Entertainment, Music, The Features, We Love Music

We Love Music: Rachael Yamagata

Photo Couresty of BBGun Press

Photo Couresty of BBGun Press

It’s been nearly a decade now since Rachael Yamagata first enchanted listeners with her heartfelt, passionate songs. With three full-length albums and several EP’s to show for her hard work, Yamagata’s loyal and dedicated fan base continues to grow as years go by.

Since her first EP’s release, Yamagata’s songs have matured along with her performance style. The maturation process of an artist with talent like Yamagata’s is a delight to watch as it occurs over time. Her voice is as strong as its ever been and her lyrics are just as poignant, if not more so, than anything from her earlier years as a songwriter.

Tell us a little bit about this particular tour. You’re currently supporting your EP Heavyweight which was released late last year. Do you go into each new tour with a theme in mind or a goal you plan to achieve with that particular set of performance dates?

I try to make every tour unique and give fans a reason to return each time. I want to stay inspired as well so it’s helpful to me to change the lineup and reinvent the experience. The last few tours have been combinations of fuller band line ups and this round is a duo set. It’s stripped down, but certainly not limited to an acoustic vibe of two people on guitars.  We really spent time on these arrangements to make them intimate and yet embellished.  When we can we add strings which is always a treat.

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Entertainment, Music, The Features, We Love Music

We Love Music: Sanders Bohlke

Photo Credit: Caleb Chancey

Photo Credit: Caleb Chancey

There’s something enchanting about an artist who can fill a room with just his voice, his guitar, and give you goosebumps. Sanders Bohlke is one of those artists. Several years have passed since his debut folk album was first issued, but Bohlke now finds himself with a new album – “Ghost Boy” – which was released earlier this year. He’s also on a national tour with fellow singer-songwriter Rachael Yamagata at the moment.

Bohlke has been praised for his passion and honesty when it comes to songwriting and performance which is likely how he ended up on tour with Yamagata who has a similar reputation. You can catch the pair live at The Birchmere this Monday (July 8).

You released “Ghost Boy” — your first full-length album in years — this February. How does it feel to have a new full-length release under your belt and what does this album mean to you as an artist?

This album in particular means a lot because it took a long time to create.  Between my first and second full-lengths, I went through so many phases artistically. For Ghost Boy, I honed in on material that I loved as a group.

I also feel like I have a better understanding of what it takes to create a record from start to finish.  I enjoyed it.

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