photo by Jim Bennett

The big event of the week, of course, was the 7th Annual Yule Benefit last Saturday. The Thermals, The Cave Singers, The Builders & The Butchers, and Grand Hallway all performed brilliantly during this completely sold-out event! Photographer Jim Bennett captured these great shots…

photo by Alex Crick … while photographer Alex Crick nabbed these.

photo by Jim Bennett How brilliant was Dick Dale on Friday, though? Holy $#@&!!! The 72-year old was smokin’! And, boy, could he talk, often quite amazingly about his past and his creative process. Look for more on this (video, podcast, etc. in the weeks to come). [more]

photo by Brittney Bush Bollay And speaking of smokin’, Bay Area rock vet Chuck Prophet gives it his all every time he’s in-studio at KEXP, and this time was no exception as he and the band performed songs from his new album, ¡Let Freedom Ring!. [more]

photo by E.C. Landry Songwriter Gregory Alan Isakov’s acoustic set was a more subdued affair, though no less interesting or entertaining. People make much of the fact that he was born in South African but raised in Philly, yet his emotive folk rock seems like it would be at home anywhere. [more]

photo by Scott Holpainen Apparently it takes a lot of gear and crew to make Danish band Mew soar to such great heights, but we weren’t complaining! On the night of this incredible set, they packed Neumos to capacity. [more]

photo by Jim Bennett For his last appearance on KEXP as a local artist, Shane Tutmarc performed solo on Swingin’ Doors. Though we’ll miss the Seattle native when he moves to Nashville next month, we know he’ll be back to play the Northwest soon enough. Good luck, Shane! [more]

photo by Scott Holpainen Barbados’ singer David Kirton brought his modern touch to roots reggae during a special session for Positive Vibrations. [more]

photo by Jim Beckmann Finally, our only in-studio guest this week, Karl Blau, rocked the Anacortes Mullet and toy guitar like no other! [more]

Thanks to Tara Slosberg for the photo help!

Check out these great photos from the night by KEXP contributing photographer Jim Bennett:

Elves love KEXP, apparently. If you didn’t know it now you do. And if you were at KEXP’s Audioasis last Saturday night at The Sunset then you might’ve even bumped into KEXP’s own Indie Rock Elf, Musical Tourist Elf and even a whole crew of Sugarplum Elves that couldn’t stop talking about KEXP’s upcoming 7th Annual Yule Benefit this Saturday, Decemeber 12th at Neumos!

The elves were singing Christmas carols, chatting with DJ’s, dancing with their huge candy canes and basically spreading almost inappropriate amounts of good cheer among the crowd in anticipation of the Yule Benefit and no one spreads cheer like these dudes.

Here’s what KEXP elf veteran Indie Rock Elf had to say:

“Man, we can’t wait for the Yule Benefit! The Thermals are bringing real indie rock to Seattle and The Cave Singers have got that Goth-indie sound that is so hot right now. Plus the Builders and The Butchers will be there and the Sugarplum Elves just love that orchestral pop sound from Grand Hallway! See you guys there!”

It was a wild scene. So if you’re unfamiliar with the deeply sophisticated musical tastes KEXP Elves share with good boys and girls every holiday season, then you’ve got to make it to KEXP’s 7th Annual Yule Benefit this Saturday, December 12th at Neumos with Grand Hallway, The Builders and The Butchers, The Cave Singers, and The Thermals. Advance tickets are now sold-out, but some tickets will be available on the day-of-show for $22.The event is 21 and over, and doors open at 8pm.

Tuesday, December 8

We All Have Hooks For Hands, Ironclads, Doctor Doctor at Neumo’s (21+, $7 at the door)

From the wee town of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, We All Have Hooks For Hands bad boys are known for their off-kilter musical madness in the both recording studio and on stage. Their new album, The Shape Of Energy is a dance between brash and beautiful, and will definitely get you hooked.

Wednesday, December 9

Stripmall Architecture, Erik Blood, The Tea Cozies at Chop Suey (21+, $7 at the door)

With the death of longtime band Halou in 2008, came the birth of Ryan and Rebecca Coseboom’s new noise, shoegaze project, Stripmall Architecture. If you like the eccentricity of Sigur Ros and the spangled-poppiness of the Cocteau Twins, then pick yourself up a copy of one of their albums, like We Were Flying Kites.

Passion Pit, Pyramiddd at Moore Theatre ($25 online)

Since their debut album, Chunk Of Change, Cambridge band Passion Pit has electrofied our brains and bodies with their I-can-do-anything, danceable tunes. Their new album Manners is definitely worth a listen.

Friday, December 11

The Dandy Warhols at Neumo’s (all ages, $20 at Rudy’s Barbershops, Moe Bar, select QFC’s and www.ticketswest.com)

Mid 90s power pop band The Dandy Warhols are still going strong with their new record, The Dandy Warhols Are Sound. The Portland group does the Northwest justice with their quirky performances, and feel-good psychedelia and art-rock meets indie pop experimentation.

Saturday, December 12

KEXP 7th Annual Yule Benefit w/ The Thermals, The Cave Singers, Grand Hallway and The Builders and the Butchers at Neumo’s (21+, $20 advanced at Rudy’s Barbershops, Moe Bar, select QFC stores, and online/$22 at the door)

KEXP’s annual Yule Benefit is all about giving back what you’ve gotten and what better way to celebrate than with performances from four of the greatest indie bands of the Northwest! So get your holiday on with The Cave Singers, The Thermals and more!

Tuesday, December 15

Coconut Coolouts, The Cowabunga Dudes, The Mean Jeans, Partman Parthorse at the Fun House (21+, $6 at the door)

If you’re in to bands that aren’t afraid to flaunt their dorky side, than Coconut Coolouts is the group for you. With tracks like ‘I Wanna Come Back From The World Of LSD” and “Pizzafest” are the perfect freak-rock tunes for a chill out night of fun.

Friday, December 18

The Maldives, Hey Marseilles, Champagne Champagne, Goldfinch at Neumo’s (21+, $10 at Rudy’s Barbershops, Moe Bar, select QFC’s and online)

The Maldives with steal your lonesome heart with their country charm and down-right passionate songs. You haven’t experienced Seattle music if you’ve yet to see these western maestro’s rich American melodies live.

Schoolyard Heroes, These Arms Are Snakes, Kane Hodder, Sirens Sister at El Corazon (all ages, $15 at the door and online)

Schoolyard Heroes were just that for most of us angsty Seattle middle and highschoolers of the 2000s: a sort of comfort to our nobody-understands-me and everything-is-blue-in-this-world outlook. And now, we should honor their moshable music by attending their final show before they call it quits. R.I.P. Schoolyard Heroes!

Wednesday, December 30

Thee Emergency, Gravelroad at Tractor (21+, $6 Sonic Boom and online)

Thee Emergency has a reputation for heart-thumping and ferocious performances, bringing out the freak in most of their audience. And, with the addition of a fifth band mate on keys and the release of new album What’s That? Some Sorta Cracka Slang, you can be sure there’s more bombastic music to come.

photo by Alex Crick

Thursday. December 31

Minus The Bear, Kay Kay and His Weathered Underground at Showbox at the Market
(21+, $28 online)

Known for their organic meets electro sound and soft indie vocals, Seattle’s own Minus the Bear is one of the few indie bands that’s made it onto the playlists of mainstreamers. Check out their new album, Into The Mirror.

Stop by KEXP’s Recommended Events page for more upcoming shows and information about venues, dates and tickets.

photo by Kyle Johnson

On Saturday, December 12, KEXP presents the 7th annual Yule Benefit with a great lineup including two bands from Seattle and two from Portland: hometown heroes The Cave Singers and Grand Hallway, and representing the Rose City, The Thermals and a band we were blown away by at our broadcast from Musicfest Northwest this past September, The Builders and the Butchers.

Probably easiest to describe as “gothic Americana,” The Builders and The Butchers have once again managed to make death, darkness and even the devil seem attractive. With the release of their second album, Salvation Is A Deep Dark Well, the band has refined its bone-chilling sound, while staying true to the grave-digging melodies and possessed preacher vocals of their self-titled debut. Since escaping the subzero Alaskan terrain between 2002 and 2005 to play Portland’s sopping streets, the five transplanted country boys have collected numerous awards and embarked on several national tours, all the while holding onto their souls. And with two critically acclaimed albums under their belts, it’s about time The Builders embark on a European tour, which they’re knee-deep in right now. Frontman Ryan Sollee was kind enough to take the time to chat it up while extremely sick and on tour in Deutschland.

How’s it going over there in Germany? Are you getting a different vibe on the Euro-side or are you finding that audiences and fans are pretty much the same everywhere?

This is our first Euro tour and honestly it’s been interesting. The crowds have been amazing and the response excellent. On average the German crowds are better than the U.S., but there are places in the U.S. that are pretty untouchable. The vibe from Europe is that people are really excited about new music and the fans seem dedicated and very appreciative. Also, the catering is unbelievable! We are served a gourmet meal every night backstage.

Speaking of vibes, Salvation is a Deep Dark Well is definitely more refined and a little less raw than your debut album. How are fans reacting to it?

We were afraid folks who liked the first record wouldn’t like Salvation, and there are folks out there who are purists and who like the raw sound of the first record. But, the reaction to Salvation has been positive overall.

It’s been 3 or 4 years since you guys were playing on Portland’s rainy streets and busking in front of venues. Now you’re playing across the states and seas, and have already picked up some awards. How do you feel about your rapid success? Are you still in the honey-moon stage of it all does it all, or does it seem normal now?

Actually, this Halloween the band celebrated its four-year anniversary. With success no matter how great or small, it’s important to keep a sense of perspective and realize that no matter what, it will continue to take a lot of hard work and time on the road to make this all work. Touring as much as we do quickly takes you out of the “honeymoon” stage of the band, but every day I try to tell myself that I am one of the luckiest people I know to be able to do this for a living.

Going back to the past, of all places, why move to peaceful Portland? I understand it’s a breeding ground for upcoming folk, indie and even Western-inspired bands. But still, nothing as deep and dark as The Builders?

You’re right. Portland is pretty peaceful, but there is a great current of music constantly flowing everywhere all around you. It’s great how bands get inspired by other bands and everyone keeps getting better. There are so many bands, that if they lived anywhere else, would be the best band in that town. But, because they live in Portland, they are just another band. As far as writing or inspiration for The Builders, the songs come from stories that often times are far removed from the immediate setting that I live in. That being said, winters in Portland can be pretty depressing, so maybe a bit of our band’s darkness comes from that.

I know you said you were a punk rock child growing up, and you only truly got into American Roots when you moved to Portland. What shifted inside of you or influenced you to start playing this dark, pseudo-Southern music?

As I moved into my late 20s, I found that I was just kind of naturally listening to less and less punk rock, which is a pretty natural thing as you get older. A lot of my friends in Portland were listening to old American music. To me, it had the same immediacy as punk rock, but with more captivating subject matters. I also started reading a lot of “southern gothic” literature. There’s some great stories behind struggles to survive, and a lot of joy as well.

You guys are known for your “trunk of percussion,” which is filled with random real and toy instruments. What’s currently in it and what does it bring to your performances?

Every tour folks steal a couple of things at every show, so when we get back we only have a few toys left, so we have to restock. I have a friend who lives near Seattle and does a lot of thrift store shopping who keeps us pretty stocked up.

What is your song writing process like? Still developing songs mainly live or at rehearsal?

