#Down The Lees

[thoughtswordsaction]

Down The Lees Released "Dirt" EP

Okanagan Valley-based noise rock / post-rock trio Down The Lees released “Dirt,” their highly anticipated extended play release. You can check it out below.

[thepermanentrainpress]

UNDER THE RADAR: APRIL 2023

April's Under The Radar brings new releases from Porteau, The Evan Williams Project, Grace Chiang, Hotel of the Laughing Tree, Down the Lees and Odum Abekah.

1) Porteau - “Split Screen Eyes”

Sometimes, it takes a hurtful dynamic to uncover quiet strength.

“Split Screen Eyes” is helmed by inner monologue—an emotional push and pull from “caring for someone with mental illness and concurrent substance use.” Victoria Williams and Craig Stevenson acknowledge the codependence and create distance with some whimsical, less orthodox language. The single combines Williams’ winsome vocals, relaxed guitars, synths, harmonies, and a hint of harmonica. “Aberration is uncomfortable but it’s what I need,” Williams sings, setting boundaries and deepening the sentiment simultaneously. Porteau’s sophomore album What I Need is out June 2, 2023.

Written by: Natalie Hoy

2) Hotel of the Laughing Tree - “Faraway Friends”

“Faraway Friends” is a fun and throbbing melody despite isolating emotions. It was lyrically inspired by the majority of their band members moving away from New York, and is sung from the perspective of vocalist AJ Estrada, who remained in their home state. “No need to let go, please keep me in your world / Back in your old back seat / Time never slows when I want to leave the scene...” Time can be unforgiving when you’re going through a period of change and uncertainty. The result is woozy, beautiful, bracing—vocals, drum machines, keys and guitars trying to shake the rearview mirror.

Hotel is comprised of Estrada, Brandon Peterson and Jonathon Streker. “Faraway Friends” is the title track off their fifth full-length album, out now.

Faraway Friends by Hotel of the Laughing Tree

Written by: Natalie Hoy

3) Grace Chiang (featuring Rebecca Sichon & Amanda Na) - “Played”

A modern day love triangle that leans on the shared experiences of women is at the core of “Played.” Encapsulating the manipulation and betrayal of a lost lover, the song’s use of two female vocalists plays on the misplaced anger and fraught emotion. It’s a sublime debut single from producer/songwriter Chiang, creating notes and tones that are sultry, distracted and resentful. The harmonies and vocal runs between Sichon and Na are sweet to the ear – a division and predicament that reaches an understanding towards each other. In the pop/R&B realm with a soulful lining, soft piano is richly elevated by punchy hip hop beats.  

I couldn’t be more thrilled to hear that Chiang is collaborating with other female artists and creatives from underrepresented communities, in a project set for release later this year. “Played” celebrates the strength of emerging women in music and encourages us to let go of those who don’t show us the same loyalty and respect.

Written by: Chloe Hoy

4) The Evan Williams Project - “Contact”

“I know that prison in the palace of a demagogue / Is ever better than the curse of being free.” 

Scott McGowan’s struggle with his spiritual belief is heard in “Contact,” omnipresent thoughts that err on regret and a looming end. They bring a new definition to raw—creating music while going through an honest bout of questioning one’s faith and mental health. It is less of the heavy, hard rock found in past releases, instead having a progressive, ambient feel built by vocal layering, clean guitar leads, and reverb. McGowan and his sister Launey have a perpetual quality to their voices that linger in the weight of Christianity and desperation. They have a mysterious, almost vigilant sound rooted in questioning reception and our existence; a very compelling listen and a story far from its conclusion.  

The Evan Williams Project is fronted by McGowan, with Allayne (Launey) McGowan (drums), Isaac Robinson (keys) and Jaxon Russell (guitar). Their new album Willpower is out now.

WILLPOWER by The Evan Williams Project

Written by: Chloe Hoy

5) Down the Lees - “Dead and Over”

Oh so bleak and penetrating as they veer into frustrating territory in “Dead and Over,” a release of negative emotions felt over the course of the past few years. Laura Lee Schultz fronts the post-rock/shoegaze act, carrying a piece of her soul and a jaded energy to elevate the single. Her voice is tired and anxious, angry and embattled in a losing fight. I love the mystifying sound, it’s both biting and tormenting as instruments crash in and out. In addition to the general overcast of the pandemic, they address artist mental health struggles and ageism in the challenges faced by older female musicians (“No one gives a f*ck about aging women”). 

For any creatives who have faced doubts about ability, recognition, assumed retirement or expiration, the band carves out the best of what is left—which is plenty of passion and perspective. Something to remember. Down the Lees is Schultz, Chris Carlson (bass) and Andy Ashley (drums).

Dead and Over by Down the Lees

Written by: Chloe Hoy

6) Odum Abekah - “GOOD FOR YA”

Odum Abekah’s “GOOD FOR YA” started with a sinuous beat, and blossomed into a dancefloor special with its lush layers and persuasive tone.

Originally from Fredericton, NB and now based in Calgary, Abekah is a graduate of both Humber College and Mount Allison University music programs. His sound is uplifting and put-together—retrowave mixed with modern rock guitars and sturdy drums. Abekah’s slick vocals play the part of wooing a potential lover well (“But the world they capture's digitized black and white / You deserve some colour”). “GOOD FOR YA” is a song with no regrets; leaving everything on the line for a shot at something special.

Written by: Natalie Hoy

[sloucher]

Review: Down the Lees - Wear Me Out

Review: Down the Lees @lauraleeschultz - Wear Me Out

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There’s the (maybe apocryphal) quote by Jorge Luis Borges where he declares that “novels are a waste of time; if you can’t say it as a short story, don’t say it at all“. Maybe LL Schultz has been following this advice lately, as the EP Island series of EPs have been nothing but…

[thoughtswordsaction]

Down The Lees - Douse

“Douse” is the latest single by Down The Lees, a superb Canadian trio. It’s their first single in 2024 and an adequate follow-up of “Christmas Tribute,” “Since La Vie En Rose,” and “Dead And Over,” three exceptional tracks released in 2023. Soundwise, Down The Lees combines many different but complementary music genres to illustrate such rich and luxurious sonic imagery. Perhaps grunge comes to…

[thepermanentrainpress]

THE PERMANENT RAIN PRESS INTERVIEW WITH LAURA LEE SCHULTZ (OFF WHITE HOUSE RECORDS)

Pursuing a career in music can have its ups and downs, ask any artist. Now, try running an independent record label in addition to creating the music that fuels your soul. Laura Lee Schultz (LL) has been doing just that for fifteen years. A multi-instrumentalist and member of indie rock act Down The Lees (previous projects include Queazy and The Skinjobs), Schultz has also been the owner of Off White House Records. 

Tell us about the origins of Off White House Records, and how it came to be? What fuels your passion for music?

Off White House Records started as a way to release the first Down The Lees album, 360 1/4 Degrees, in 2005. Since I was doing the whole album myself, I needed to jump into the whole process with both feet. From writing and playing all of the music, going into the studio, planning the CD duplication, distribution and marketing. I was in numerous bands before that and had a handle on how to do a lot of those things, but it was a group effort. This time I was on my own. It was a crash course on what to do and what not to do. Ever since then, I have been releasing material with many bands I have played with over the years.

Music has always been in my life, ever since I was a little kid. I gravitated towards it like a moth to a flame and have always been intrigued by music that can evoke feelings that cannot be explained with words. 

You’ve spent time in Belgium, the Netherlands, Chicago, and back home in Canada (and British Columbia). How has travelling changed and expanded your mindset towards music, and the various local music scenes you’ve encountered?

Yes, I had the opportunity to live and work in Belgium for 5 years. In 2015 I moved to Ghent to travel and experience their amazing music scene first hand. It really is special out there, such a vibrant rock scene. Plus, their festival circuit is world-famous. One thing I can say about the music scenes around the world is that it’s only as good as you make it. Community is key to a thriving live scene.

When Down The Lees became a trio, we recorded an album with Steve Albini at his infamous studio, Electrical Audio, in Chicago. At the beginning of 2020 we were busy playing shows in Belgium, France, and the Netherlands, also with various Sargent House bands (Brutus, Helms Alee) and was shortlisted to tour with Sisters of Mercy in Italy. Then - because pandemic - the band stopped. The world stopped. It became painfully obvious that things were going to drastically change for the entertainment industry for a long time. 

The decision to move back to Canada was not an easy one. Leaving behind friends and colleagues I grew close to was very difficult, knowing it would be a long time before I would get to see them again. Plus, all the gains I made as a musician flatlined overnight. It took a while to weed through the doubt and figure out what the next steps were. That is when the idea of adding more bands to my roster began to percolate.

Do you recall the moment you wanted to take Off White House to the next level, and expand the representation and reach?

Yes. Just before moving back to Canada, a friend from Ghent said she needed some help with releasing her first album. She recorded it herself during the first lockdown of 2020. And since all of my projects were on hold, I was more than happy to help. HAZE, cited as the flemish PJ Harvey, surprised critics with her brand of lo-fi bedroom rock. Since I had no musical involvement with the project, I wore different hats but still felt great satisfaction from getting her music out to her fans. I felt like a proud mom! From then on, I knew I wanted to help new bands and old friends get their passions out to the world.

As an independent record label, what are the greatest challenges you’ve had to face and overcome, notably over the past year?

Right now the challenge is getting heard. There is A LOT of music out there. Not necessarily good music either. We are inundated with so much media at such a feverous pace that it’s hard to really have music sync in. The music that I feel a kinship to takes time to get under your skin. That’s why it is important to come up with different ways to get your music out to your fans. Think outside of the box.

Running a label, what does your day-to-day look like? Do you have help from a small team? What are your major activities?

Well, my day-to-day involves plucking away at whatever needs to be done. Right now I am a team of one. So it’s important for bands to know that it’s a team effort. We support each other, we help each other. It’s a community. One thing I can’t stand is the competition that exists in the music industry. I understand healthy competition but when it comes to inflated egos, I just don’t accept it.

Aside from Down The Lees, you have slightly under 10 artists on your current roster. Tell us about a few of them, and how their music/brand aligns with your own?

Many of the bands on the roster are bands that have played or play in. But, this year I have started taking on other acts, like HAZE. The newest band to join is Bronson Arm, from Michigan. I found them on Facebook. I thought their brand of noise rock was engaging. Plus, their visual presentation was appealing for such a new band. That makes a difference. Putting effort into your visual identity is just as important as your music identity. Our first release together is called “Conscious Confuser.”

There are many new artists slated to release music this year which I am really excited about!

Can artists submit their music to your label? How have you been finding your new acts, and what do you look for?

Yes, they can. Just go to the website and submit a demo. I do get quite a bit of emails so it’s best to put a little effort into your submission. That can go a long way. Do your research to see if the label suits your music. It’s an alternative, post rock, noise rock label. Also, all artists support each other. We herald each other, we believe in each other. We are nothing without community.

As a champion and supporter of independent music, how would you recommend people get involved in their communities and local music scenes? Especially in today’s environment with limited live music, how does one support and stay engaged?

Yeah, that is a very tough question. I find it very hard to stay active. But, I have managed to be engaged with people online via social media. With that said, the best way to support a band is buy their merchandise, subscribe to their newsletters, post about them on your social channels. Talk about your favourite local bands with friends. Chances are that you will meet new people who love them too and before you know it, you have a community. 

What’s up next for Down The Lees, and your own musical projects?

Since last year was such a whirlwind, Down The Lees has taken a sidestep. That’s not to say that music hasn’t been written! It is being worked on. Going into the studio this year to see where it takes me.

As a music listener, what was your favourite album of 2020?

Also, another hard question! I can’t name just one. But these albums got under my skin.

Metz - Atlas Vending

Brutus - Live in Ghent

Nothing - The Great Dismal

A.A. Williams - Forever Blue

Idles - Ultra Mono

Mrs. Piss - Self-Surgery

Off White House Records has much planned for 2021 and beyond. Be sure to visit their website for information on their current roster, releases, submission details, and news.