Talking Tracks

danstunesseattle

Seattle has one of the best — and most unknown — underground music scenes in the country. Each month, music journalist and founder of Dan's Tunes Seattle Dan Ray interviews local musicians about their latest drops track by track. No matter where you live, if you're a musician, a music lover, or just someone who's really hype about Seattle, this podcast is for you. Talking Tracks is curated by Seattle music journalism website Dan's Tunes. read less

MusicMusic

Start Here

#22: To The Unknown by DB Stewart

#22: To The Unknown by DB Stewart

Seattle blues pop/rock singer-songwriter DB Stewart (of Seattle rock band Deify) released his debut solo album, To The Unknown, on July 15, 2022. In this episode of Talking Tracks, Dan and DB break down the meaning behind and the making of each song on the project — 11 tracks DB wrote to inspire himself to become the person and songwriter he wants to be as opposed to highlighting who and what he already is. For fans of Tom Petty, Dua Lipa, and Kaleo. This episode was recorded by Aragon Sound Systems, aka ASS. Track listing: 1. To The Unknown – 22:50. 2. Push My Limit – 34:35. 3. My Story – 47:11. 4. 23rd to Madison – 59:01. 5. Love Like Yours – 1:07:27. 6. Somethin' Bout You– 1:19:09. 7. By Your Light – 1:28:03. 8. Broke, Broke — 1:35:25. 9. Destined to Meet — 1:44:27. 10. It's Gonna Get Better (Right?) — 1:51:46. 11. Closure — 2:02:38.

Episodes

#22: To The Unknown by DB Stewart

#22: To The Unknown by DB Stewart

Seattle blues pop/rock singer-songwriter DB Stewart (of Seattle rock band Deify) released his debut solo album, To The Unknown, on July 15, 2022. In this episode of Talking Tracks, Dan and DB break down the meaning behind and the making of each song on the project — 11 tracks DB wrote to inspire himself to become the person and songwriter he wants to be as opposed to highlighting who and what he already is. For fans of Tom Petty, Dua Lipa, and Kaleo. This episode was recorded by Aragon Sound Systems, aka ASS. Track listing: 1. To The Unknown – 22:50. 2. Push My Limit – 34:35. 3. My Story – 47:11. 4. 23rd to Madison – 59:01. 5. Love Like Yours – 1:07:27. 6. Somethin' Bout You– 1:19:09. 7. By Your Light – 1:28:03. 8. Broke, Broke — 1:35:25. 9. Destined to Meet — 1:44:27. 10. It's Gonna Get Better (Right?) — 1:51:46. 11. Closure — 2:02:38.

#21: Diary Music by Natalie Paige

#21: Diary Music by Natalie Paige

Seattle singer-songwriter Natalie Paige released her sophomore album, Diary Music, on April 5, 2022. In this episode of Talking Tracks, Dan and Natalie break down the meaning behind and the making of each song on the project — 12 tracks tied together by a guttural feeling of raw emotion. For fans of Norah Jones, John Mayer, and Ella Fitzgerald. This episode was recorded at The Rendezvous with sound by Sean Aragon. Track listing: 1. Stuck Around (feat. Octavia McAloon) – 13:33. 2. Doing Alright – 26:43. 3. Caught – 38:20. 4. Quicksand – 47:42. 5. Loose Threads – 57:27. 6. Open Up – 1:09:57. 7. Most Simple Love – 1:22:23. 8. Sweet Words — 1:31:20. 9. Can't Deny — 1:38:05. 10. Home – 1:44:40. 11. Retrospect — 1:48:49. 12. Totems — 1:52:53.

#20: Big Thank by King Youngblood

#20: Big Thank by King Youngblood

Seattle raucous alt-rock band King Youngblood released their sophomore album, Big Thank, on May 13, 2022. In this episode of Talking Tracks, Dan and KY break down the meaning behind and the making of each song on the project — 10 tracks that endeavor to capture the live sound of a rock band in the studio version. For fans of Cage the Elephant, Bush, and Kings of Leon. Track listing: 1. Big Thank – 17:43. 2. A Thousand Songs – 28:24. 3. Thread – 39:25. 4. Too Late, Too Soon – 54:43. 5. Cried in My Cadillac – 1:04:17. 6. Home Is Only a House – 1:15:57. 7. God I Am Exhausted – 1:27:08. 8. New Tomorrow — 1:35:18. 9/10. All in One Room — 1:43:47.

