Artists

Comprised of Seattle residents Grant Olsen and Sonya Westcott, Arthur & Yu released their debut album in 2007.  That debut, In Camera, fills its space with soft, layered vocals that float over textural acoustics, creating an audible effigy of a time past. Olsen's hazy croon is lifted by the smooth harmonies of Westcott, and both reel in the influence of Lee Hazlewood and Nancy Sinatra between the familiar crash of a tambourine and layers of guitar. Their debut was the first record to be released on Hardly Art.

Frontman for Death Cab For Cutie, Seattle native and arguably one of the most influential musicians recording today. We are honored to have Ben on our compilation.

Champagne Champagne- Seattle’s own punk-rap-shoegazers, backroom brown hornets, vibrate higher in their magnetic blackness. Two MC’s: Pearl Dragon, lifer-a  smoke-breathing hood Jim Morrison- and Sir Thomas Gray, the hyperactivated game-gifted trouble man. One producer/multi-instrumentalist DJ Gajamagic (AKA Mark Gadjahar, drummer/founding member of defunct Seattle posthardcore institution The Blood Brothers, current backbone to Past Lives and Weekend) – master of dark arts, road-trip Macgyver, and sound systems savage. Together they “outrap and outparty everyone” (via Seattle Weekly), drink greenrooms dry, and smash packed clubs and sweaty basements alike with their afrofuturist afterparty music- rejecting easy classifications, broke groupies, and bammer weed. Just picture The Cure, Cody ChesnuTT and Cannibal Ox at a Pabst-soaked jam in a haunted mansion. Now picture The ‘Pagne burning it the fuck down. Yeah, you got it.

My scraper stays clean all day every day.  Each and every scuff and scratch skips the scraper and goes straight to the time-traveling DeLorean Gray. - sabzi

Literally born the love child of Seattle Hip Hop, D.Black’s parents were both members of pioneering Seattle rap groups.  After four years of being the flagship artist of Sportn’ Life Records, at the age of eighteen he became co-owner. Since then D.Black has emerged as one of the Northwest’s Hip Hop elite. Mentoring under super producer Vitamin D, allowed him to develop special tools of the trade not found in average rappers, D.Black is a real producer’s rapper.  On his newly released sophomore album “Ali’Yah” Black delivers soul music that provokes feeling, thought and conversation.

Fatal Lucciauno began as a battle rapper on street corners, playgrounds and public buses, after realizing there was more than just competition pumping in his blood; he pursued his desire to create music.  At the age of fifteen he became the second solo artist signed to Sportn’ Life Records.  It’s Fatal’s unique approach to street rap sets hip apart from the heard.  His lyrics are intelligent and posses a keen sense of history and people.

Fences is most recent project from Christopher Mansfield. The Berklee trained and Brockton, Ma-native teamed up with producer Sara Quin (Tegan and Sara) to create a stunning 10 song LP that will be released in early 2010. About Fences, Spin Magazine said, "Fences mastermind Chris Mansfield looks like he could be a roadie for New Jersey hardcore band Thursday, but don't be fooled. It's his acoustic guitar and quiet stories of emotional torment that shine..."

The first time I heard “Boots of Spanish Leather,” it was as if all of the oxygen had been drained from the room, suddenly replaced with the wavering golden longing of this one song. Only it wasn’t Dylan singing, it was my 14 year-old brother Robin, belting out these heart-worn lyrics as the afternoon spring sunlight streamed through rain-stained windows, illuminating a thousand dust flecks in my cluttered college apartment. Each verse further eclipsed any hint of a self-conscious adolescent, as his fingers moved nimbly over the fretboard. It was the first of many songs I’d hear him master in the short time after our father gave us both acoustic guitars. - Aja Pecknold

Critically lauded by fans and music writers alike, Fresh Espresso delivered their debut record, Glamour, in early 2009 and continue to gain accolades with their inventive brand of hip hop.  Rapper/MC Rik Rude delivers rhymes that are stronger than the blackest cup of coffee, while his partner-in-grime P Smoov lays down filthy beats, infectious hooks, and equally compelling vocals.  Onstage, you’ll find Terry Radjaw on the turntables, while Fresh Espresso wins over the audience with their glamorous ways.  Look for a special project by the year’s end, in conjunction with Caffe Vita.  Back up, because their lazerbeams get so hot.

Gabriel Mintz has a need to write songs. It's like blood or breathing. He’s roots type Americana leaning with spatial drone and aridness. From his West Village days on Bleeker Street to his Greyhound Bus desert individuations, Mintz tells of characters and sketched out scenes. Vocals are a gangly call. Dirtied, but on. Loosed, and unleashed from the songs. Closer to the mic, his lower register becomes unashamed of its beauty. Mintz has a full length coming out in the new year with Trent Moorman (Head like a Kite, Saturday Knights) on drums and Geoff Stanfield (Sun Kil Moon, Dick Dale) on bass and producing.

