Companion announced the release of their single “23rd Street” and the release of their album Second Day of Spring on May 27th, 2022
“23rd Street” was written during a time saturated with change. We were living in downtown Oklahoma City, a couple blocks from the busy street the song is named after.
We were just a few months away from graduating college, Sophia had recently got engaged and was moving to a new state she barely knew a soul in, and we both had no idea what the coming year held for us.
In times of change, we often find ourselves experiencing a feeling we can only describe as “pre-nostalgia” — it’s the feeling, or realization, that things will never be the same as they are now.
Though you may come back to the same places, or reunite with old friends — the feeling you had then won’t ever quite come back the same way.
This song & this album perfectly encapsulate this feeling of impermanence, new growth, and change for us.
#companionband
I actually wrote this song before Lovelight, and yet it’s the last to be released. I think that the huge amount of time between writing and producing served it well. By the time we were in the studio with it, I was much less attached to the original structure, and lyrics of the song. I was able to “lose control” as they say, and let Julian Peterson and Micah Tawlks work their magic on the production side.
Julian (producer) and I would sit at his studio (Wolf Den Studios) out on a hay farm and just have fun. This was the last of the batch of songs we were recording and so we had a unique final-stretch playfulness. We messed with robotic audio settings, we flipped choruses and verses, we cut everything and laughed about it.
It was a good time, and I think it shows in the track. Then of course you add Micah’s shimmering synth splash hook and we were just happy crying.
Riddy Arman’s self-titled debut album was recorded in 6 days at Mississippi Studios in Oregon. She worked with Bronson Tew of Dialback Sound to record the 9 tracks.
Arman has traveled the country from Ohio, Virginia and California working as a ranch hand and learning livestock agriculture. She found herself in Fayetteville, Arkansas, where many of the songs that would make up her self-titled debut record first came to life. Arman writes with a minimalist approach that conveys deep emotion. She can be compared to S.G. Goodman or Colorado’s own Erika Ryann for enrapturing spirits in the music.
Riddy Arman opens her debut album from La Honda Records with a song called “Spirits, Angels, Or Lies” inspired by the true story of her father’s passing. In the lyrics, she examines the human tendency to interpret the unknown. The story she weaves details the final moments and visual hallucinations experienced when Johnny Cash visited her father on his deathbed.
“Recording these songs brought me back to the times that inspired them, but instead of reliving the pain, the studio magic empowered me to overcome it,” Arman says of her experience.
“Most people would try to find a therapist, but at the time that wasn’t something that I had access to, so I just started playing music because it was cathartic,” she explains. “It’s very, very meditative for me.”
For over 20 years this music festival has brought big names to Denver while also showcasing the local scene. This year over 170 artists will appear on 15 stages over 3 days. Last year the festival was a virtual 3 hour event. This year’s showcase includes Pinegrove, Remi Wolf, Shannon & The Clams, Sofia Valdes among its 13 headliners. Local acts include returning artists of Bellhoss, Slow Caves, Wildermiss, Izcalli and more. There are also new faces including Lnlygirl, The Grand Alliance, Deadluv and more.
“After 20 years of Underground Music Showcase, we were thrilled to be able to carry-on our tradition virtually last year by raising $75,000 for independent musicians” shares Casey Berry, owner of the festival. “With that said, we couldn’t be happier to be in-person for 2021 to not only support live music and local bands, but to support more than a dozen independent bars and restaurants on Broadway!”
UMS is working closely with city and state officials to make sure we rage safely in 2021. This might include reduced capacity (especially at indoor venues), and potentially limiting ticket sales to ensure proper distancing as required. UMS has every intent to become a good example of how to return to in-person, live music festivals in a safe and celebratory manner, and will be monitoring health directives in real time as the big weekend approaches.
One Venue – The Soiled Dove has its roots in Denver’s less than glamorous history. The club’s name originates from a better name for ladies of the night. These days the Soiled Dove is one of Denver’s best clubs for all styles of music. It’s platform stage is the center of attention, and has had everyone from Nelly Furtado, Lucy Kaplansky, and numerous others. The club is also home to Sharon Rawles, one of Denver’s best treasures in making the music scene. For more information visit www.soileddove.com
One Event – The 31st Annual Capitol Hill People’s Fair – June 1-2, 2002 – Civic Center Park -When people speak of Colorado festivals this one doesn’t always come to mind. The six stages hold Colorado performers showcasing everything from Nina Storey and Wendy Woo to Yo Flaco! and Jaka. The official line-up will be announced in May. For more information visit www.peoplesfair.com
One Artist – Jill Stevenson is a new voice. At 19 she shows polish and professionalism with her five song demo. She is a skilled singer-songwriter and plays both piano and guitar. She is emerging from the cocoon ahead of her time and may give some stars a reason to look again. For more information visitwww.jillstevenson.com
Spin Magazine