVM and supporting listener-powered radio!

Don’t Miss the Latest From These Northwest Artists