Formed in Seattle in 2007, Grand Archives is comprised of singer and guitarist Mat Brooke (formerly of Carissa’s Wierd and Band of Horses), drummer Curtis Hall, bass player, Jeff Montano, and guitarist Thomas Wright. The Grand Archives, the band’s debut album arrived on Sub Pop in 2008 and “…offers an impressively alternative take on American indie; blending a number of interesting influences to create a fresh and airy project”—Drowned in Sound. Their second album, Keep in Mind Frankenstein, was just released in September of 2009.

Part theater and part dance party, HEAD LIKE A KITE seamlessly ties epic pop overtones to sunny bliptronic beats, sounding like an indie band remixed by an Entroducing era DJ Shadow hopped up on DFA records. Hip hop beats dance around meaty analog synths and mischievous guitars, while HLAK drops the vocal hook bombs. Featured on MTV2, NPR, and touring the USA and Japan last year on the momentum of flattering reviews in the London Times, URB, Remix, Magnet, LA Weekly and more, HEAD LIKE A KITE is back in the studio working on a new Spring 2010 release. This exclusive track, "Director's Cut," featuring The Saturday Knights kingpin, Tilson, gives us a taste of what’s in store.

Hey Marseilles is a 7-piece indie orchestral pop band from Seattle, Wa.   After releasing their first record independently, Hey Marseilles landed on Sound Magazine’s, “Top 10 Bands to Watch for 2008,” quickly garnered airplay on KEXP and made appearances at Bumbershoot, The Doe Bay Festival, CMJ, SXSW and The Capitol Hill Block Party .  2010 finds Hey Marseilles on a nationally distributed compilation from the Starbucks Corporation (Sweethearts Vol.2) and re-releasing their independent debut, To Travels and Trunks with national distribution, a college radio campaign and increased touring.

In early 2004, Joshua Morrison joined the Army after accruing a fair share of student loans at Northwest University. Three plus years in the Army has led to a greater appreciation of many things, music certainly among those.  Although he’s learned a lot serving the country, following your dream provides some challenges.



Joshua Morrison wrote the songs on his debut EP upon returning from Iraq in 2005. Stationed at Fort Lewis, Washington, Morrison found himself only 15 minutes away from the hospital where he was born. The proximity to his birthplace combined with the distance spent away from home resonates within the downhearted vocals and delicate optimism featured on those initial songs.  Home, Morrison’s first full-length release out on Expanding Brooklyn, explores the feelings of longing and loss, of want for that quiet cup of tea shared with a loved one.  His songs are thematically counter-intuitive for an individual who has first-hand experience with combat.   His military service concludes in summer of 2009, and will be marked by release of his sophomore record.

Kinski is a four-piece rock band from Seattle, WA.  They skillfully meld their love of pop with their love of the drone.  With majestically fuzzed-out guitar tones, spare and pounding rhythms, and swirling sonic textures, "Kinski is one of the finest rock bands Seattle has produced." -The Seattle Times
 
Kinski have toured extensively throughout the U.S., Europe, and Japan, including tours with Mission of Burma, Oneida, Comets on Fire, Acid Mothers Temple, Tool and …Trail of the Dead.

What began as the bedroom project of Sam Simkoff in 2007 is now a full-sized band, with all five members contributing vocals and songwriting credits. The band’s music – originally a blend of keyboard loops, banjo, and computer wizardry – has grown as well, encompassing everything from shape note harmonies to polyphonic percussion. Originally from DC and now partially residing in Seattle, Le Loup has released two records on Hardly Art, and has toured with Ruby Suns, Andrew Bird, Nurses, and others.

Formed in late 2007, Mad Rad quickly took Seattle by storm with energetic live performances and onstage antics that often bordered on controlled chaos.  The release of their first record, White Gold, brought accolades from both critics and fans, and proved to naysayers that the group is more than just a party waiting to happen.

Comprised of Buffalo Madonna, P Smoov, and Terry Radjaw, this high energy trio delivers solid rhymes, big beats, and spectacular good times.  With the help of DJ Darwin, a Mad Rad show is one you’ll never forget.  When not onstage, the group is currently hard at work on their second full length record.  The rumors are true: Mad Rad is super dope.

The Moondoggies are a four-piece band from Seattle that plays timeless American music. Warm three-part harmonies, gothic Rhodes organ, and wanderlust guitar mark a sound rooted in boogie blues and cosmic country; whip-smart songwriting leads to hook-heavy tunes that bristle with originality. They're a serious band with a silly name, and they play music that speaks of travel but is strongly connected to its place of origin. The Moondoggies’ debut, Don’t Be A Stranger, was released on Hardly Art in 2008.