#19: Palace Lumumba by Udoka Malachi

#19: Palace Lumumba by Udoka Malachi

Seattle-bred but NYC-based hip-hop artist Udoka Malachi released his debut EP, Palace Lumumba, on April 8, 2022. In this episode of Talking Tracks, Dan and Udoka break down the meaning behind and the making of each song on the project — eight tracks about finding balance between your roots, where you are now, and where you're going. For fans of A Tribe Called Quest, Curtis Mayfield, and OutKast. Track listing: 1. High 99 – 15:15. 2. Purple Sky Sunday – 29:38. 3. Witching Hour – 42:08. 4. Smoke&Mirrors (feat. Kenny Lu) – 51:24. 5. Escape Artist – 1:02:03. 6. Role Play - 1:14:49. 7. June XX (feat. Deanna Dilandro) - 1:25:28. 8. Lance Aux Epines - 1:41:09. Listen to the recorded album here: https://music.apple.com/us/album/palace-lumumba/1616056808

#18: Better Luck Next Time. by Claudine Magbag

#18: Better Luck Next Time. by Claudine Magbag

Seattle bedroom R&B artist Claudine Magbag released their second EP, Better Luck Next Time, on April 8, 2022. In this episode of Talking Tracks, Dan and Claudine break down the meaning behind and the making of each song on the project — five songs about coming of age and learning how to feel comfortable with how uncomfortable life is. Track listing: 1. Aria – 16:05. 2. Over Again – 30:23. 3. Right Now – 42:30. 4. Dezzie – 58:46. 5. Better Luck Next Time. – 1:09:01. Listen to the recorded album here: https://music.apple.com/us/album/better-luck-next-time-ep/1612088487

#17: Feel Better Tomorrow by Public Pool (LIVE)

#17: Feel Better Tomorrow by Public Pool (LIVE)

Seattle indie surf-punk band Public Pool released their debut album, Feel Better Tomorrow, on June 24, 2021. In this live audience episode of Talking Tracks, Dan and PP break down the meaning behind and the making of each song on the project — 10 happy-sounding sad songs about thinking you're a piece of shit but (hopefully) feeling better tomorrow. Track listing: 1. Room on Fire – 7:00. 2. Rat in the City – 14:30. 3. Boy – 22:10. 4. Wanna Be Lonely – 31:40. 5. Pull My Head Out – 39:50. 6. Sides – 50:35. 7. Let You Down – 60:00. 8. Everything You Wanted — 70:35. 9. Space Between — 80:25. 10. Too Cool — 89:55. Listen to the recorded album here: https://open.spotify.com/album/7E7GV45qdsQjZ4vpLjbxF2?si=2cvRaKIcSLO8f8BbT3Ax8Q&dl_branch=1

#16: Everything You by De’Brea Cavaiani (LIVE)

#16: Everything You by De’Brea Cavaiani (LIVE)

Seattle rapper De'Brea Cavaiani released his sophomore LP, Everything You, on May 31, 2021. In this special, live audience episode of Talking Tracks, Dan and Cavaiani break down the meaning behind and the making of each song on the project — 15 tracks about finding your flow, building confidence, and the Black experience. Track listing: 1. Infinite – 13:15. 2. L's – 24:55. 3. On God – 34:15. 4. Safe – 38:30. 5. Already Know – 49:10. 6. You Should Try – 57:15. 7. Coat – 1:08:45. 8. Thug Cry — 1:24:35. 9. Choke — 1:28:20. 10. Wait — 1:30:40. 11. '6 Nights — 1:35:20. 12. In a Min — 1:39:50. 13. By Any Means — 1:45:00. Listen to the recorded album here: https://open.spotify.com/album/5a5SNzuwNyL7B21RhkjHll?si=IXMnRxUaTceeJT-sQLd4wA&dl_branch=1

#15: Moonflower by Larsen Gardens (LIVE)

#15: Moonflower by Larsen Gardens (LIVE)

Seattle indie-folk band Larsen Gardens released their sophomore LP, Moonflower, on April 9, 2021. In this special, live audience episode of Talking Tracks, Dan and frontwoman Sarah Edmonds break down the meaning behind and the making of each song on the project — 10 tracks about intimacy, learning to be with yourself, and the beauty of opening up. Track listing: 1. Unspoken – 14:50. 2. Move Me – 26:15. 3. Peach – 35:25. 4. Clouds – 48:10. 5. Feel Good – 59:20. 6. Mother – 1:13:45. 7. Moonflower – 1:22:10. 8. Roses — 1:32:55 9. Wait Forever — 1:42:00 10. Halfway There — 1:50:15 Listen to the recorded album here: https://open.spotify.com/album/1S6jKy46qAIlWAXBiNKemA

#14: Nimbus by John Thornburg (LIVE)

#14: Nimbus by John Thornburg (LIVE)

Seattle indie-rock musician and Asterhouse frontman John Thornburg released his sophomore solo EP, Nimbus, on February 11, 2021. In this live episode of Talking Tracks, Dan and John break down the meaning behind and the making of each song on the project — a concept album about a(n abusive) relationship that happens over the course of only one date. (That's why all the songs have timestamps.) Track listing: 1. Silver Spoon (November 18-6:00 PM) – 15:05. 2. Dreamland (November 18-9:36 PM) – 26:50. 3. Next to Me (November 18-11:01 PM) – 41:45. 4. Orchards (November 19-Midnight) – 58:50. 5. Spooky Kid (November 19-2:14 AM) – 1:15:45. 6. Shadow Man (November 19-3:33 AM) – 1:26:55. 7. Nimbus (January 1) – 1:36:50. Listen to the recorded album here: https://open.spotify.com/album/4VShQgDTlJUab9WNZ9Wd07?si=1b2IMX1MQLiaVtCfXmPaww

#13: Rêver by The Copper Trees (LIVE)

#13: Rêver by The Copper Trees (LIVE)

Seattle folk duo The Copper Trees released their debut album, Rêver, on April 9, 2021. In this live episode of Talking Tracks, Dan and The Copper Trees break down the meaning behind and the making of each song on the project — an 11-track joyride through a relationship informed by voice memos, sunlight, and paint. Track listing: 1. Concrete Veins – 13:55. 2. Us – 23:55. 3. Hidden View – 33:50. 4. Lay Down – 44:50. 5. First Light – 55:15. 6. Three Pages In – 1:05:40. 7. New Lane – 1:15:15. 8. Nails and Tires – 1:26:40. 9. Take a Seat in My Heart – 1:35:50. 10. Paint a World with You – 1:44:35. 11. Eyes – 1:55:45. Listen to the recorded album here: https://open.spotify.com/album/06couZhITqEV3RKH6ZC2Fy

#12: Spare Parts by Moose Almighty (LIVE)

#12: Spare Parts by Moose Almighty (LIVE)

Seattle jam band Moose Almighty released their third album, Spare Parts on March 26, 2021. In this live episode of Talking Tracks, Dan and Moose Almighty break down the meaning behind and the making of each song on the project — a 7-track LP written and recorded in the band's basement during quarantine full of amalgamated lyrics, funky bass riffs, and the stank of funk. Track listing: 1. Nine O'Clock Shadow - 14:25. 2. Katie Bar the Door - 29:00. 3. No Brains, No Headaches - 42:20. 4. Next Fall - 1:02:00. 5. Mountain - 1:16:35. 6. Hot Wax - 1:33:10. 7. Florida - 1:55:30 Listen to the recorded album on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/432fXgHmXnZTLLNr406xUR Sound by Amit Sounds: https://www.amitsound.com/

#11: Life’s a Party and You’re Working It by Fun Forest (LIVE)

#11: Life’s a Party and You’re Working It by Fun Forest (LIVE)

Seattle true-folk band Fun Forest released their debut album, Life's a Party and You're Working It, on February 7, 2021. In this live episode of Talking Tracks, Dan and Fun Forest break down the meaning behind and the making of each song on the project — a 6-track EP about what it's like to work in the service industry, the benefits to and dangers of drinking, and the power of traditional folk song. Track listing: 1. Hell Whiskey - 16:35. 2. Tourniquet - 32:55. 3. Led Me to the Wrong - 46. 4. Penelope - 59:15. 5. Sampson and Delilah - 1:12:55. 6. Ballad of Noah - 1:25:45. Listen to the recorded album on Bandcamp: https://funforest.bandcamp.com/album/lifes-a-party-and-youre-working-it Sound by Amit Sounds: https://www.amitsound.com/

#10: American Harlot by Halley Greg (LIVE)

#10: American Harlot by Halley Greg (LIVE)

Seattle pop rock artist Halley Greg released her debut album, American Harlot, on September 26, 2020. In this live episode of Talking Tracks, Dan and Halley break down the meaning behind and the making of each song on the project — a 10-track album about gaining confidence, female empowerment, and what it means to be a woman in today's society. Track listing: 1. American Harlot - 16:50. 2. Born to Die This Way - 29:45. 3. No Go - 47:20. 4. "And" Life - 59:10. 5. Let This Love Age - 1:15:10. 6. Why Do You Love Me - 1:28:00. 7. Worth It - 1:42:20. 8. Hey - 1:53:35. 9. Fault Line - 2:09:05. 10. The Gaslight - 2:23:35. Listen to the recorded album on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/3kBHDGfTQd53VXq8JE1QsU?si=Aq-nTElBTUmKpd_p_eQyyw Sound by Amit Sounds: https://www.amitsound.com/

#9: Sleep Walker by Payge Turner (LIVE)

#9: Sleep Walker by Payge Turner (LIVE)

Seattle soulful singer-songwriter Payge Turner released her debut EP, Sleep Walker, on June 18, 2020. In this live episode of Talking Tracks, Dan and Payge break down the meaning behind and the making of each song on the project — four songs of emotional release about waking up to yourself and the world around you. Plus, she gave us a special performance of an unreleased track from her upcoming debut album. Track listing: 1. Surrender - 13:15. 2. But for Now - 22:50. 3. Gave My Love - 40:25. 4. Matter - 54:20. 5. Garden (unreleased) - 1:05:00. Listen to the recorded album on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/4BvxBHjR0JwvhqYUwxUKC2?si=FpejGr4-T36f009wjcv25A Sound by Amit Sounds: https://www.amitsound.com/

#8: Resolution by Huey& the Inflowentials (LIVE)

#8: Resolution by Huey& the Inflowentials (LIVE)

Seattle neo-soul septet Huey & the Inflowentials released their second EP, Resolution, on January 22, 2021. In this live episode of Talking Tracks, Dan and Huey break down the meaning behind and the making of each song on the project — a slow-burn journey through themes of growing up, finding safe spaces for yourself, and separating who you are now from who you've been in the past. Track listing: 1. Church - 7:50. 2. Stay True - 18. 3. Together - 29:10. 4. Independence - 39:35. 5. Resolution - 47:20. Listen to the recorded album on Bandcamp: https://hueyandtheinflowentials.bandcamp.com/album/resolution Sound by Amit Sounds: https://www.amitsound.com/

#7: Sheer Force of Will by Liv Victorino (LIVE)

#7: Sheer Force of Will by Liv Victorino (LIVE)

Seattle indie folk artist Liv Victorino released her debut EP, Sheer Force of Will, on January 15, 2021. In this live episode of Talking Tracks, Dan and Victorino break down the meaning behind and the making of each song on the project — a passion project made with a $350 guitar, a USB mic, free software, and an attitude of perseverance. Track listing: 1. Finish What You Start - 7:45. 2. You're Never Gonna Figure it Out - 17:25. 3. Dirty Jobs - 28:35. 4. Before the World Ends - 39:20. Listen to the recorded album on Bandcamp: https://livvictorino.bandcamp.com/album/sheer-force-of-will

#6: Meeting You by Natalie Paige (LIVE)

#6: Meeting You by Natalie Paige (LIVE)

Seattle singer-songwriter Natalie Paige released her debut album, Meeting You, on December 25, 2020. In this live episode of Talking Tracks, Dan and Paige break down the meaning behind and the making of each song on the project — quite literally a labor of love about Paige's relationship with fellow Seattle musician Anthony Lee Phillips. Track list: 1. "Meeting You" 6:00 2. "To You" 16:40 3. "Love Gravity" 25:20 4. "Under Terms" 36:15 5. "A.Y.I.L.W.M." 45:20 6. "Still, I Love You So" 53:50 7. "The Way We Carry On" 1:04 8. "Gonna Take" 1:14:35 9. "Firefly" 1:24:25

#5: The Return by Eleven Apollos (LIVE)

#5: The Return by Eleven Apollos (LIVE)

Seattle electronic hip-hop duo Eleven Apollos released their debut album, The Return, on November 1, 2020. In this special live episode of Talking Tracks, Dan and Eleven Apollos break down the meaning behind and the making of each song on the project — a deeply earnest yet aggressive protest album against the Trump administration. Download the LiveMo app on Apple and Android to stay updated on future live episodes.

#4: Flowers in the Void by Liv†

#4: Flowers in the Void by Liv†

Seattle R&B artist Liv† released her latest EP, Flowers in the Void, on November 13, 2020. In this episode of Talking Tracks, Dan and Liv† break down the meaning behind and the making of each song on the project — six "flowers" about what it means to be a Black, queer woman in the midst of protests, the coronavirus pandemic, and a new chapter of isolation and artistry.

#3: 12th & Pine by Marshall Law Band

#3: 12th & Pine by Marshall Law Band

Seattle funk-hop group Marshall Law Band (MLB) released their debut full-length album, 12th & Pine, on October 23, 2020. In this episode of Talking Tracks, Dan and MLB break down the meaning behind and the making of each song on the project — a concept album about the band's time performing during the George Floyd Protests in the Capitol Hill Occupied Protest (CHOP).