Pajammy Jam of the Day | Dots Not Feathers - Sylvia

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Photo credit: Clint Alwahab

Dots Not Feathers, a relatively new act on the local Saint Louis scene, is made up of four incredibly talented, young musicians (from L to R): Stephen Baier, Ryan Myers, Ravi Raghuram, and Katy Durrwachter. The foursome is speedily catching the city's eye with its brand of indie-folk, inspired by such jaw-dropping artists like Iron & Wine, Sufjan Stevens, and Bon Iver. But, for me, the band really brings to mind one of my favorite acts of the last three years, The Low Anthem.

As I listen to "Sylvia," today's Pajammy Jam of the Day, it takes a mere ten seconds for goosebumps to sprout on my arms. You see, just like The Low Anthem, Dots Not Feathers' proclivity and absolute giftedness for lavish and expansive harmonies is what sets this group apart. Stephen Baier's lead vocals are reminiscent of an early Ben Folds, and Katy Durrwachter, the lone female of the group, shines. Her voice rises above her male counterparts' like steam from a simmering pot.

The four members of the band collectively play an insane assortment of instruments: guitar, bass, vox, piano, ukelele, bells, tambourine, banjo, synth... But, in my humble opinion, the melding of voices takes their self-dubbed indie-folk sound to new heights, more specifically, straight to the choir loft in any given cathedral. Those harmonies are almost like an religious experience. Yeah, I said it.

Dots Not Feathers - Sylvia
Super duper bonus track (because I couldn't pick just one to share with you all):
Dots Not Feathers - Shoulda Coulda

Catch Dots Not Feathers next at the Old Rock House on February 13th with The Warbuckles, Beth Bombara, and Jeremiah Nelson for a show sponsored by our pal Travis Wood, who writes the blog 5 Score Pachyderm. Doors at 7 PM, the music starts at 8 PM. $7 cover.

The album, A Thousand Novels, is out now. Pick up a copy at any future Dots Not Feathers show or online HERE.

In the Studio with Andy Berkhout + STL LOUD

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All photo credit: Katie Guymon

Last Sunday, I had the distinct and super cool privilege to attend one of the STL LOUD recording sessions at R&R Music Labs. Andy Berkhout, a local singer-songwriter (by way of Milwaukee), was there to record his orignal song, "Times and Things," for the inaugural STL LOUD EP, the first in what is guaranteed to become an ongoing series that celebrates the best of Saint Louis local talent. (More guaranteed if you find it in your kind heart, sir or ma'am, to donate to its Kickstarter fund).

Berkhout brought his lovely friend, Joanna Landis, in the studio with him. Landis provided the hushed harmonies for the track while Berkhout sang, played guitar and banjo, and even went a little crazy with the stomp box.

"Times and Things" is one of those songs that instantly feels like home the first time you take a listen, and I found myself humming the melody for the rest of the day, as I did ordinary jobs such as dusting my coffee table and cooking broccoli.

Attending the recording session, however, was anything but ordinary. It was thrilling to see a group of people, bound together by yarns of varying weight, weave acoustic intricacies right before my very eyes. The company was easy, the time spent comfortable. Sunday afternoon was visible proof of music's magnetic qualities. I know it sounds so cheesy to say, but watching one-sixth of the STL LOUD grand plan come together was sort of magical.

So, jump on board the STL LOUD train. I implore you to please donate a few dollars to this project's Kickstarter fund.

Save the date for the STL LOUD showcase at Off Broadway on January 14th. All six artists, including Langen Neubacher, The Dive Poets, The Orbz, The Warbuckles, Via Dove, and Berkhout, will play a set that night. It's bound to get LOUD.

To see the entire album of photos from the recording session, head thisaway.