Benjamin Verdoes (vocals, guitar, percussion) hoped to motivate his younger
brother Marshall to push forward in his drum lessons. Once Marshall got good
at drums, Benjamin vowed, they'd start a band together, and the now-14-year-old
Marshall would have naming rights. That promise was realized with the release of Mt. St. Helens Vietnam Band's self-titled debut full-length in March 2009.

Out of those somewhat unorthodox orgins, MSHVB’s urgent, driven vocals, and frayed melodic sensibilities have gained solid ground in the 17 months of existence, receiving critical acclaim from a variety of press (Spin, Stereogum), playing a variety of festivals (SXSW, Sasquatch, Bumbershoot, Bonnaroo).  The band’s currently in the studio, working on their yet-to-be-named sophomore release.

as zachary tillman was born to two fully grown adult humans, he was endowed (fortunately) with ten "fingers" situated conveniently at the ends of two "arms".  and they were clustered into hand bundles; five were on each side.  upon learning that one of the "fingers" on each hand was opposed to the other four, he began doing all sorts of things.  one day he grasped a tangerine.  one day he patted a pet cat.  one day he made a music album called "pearly gate music".  one day he even climbed up a big ladder.  he was just like a monkey

The Pica Beats began in Vermont in 2005 as a solo vehicle for Ryan Barrett, who soon made his way to the West Coast and had settled in Seattle by the time of his debut, 2007’s self-recorded/released gem, All Mysteries Solve Themselves. Shortly thereafter, Barrett joined forces with drummer Colin English to begin a collaborative vision for The Pica Beats—the product of which would grow to become the patient, post-summer soundtrack world known.

The live set-up currently consists of: Ryan Barrett on guitar and sitar, Colin English on drums, Adam McCollom on keyboards and Garrett Kelly on bass.

After 15 years of playing drums (Sera drummed for the late indie band Carissa’s Wierd and performed on the acclaimed 2006 Band Of Horses album, Everything All the Time), Sera Cahoone decided to pick up a guitar and attempt writing her own songs.  The fruit of her newfound dedication was Sera Cahoone (2006), her self-released first album of thoughtful country songs that was lauded by indie-rock tastemaker KEXP-FM in Seattle along with NPR.  In 2008 Sub Pop released Sera’s second and highly praised record, Only as the Day Is Long.  Sera is currently touring in support of this record.

Talbot Tagora is a three-person project from Seattle who create and produce art and non-fiction. Talbot Tagora released their debut record, Lessons in the Woods or a City, on Hardly Art in 2008. This record is presented as a series of lessons; a series of abstractions for the senses. Tools used in the summer, fall, winter, or spring - tools explaining a revolution - a year - in a revolution in a revolution. The band now resides somewhere between New Mexico, California, and Washington.

Tea Cozies are a garage pop four-piece. Originally hailing from Colorado, the band's three female members relocated to Seattle where they recruited their lone gentleman bassist. Earlier this year, the band released their debut album, Hot Probs, produced by Erik Blood (Turn-Ons, Moondoggies.) Tea Cozies' energetic and unpretentious live shows have bolstered their fan base, with local media eliciting comparisons to Elastica, The Breeders, and Bikini Kill. Recently, the band was featured in Lynn Shelton's $5 Cover: Seattle which will be debuting on MTV.com this December.

While we were out on tour a couple years ago, I began forming an
idea for a song unlike what I had written before. Inspired by Pet
Shop Boys styled crooning, with the directness of OMD, a stripped down
track of drums, keys and vox. When we got back to Seattle, we
tracked the song now called "Parking Lot" along with "Don't Bother Me"
and a couple of others.  Unfortunately before the song had got its
final mix, the hard drive crashed and we lost everything. All the files
were gone except for the one mixdown which we luckily had burned to a
cd the night before, a test mix at most. The song was forgotten
about for over a year. At the time, it seemed too stylistically different from current Blakes
stuff to go on a record. So here it is, out of the vaults and back from the dead, and i can't think of a better reason then GIVE for its release!

Four childhood friends hailing from the island city of Ancortes, Washington are The Lonely Forest. Making their first splash into the local music scene by winning EMP’s 21-and-under band competition, SOUND-OFF in 2006, TLF spent the better part of 2009 re-building after some. TLF’s star in 2009 has shone bright. In April 2009, TLF released “We Sing the Body Electric” on Seattle indie-label, Burning Building Records.

