Monday, July 27, 2009

Great Lake Swimmers



I enjoy artists or bands that have found a great or somewhat unique sound and then explore and capitalize on that sound. Giving me, as the listener, the chance to enjoy and relish each song and the musical journey within that sound. (You can keep the one-hit wonders and bands trying to become the latest trend.)
Over the last year, one band that I've enjoyed the journey with is Great Lake Swimmers. If you listen to one of their songs, the first thing you'll notice is Tony Dekker's haunting and delicate voice. The band recorded their last album in a castle and have recorded in an old performance hall and even an abandoned grain silo. They take a gently played banjo, delicately strummed guitars, and with a mild echo on Tony's voice, produce angelic music. Many of the lyrics have a dream-like quality; esoteric, yet affecting and relative. I hope you'll give them a listen. (Click the link below to hear their 2008 release, Ongiara.)
Ongiara album by Great Lake Swimmers

The Morning Muse

Stranded Under Endless Sky - The 2nd and 4th Tuesday of every month - 6:30 to 9 PM. www.kafmradio.org

Many years ago, growing weary of what was being played on commercial radio, and also getting fed up with 15-minute-long commercial breaks, I decided to explore the varied and wonderful world of indie music. By doing this, I was able to build up an unusual and diverse music library. When I moved to the valley, I was lucky that someone encouraged me to give KAFM a listen.

I started doing The Morning Muse in the summer of 2007. Being repulsed by popular or top-40 radio, I make a conscious effort to play non-mainstream artists, who deserve but rarely get air-play on the radio. Also being opposed to peppy or upbeat music early in the morning, or most any other time, I decided to play low-key music.

The styles I play are: Americana, indie pop, and folk, with low-key rock and alternative music. I try to keep the music tranquil but varied, with some edge sneaking in from time to time. I also have an ear for lyrics that often are on the more melancholy or poignant end of the spectrum. (There is a reason I call myself the Storm Boy.)

I love it when people say to me, “I love that music, but I’ve never heard of that artist!” And I would love to hear from listeners who have an opinion or could give recommendations of artists to play on Stranded Under Endless Sky.