Song of the Day: Altspeak - 58

Dave Matthews

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. Every Friday the Song of the Day podcast spotlights local musicians. Today’s featured selection, chosen by Morning Show host John Richards, is “58″ by Seattle band Altspeak available on their self-released album It’s Up To You.

Following up their massively popular self-released 2006 debut, A Serious Conversation, Altspeak has released their latest effort It’s Up To You initially online, where it was downloaded over 10,000 times in the first 8 weeks. According to the band, it still receives over 1,000 downloads a week, amounting to numbers quite impressive for a guitar-driven band that got its start in Bellevue, WA. Founder Iggy Faust and lead guitarist Coulter Leslie create upbeat jangle-y Britpop that belies their shoegaze influences. Speaking of influences, it’s interesting to note that Altspeak takes their name from a Orwellian contraction referencing new forms of speaking: Old speak + New Speak = Altspeak. Maybe this will catch on like “Big Brother.” Or maybe not. It’s Up To You was produced by drummer William Hallauer’s former bandmate Erik Blood, who has also worked with the likes of The Lights, The Turn-Ons, and The Little Penguins. Altspeak is playing on Dec. 7th at The Comet Tavern with Hotels. Check out their MySpace page for more dates or you could be one of a 1,000 this week and download the entire album. And check the video for “Be A Star” off It’s Up To You: