Author: Chad

July 12, 2011 In Carlos Forster

‘Family Trees’ – PASTE Exclusive Album Stream

The curtain is thrown wide open this week with Paste sharing a stream of Family Trees due out next Tuesday:

Carlos Forster and M. Ward are old college friends. Like many friends who go their separate ways after graduation, they often look for ways to fit in old acquaintances into their busy lives. For the past several years, the two have kept up by spending weekends together in the Pacific Northwest—partaking in everything from hiking in The Columbia Gorge to swimming in the Sandy River to recording some of Forster’s solo works.

Eight years after beginning what would become his solo debut Family Trees, Forster’s impressive folk collection quietly strikes in similar fashion to the laid back environment it was created in. In addition to Ward’s assistance, the former for Stars frontman also recruited the help of Rachel Blumberg (M. Ward, Bright Eyes, The Decemberists, Mirah, Jolie Holland), Johnathan Richman and Tim Mooney (American Music Club). Listen to Carlos Forster’s new record Family Trees a week before it comes out in stores in the player HERE.

July 7, 2011 In Carlos Forster

Carlos Forster – “I Walk I Talk”

Today Paste premiered the lead track from Carlos Forster’s Family Trees.  They said:

“The album’s opener “I Walk I Talk” is a blend of groovy ambiance and reverberant harmonies. Ward’s laidback production approach is heard in the whimsical movement of the track.”

Rock the cut on your digital music device with a simple email exchange:

June 28, 2011 In Carlos Forster

Carlos Forster’s “Campfire Songs” on NPR’s All Songs Considered

Today’s edition of All Songs Considered features “Campfire Songs” off the Carlos Forster solo debut Family Trees.  Host Bob Boilen enthusiastically declared, “I think that’s as sweet as can be.” Adding, “It’s a growing favorite in just one day.”  Co-host Robin Hilton agreed, “Really sweet, loved it, very lovely…”

Thanks fellas!

You can preorder the album, to ship very soon, in the HUSHshop.

June 28, 2011 In Nick Jaina

Nick Jaina: Climbing The Beanstalks

Nick Jaina is at the top of his game.

In this reader’s opinion, Jaina’s produced some of the most compelling writing the Willamette Week music section (or any metro weekly paper or affiliated blog) has printed with his column Nick Jaina’s Little Box Of Lies.  The title is a miscue, as the writing is neither little, or the work of a liar.  Each installment is a full blown essay, and is brimming with the rare honesty of one who has calculated there’s really nothing to loose for not keeping up appearances, or probing prevailing notions.

There are a lot of words on the internet,  but if you have any interest in the topic of making a career in music, you’ll likely find Jaina’s writing touching, funny, insightful, well organized and occasionally contentious:

Nick Jaina’s Little Box Of Lies

While you’re reading, do yourself the favor of cuing up Jaina’s latest long-player The Beanstalks That Have Brought Us Here Are Gone.  It’s an edifying listen and noteworthy for Jaina’s decision to let an impressive and well-curated selection of women to sing on his behalf.  Get your own digital copy from bandcamp or wait a few weeks for a more tangible version.

Lastly, for the Portlanders that may be reading this, Nick is going to premiere his latest undertaking, music for The New York City Ballet this Thursday July 30th at The Alberta Rose Theatre.  (No dancing, just music.)  It’s safe to expect something great.