I’ve always written the main skeleton of the song at home: the words, melody and main structure. I try to stay very open minded about where the song goes once I introduce it to the band because they have better ideas than I do usually. We like to get a song basically down in practice, but there are little changes live that can happen that we will adopt. I would say it’s rare that a song stays the same the first time we play it live.

Is there a favorite song you guys play, one in particular that just possesses you and brings you together as a band? Can you explain what happens on stage?

It’s different for every member of the band. My favorite tends to be whatever the newest song is. Right now it’s a song called, “Black Elevator,” which ends with a really fun musical part which then transitions into “Black Dresses”.

I read that you’re a bit guilty of getting stuck on the same topics for a while. Do you think you guys are going to stick to this heaven and hell, dark and light, good and evil sort of theme (both vocally and musically) that’s got you where you’re at today? Or, do you want to eventually mix it up and explore different themes?

I think as an artist you have to move forward and try different themes and approaches. The trick is not trying to be too conscious of it. I think that these topics are broad enough to keep it interesting: look at how many songs there are about love. The trick for me is to change the language and look at these topics from other angles.

What’s the weirdest thing you’ve seen or experienced at a show or during a tour?

Driving through a three-hour lightning storm in the Midwest.

When you’re not playing gigs, what do you do for fun in Portland?

Checking out a show with my wife. Fishing and or camping with friends.

I’ve been dying to ask you, do you consider yourself more of a builder or butcher in regards to music, life, whatever?

Definitely equal parts. Not to get to philosophical, it seems like people destroy what they create.

What’s next? Working on a new album?

Gonna use December to write and January to tour, and hopefully go in and record in the spring.

Make sure to catch The Builders and The Butchers at the 7th annual Yule Benefit on Saturday, December 12 at Nuemos before they head down to Portland. Tickets are on sale now at Moe Bar, select QFC stores, and Rudy’s Barbershops for $20 advanced and $22 day-of-show. Tickets are also available with a service charge at Ticketswest.com. The event is 21 and over, and doors open at 8 p.m.

Candy canes, tinsel, and plastic Santas go up on store shelves earlier and earlier every year. It’s no longer shocking to see twinkling lights and velvet bows nestled next to the Halloween candy and fall decor. Now, if RiteAid or QFC aren’t decorated with faux snow and artificial trees in August, we begin to panic. Well, sorry to get all department store on you before we’ve even had the chance to eat turkey or duke it out with each other on Black Friday, but I’m just reminding you that KEXP’s 7th Annual Yule Benefit is right around the corner.

This year, local bands The Thermals, The Cave Singers, The Builders and The Butchers, and Grand Hallway will grace Neumos’ stage on Saturday, December 12. Twenty bucks (in advanced) will get you a taste of Northwest indie, pop punk, folk and gothic Americana, and possibly the warm and fuzzy feeling of knowing your money directly benefits KEXP. Conjured up seven years ago, the event was created not only as a fundraiser for KEXP but also as way to bring everyone together for a nondenominational celebration of great music (”You’ll benefit”, get it?). So take out your jingly velor hats, pour yourself a class of eggnog and get your tickets now for this musical holiday extravaganza.

The Thermals

photo by Christopher Nelson

The Cave Singers

photo by David Lichterman

The Builders and The Butchers

photo by Kyle Johnson

Grand Hallway

photo by Kyle Johnson

KEXP Yule Benefit 2009 Information:

Bands from KEXP’s broadcast at the Doug Fir Lounge during MFNW power KEXP. You can power KEXP too — just donate online now or call (206) 903-5397 to make a gift of support.

photo by Kyle Johnson

The Builders & the Butchers were Portland’s sole representation during KEXP’s broadcast from the Doug Fir during Musicfest NW, and there couldn’t have been a better band to carry that weight. Marrying a punk sensibility with American Roots instrumentation, the band of Alaskan transplants can barely contain their sound on their excellent two albums, yet live they’ve been known to work the most jaded hipsters to a frothing frenzy. Check out four songs from their scorching set here, and then experience the mayhem for yourself on October 14, when The Builders and the Butchers perform the Showbox in Seattle:

photos by Kyle Johnson
intro by Christy Thacker

With subzero blood and a southern devil soul, Americana gothic band, The Builders and The Butchers, is bringing musical salvation to the Northwest. Three years after playing on the streets and busking in front of venues the fivesome has refined their sound, picked up several awards and released their critically acclaimed second album, Salvation Is A Deep Dark Well.