Singer/songwriter John Roderick is an indie version of R.E.M.'s Michael Stipe. Seattle's Western State Hurricanes established Roderick as an insightful artist in progress, while time spent touring the world with Harvey Danger in 2000 furthered his musical creativity. The Long Winters are the culmination of those years traveling the globe. TLW’s debut, The Worst You Can Do Is Harm, released on Barsuk in spring 2002, was his friendly introduction, featuring select members and friends from Built to Spill, the Posies, Harvey Danger, Sunny Day Real Estate, and Death Cab for Cutie. The next spring, The Long Winters released When I Pretend to Fall. The Ultimatum EP, produced by Tucker Martine (Eyvind Kang, Wayne Horvitz, Laura Veirs), followed in fall 2005. In late July 2006, Roderick returned with his third indie rock opus, Putting the Days to Bed. This pop masterpiece featured a brand-new lineup with the additions of Eric Corson (bass), the Lemons' Nabil Ayers (drums), and ex-Ghost Stories guitarist Jonathan Rothman.

The Maldives have been breaking hearts and melting faces with their Northwestern brand of country rock since 2006. Their music is made of blue jeans and brown beards, pedal steel and porch swings, fiddle tunes and moonshine. They have graced the stages of Sasquatch, Bumbershoot, and most recently played a sold-out three-night stint at the legendary Tractor Tavern in support of their second full-length album "Listen to the Thunder," released 2009 on Mt. Fuji Records. They live in Ballard.

As a dynamic hip-hop scene began to surface in Seattle during the late 2000s, it was practically inevitable that a rap group like the Saturday Knights would rise to local prominence, basing their musical approach in sync with Seattle's internationally recognized hotbed of alternative/indie rock. Inspired by a diversity of rap and rock subgenres, including ‘60s psychedelia, power pop, ’80s hiphop, and indie rock, this lighthearted, tongue-in-cheek band comprised of MCs Tilson and Barfly (of Seattle underground rap crew Oldominion) plus producer DJ Suspence (Spencer Manio) and guitarist/keyboardist BWeb (aka Brian Weber, formerly of Dub Narcotic Sound System) began as an inside joke. Just for fun, Tilson and Barfly used to come up with drunkenly freestyle rhymes to mix with melodies from ‘60s pop, doo-wop, and barbershop quartet music. However, one day, DJ Suspence challenged them to perform in front of a crowd and booked the, at the time, nonexistent group as the opening act for Rjd2 in 2005. Onstage that night, The Saturday Knights were born.

The Unnatural Helpers, from Seattle, consist mostly of Dean Whitmore (who has drummed with the likes of Welcome, The Intelligence, and Mars Accelerator), and sometimes of a few other people as well. Based around Whitmore’s quick lyrics and frantic shouts, their ramshackle sound has earned them the title of “Seattle’s Replacements (pre-Tim)” from local alt-weekly The Stranger. They have previously worked with the likes of Phil Ek, were part of the latest version of the Sub Pop Singles Club (with the “Dirty, Dumb, & Comical” 7”), and plan on releasing their new full-length in 2010 on local label Hardly Art.

With a New Jersey childhood and a Seattle address, Rachel Flotard fronts Visqueen with recognizable nods to both coasts and their rock and roll heritage.  When her father took ill, she put the band on hold in order to spend time with him as he battled prostate cancer. Losing her dad led Flotard to take deeper stock of her life and career. With renewed energy, she formed her own label, Local 638 Records, and released this year's power-pop masterstroke Message to Garcia to rave reviews nationwide.  “Hand Me Down” featuring guest vocals from Neko Case, kick-starts it all!

The Dutchess & the Duke consists of Jesse Lortz and Kimberly Morrison, who have been involved in a bevy of West coast punk bands over the last decade or so (including the Fall-Outs, the Intelligence, Fe Fi Fo Fums, the Sultanas, and the Flying Dutchmen, to name a few). Despite this, the Dutchess & the Duke is their vessel to make sparse and direct music as a two-piece, with Lortz tackling all of the songwriting and arrangements. This is a project with harmonies in place of shouting and acoustic solos in place of fuzzy riffs; something born of the 60’s and materializing just now. The Dutchess & the Duke’s acclaimed debut, She’s the Dutchess, He’s the Duke, was released in 2008, and their sophomore release, Sunset / Sunrise, followed in 2009.

Soon after the release of the TMTS debut album Moonbeams in Summer 2007 the Indiana-based Secretly Canadian Records caught wind and signed the act to their high profile roster. With the band's lineup now solidified and Secretly Canadian's re-release of Moonbeams in February '08, TMTS would tour extensively in support of their new international critical acclaim throughout North America and Europe, playing 100 shows across 8 countries that year.

In the beginning of 2009 the band began work on the follow-up LP and headed into the studio for the first time. With Phil Ek (The Shins, Built to Spill, Band of Horses) on board as co-producer, the group consisting of Reitherman, Aaron Goldman, Charlie Smith and Jarred Grimes sought to enlarge the scope of TMTS' lo-fi bedroom pop. The resulting full length record entitled Creaturesque will be released in the US and Europe by Secretly Canadian on August 4th, and soon thereafter in Aus/NZ by PopFrenzy and in Japan by MerryGate Records.