May 11, 2015 | 0 Comments

LED TO SEA – THE BEAUTIFUL HUMMING OF MS. FORTUNE is at Radio Now!!!

Although Alex Guy (bandleader of Led to Sea) will most likely be new to you by name, you’ll know her work: this Seattle artist is really something special. She’s played (strings) as a member of/on recordings with Laura Veirs, Thao and the Get Down Stay Down, Mirah, Jherek Bischoff, Amanda Palmer, Xiu Xiu, and Parenthetical Girls (and also in a circus). WHAAA! This album absolutely fits in line with that list of artists, adding Alex’s own beautiful and smart sensibilities into the mix. It’s viola-based (instead of guitar-based) pop music, although it actually took me a couple listens to even realize that; it’ll fit right in to your indie rock airwaves (this isn’t a classical album by any stretch, don’t worry! Chamber pop!!), but it’ll also stand out. As something really special!

LED TO SEA

THE BEAUTIFUL HUMMING OF MS. FORTUNE

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Led to Sea is the unusual and magnetic solo project from the Seattle-based violinist, violist and singer Alex Guy, who fuses classical, pop and experimental music. Her live show as a string player and vocalist has captivated audiences all over the U.S. and Europe, and draws comparisons to St. Vincent and Andrew Bird. She has opened for and shared the stage with a host of renowned artists, including Laura Veirs, Thao and the Get Down Stay Down, Mirah and Jherek Bischoff. She has also contributed to albums from Amanda Palmer, Xiu Xiu, Laura Veirs, Mirah and Parenthetical Girls.

Led to Sea’s third album, The beautiful humming of ms. fortune, is the product of a two-year collaboration with engineer and co-producer Jherek Bischoff (David Byrne, Amanda Palmer). The album exemplifies a wide-range of Alex’s compositions, featuring lushly orchestrated songs with pop sensibilities, alongside stripped-down, bare arrangements with haunting melodies. At the core of each song is Alex’s enigmatic viola and voice.

Alex uses her viola as a diverse vehicle for soaring string melodies, driving bass lines and guitar riffs, and ethereal atmospheric layers of sound. She has taken the classical string instrument and turned it upside-down, creating unexpected compositions that transport the listener to ship-wrecking storms, dreamy nostalgic scenes, and fearless journeys.

After several years of touring with various bands in the U.S. and Europe, and eventually running away from Seattle to join the circus as a composer and violinist, Alex decided to dedicate herself to her own music, and thus, Led to Sea was born. Since then she has released three albums, and toured all over the world, transfixing audiences with her viola and voice.

When she’s not on the road, Alex continues to collaborate with a wide range of artists in Seattle. She’s composed for both dance groups and theater ensembles, and currently works with Wayne Horvitz (John Zorn, Bill Frisell) in the Electric Circus, an improvised jazz ensemble, and with the Seattle Rock Orchestra, amongst other ensembles. She is also currently working on a film score for the independent film With Wings and Roots, a documentary about immigration, identity and belonging.

RIYL: Andrew Bird, St. Vincent, Mirah, Amanda Palmer, Laura Veirs

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