Before you come into the world you should know // there are things that will hurt and things that won’t //like scraping your knees on the asphalt // and the freedom right before you fell//nobody tells it like it is // they say ‘isn’t it lovely,’ and ‘buck up kid,’ // but you learn how to breathe justby doing it // how to dream until you believe yourself
Living Thing, the newest full length album from Oregon based songwriter Anna Tivel, isan arcing diveinto the existential. Written through the tumultuous eyes of 2020 and recorded in Eau Claire, WI inprofound collaboration with long time friend and producer Shane Leonard, these are songs of struggle andaliveness expressed with great joy.
“I wrote feverishly in the strange chaos of that year, suddenly out of work and attempting to understandthe shifting human fabric, the depth of desperation and the overwhelming tenacity of spirit. The resultingsongs felt rhythmic and vital, with moremelody and soaring chorus than I’ve explored in the past. Therewas no way and no means to gather a full band, and I brought the songs to Shane’s doorstep knowing andfully trusting the skill and exuberance of his creative imagination. Shane stripped everything down to thestuds and we rebuilt it together, just the two of us for a month in his garage studio, Shane dreaming upeach sonic layer while I chased the lyrics to one last double chorus.
”The album takes off with the song ‘Silver Flame,’ a sweepingembrace of uncertainty.‘Satellites andangel voices // yesterday tried to destroy us // morning came up golden anyhow // maybe there’s a greatcreator // a far off planet trying to save us // but we’ve just got each other for now.’Tivel is a writer drawnto seminal questions, and this album is no exception. She illuminates the seekingrather than clinging to conviction. What is it that makes us human? What are we for? How do we move aswe reach toward each other, change our minds, learn to love? The ninesongs that make up ‘Living Thing’look deep into the core and do so with groove and energy. Shane brought a dynamic vigor to the table,drawing the tender lyrical thoughts into a more potent sound world. He acted as producer, engineer, band,and trusted creative comrade, even mixing the album on his analog board, playing the faders like aninstrument in an inspired momentary performance of each song.
“Shane gave his whole beautiful heart and mind to this record and I’ve never had such a freeing andpowerful collaborative experience. I learned so much from watching him explore in the studio. Wefollowed the rules of improv, said yes and tried every idea that percolated–sampled an 8 track symphonybackward, looped wine glasses and lighters, read poetry into lofi microphones, and recorded athunderstorm into a tape machine. Shane went on eternal drum tone quests, chased intricate melodic basslines, and gently encouraged me to let go and sing from a deeper place. I love this record because it feelslike a joyous musical conversation with a close friend about the big vast mystery of being alive.
”Nobody tells it like it is // they say don’t blow around on a different wind // but you’re gone and you’re not even listening // they were wrong and the wind is a living thing // and you’re taking a picture youwon’t forget // something real and the way you remember it // you’ll be everything, you’ll be riotous //what a feeling to be alive
Sam Weber
Sam Weber is a musician known for his distinctive style that blends elements of folk, rock, and Americana. He is a Canadian singer-songwriter and guitarist who has gained recognition for his emotive vocals and intricate guitar playing. Weber's music often features thoughtful lyrics and a blend of contemporary and traditional musical influences, making him a unique figure in the indie music scene.
His career is marked by a series of album releases, live performances, and collaborations with other artists. Weber's work has been appreciated for its craftsmanship and the emotional depth of his songwriting. As with many musicians in the indie genre, his music tends to evolve over time, reflecting personal experiences and artistic growth.
“Sam Weber’s expansive blend of roots influences is a testament to fierce ambition” - Guitar Player Magazine
"I think the song of the year is ‘Ex-Lover’ by Sam Weber" - Afie Jurvanen, Bahamas
“Some guys can sing. Some guys can play guitar. Some guys can write songs. Some guys know their way around the recording studio. Then there are guys like Sam Weber. He can do it all” – Tinnitist