The group did it the old fashion way starting out with nothing but themselves and a garage full of instruments. Between 2002 and 2005, each member traded Alaskan ice for Portland rain in the pursuit of music. Frontman Ryan Sollee changed more than just his address, setting aside his punk roots to explore the antiquated sounds of the deep south.

On a rainy afternoon, Sollee decided to unveil his new musical workings to the others. What started as a ordinary hangout in drummer Ray Rude’s garage soon turned into a jam session that would impact the rest of their lives. After reassigning instruments (Alex Ellis on guitar and Harvey Tumbleson on mandolin) and adding a second drummer (Paul Seeley), The Builders and The Butchers were born and ready to haunt Portland’s folk scene.

Once off the damp streets and into the warmth of actual venues, the band played strictly acoustic and on the floor. Their debut self-titled release showcases their earlier raw approach, as the five developed most of the dark tunes at rehearsal or during live performances. After shifting to stages, they created the “trunk of percussion,” a mass of thrift store toys and instruments for the audience to play in order to assure fan/band unity.

Even with a refined, less middle-of-the-night-graveyard-gathering sound, The Builders and The Butchers still manage to stay in touch with their barn-burning, dirty southern selves. Salvation Is A Deep Dark Well doesn’t skimp on ghostly strings or possessed preacher vocals. Aside from some bolder brass, the record hasn’t abandoned the band’s obession with religious imagery, nature, and death.

Who said making a pack with the devil is always a bad thing?

Check out their Web site for a full list of tour dates.

Mel Brown

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. Each and every Friday we offer songs by local artists. Today’s featured selection, chosen by Midday Show host Cheryl Waters, is “Barcelona” by The Builders & The Butchers from the album Salvation is a Deep Dark Well available through Gigantic Music.

Next time you pass a busker on the street, don’t be afraid to stop and give them a moment of your time. You never know when those folks pouring their heart and soul into your preoccupied eardrums just might be the next big thing. Portland’s The Builders and the Butchers got their start playing acoustically on street corners and outside of clubs before moving their gigs indoors into proper venues. Early shows were not only participatory, with many members of the audience joining in, but were also a forum for developing songs and arrangements for much of their music before it got recorded in an album format.

Originally hailing from Alaska, the B&Bers sought refuge in the Rose City to escape the oppressive arctic winters and didn’t anticipate they would change more than just their scenery. As singer/songwriter/guitarist Ryan Sollee, who has strong roots in punk and rock music, began adjusting to Portland’s more temperate climate, he also began delving into other musical styles including roots and Americana music that still has a strong undercurrent in much of the music coming out of the Northwest today. Something struck a chord (so to speak) in Sollee, who sought to find a way to reconcile his two worlds. Thus, The Builders and the Butchers were born during a jam session amongst friends who traversed more than just state lines. Not quite the Hold Steady, and not quite The Decemberists, Sollee, et al, craft rock-infused bluegrass music peppered with characters who have strong narratives and tales to tell. Today’s song, “Barcelona” has a Spanish feel (as one might imagine), complete with horns and Latin rhythms. It tells of the mythical dangers of the famous Spanish city at night. “Barcelona” hails from the band’s second full length album Salvation is a Deep Dark Well, which was recorded by The Decemberists’ Chris Funk (who has also worked with Langhorne Slim).

The Builders and The Butchers just kicked off a U.S. tour with a record release party in Seattle and Portland before heading out on the road, starting in California, next week. For a complete list of dates, check out their website or MysPace page. For now, here’s a video of them shot at The Moore when they opened for The Decemberists early last year: