M.T. Howard

Alt-Folk

At first glance, the word association of "Alaska" and "punk rock" might seem like something out of a cunning psychological method, but for singer-songwriter Michael Howard, they represent elemental forces that have helped form his creative voice. "I grew up playing in punk bands around Anchorage, putting on shows at rec centers and such," he says. In many ways, he fits in among a generation of ex-punk rockers and now happens to be a songwriter. As such, Howard is, in a way, an outsider. Born and raised amid the long winter nights and extended summer days of the Last Frontier, Howard knows what it is to be removed, living on the edge of civilization. Being formed as an adolescent by punk's do-it-yourself ethic, he is an explorer and an inventor, creatively speaking. After many dark Alaskan winters touring the rest of the State and long Arctic summers as a community organizer and activist, Michael Howard's unique perspective has come to fruition in his latest album, GASOLINE DREAM, a collection of poetic Americana born from life on the road.

Recorded at San Francisco's Tiny Telephone Studios, the album was produced and engineered by Jacob Winik (Magnetic Fields, John Vanderslice). In keeping with Howard's DIY punk roots, many of the songs, such as "Hog Butcher, Hog Butcher," and the title track, were recorded entirely live. Though a largely stripped-down recording, Howard brought in friend and part-time co-writer Kevin Worrell (upright bass, piano, pump organ) and Andrew Maguire (percussion) for other instrumentation.The songs on Gasoline Dream share a certain unvarnished, prophetic story-song quality with those of early Bob Dylan. Where the songwriting on Howard's previous album, The Martyr & The Magician, was more ethereal and spiritual, here it is more poetic and concrete. "These are a lot of stories inspired by being on the road," says Howard. "There's a touch of the personal along with the universal. It's more of a coherent collection of songs addressing community and global issues, references to veterans of the Afghanistan war and the Arab Spring, for instance."Like many prophets and dream interpreters of history, Michael Howard originates and speaks from the edge of society.

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/michaelhowardalaska/

Website:

http://www.mhowardmusic.com

Annachristie Sapphire

modern day minstrel

Annachristie Sapphire is a modern day minstrel. From the Philadelphia underground music scene to the vast arms of California's Mojave desert, Currently based in Portland Oregon.
Annachristie's songwriting lends itself to an emotionally evocative experience for her listeners time and time again.
She explores new measures of experimental Folk and Desert Rock by marrying the genres with styles more grunge, dreamlike, and enduring-
reminiscent to the rawness and unabashedness brought to light by many of our favorite music rebels of the 90's.
With this, Sapphire create a sense of nostalgia even for those who might be hearing her music for the first time. Her melodies are like a bridge transporting you to a wild place where you will find yourself content in listening to her song,
And yet the strength and clearness of her voice will awaken you from the dream like state you have found yourself in.

Annachristie has shared the stage with household favorites such as First Aid Kit, Amos Lee, Langhorne Slim, As well as Victoria Williams.
In fact Don't be surprised if you hear the beloved Victoria Williams distinctive and quirky voice singing harmonies on Annachristie Sapphires's forthcoming LP
Titled "Desert Car" Which is incidentally about a 1992 Buick Road master Station Wagon. Before you know it you will find yourself in the passenger seat
singing along to an incredibly catchy pre-chorus/chorus. "Desert Car" is as freeing as it was written to be.

The first single released, "Cut The Line"
Musically illustrates the human desire of fishing for love,
Her original melodies will reel you in with 1950's inspired backup vocals,?and atmospheric soundscapes draw the listener into a sensational? world unrivaled by others.

Website:

https://www.annachristiemusic.com/