Song of the Day: Laura Veirs - Cast a Hook in Me

photo courtesy of MySpace

Every Monday through Friday, we deliver a different song as part our Song of the Day podcast subscription. This podcast features exclusive KEXP in-studio performances, unreleased songs, and recordings from independent artists that our DJs think you should hear. Today’s featured selection, chosen by Afternoon Show host Kevin Cole, is Cast a Hook in Me, by Laura Veirs from the 2007 album Saltbreakers on Nonesuch Records.

Laura Veirs - Cast a Hook in Me (MP3)Switching themes yet again, Laura Veirs focuses on water this time around, supported by her backing band, Saltbreakers(formerly Tortured Souls). Tucker Martine, a bandmate and also the one responsible for the Decemberists‘ Crane Wife album, produced Veirs’ latest. Perhaps it’s all those Pirates of the Caribbean movies or just the Martine connection that has this circle of musicians giddy for the sea. Either way, Veirs music is ripe for the nautical theme; she is currently at her most poetic, using more imagery rather than plain-spoken words to capture the emotional tide present in all of her songs.Interestingly, in 2005, Veirs received word that a 45-member chorus of middle school students in Cognac, France were interested in doing a concert comprised of Veirs’ songs. Veirs had this to say about the performance.

Currently, Veirs and company have an upcoming show in Olympia, a brief tour of the Midwest and East Coast with Mirah, and then Veirs heads to Europe for a series of solo gigs.

To dabble in all things Veirs, check out her website and MySpace page. Here’s a video for none other than Cast A Hook In Me: