Alan Singley and the Pants Machine

Bio:

  Alan Singley and Pants Machine are a sextet from Portland, Oregon that weave a tight, groovy pop sound that will shake you up and mellow you out. Their latest album "Feelin' Citrus" is an orchestral indie rock cocktail packed with genuine sunshine and vitamin-c. On your stereo or on the stage, these gems will surely have you under a citrus spell.

     The band is led by 28-year old, Burt Bacharach afficianado, Alan Singley, who wrote and aranged all 12 songs for,"Feelin' Citrus", while teaching music at a local non-profit. Singley quickly grew more confident in his arranging and conducting abilities surrounded by many of Portland's most elite orchestral players in his day to day routine.

   Alan Singley and Pants Machine's music covers a full spectrum of emotions and styles and as Pitchfork.com describes, "certainly manages to surprise". However unpredictable, one can tell every song has been thouroughly crafted by a quirky, introspective, lover-of-life. Sometimes the lyrics are psychedlic free verse, other times they read like a conversation, but are always inspired by real life: bikes, rice pudding, urban sprawl, home.

  Pants Machine started in 2003 as a two piece with Singley and then drummer Benjamin Jaspers. At first they played gritty basement ditties, but the sound quickly evolved when they were joined by bassist Gus Elg, and jazz guitarist Leb Borgerson. In 2006 they released "Lovingkindness" which eventually climbed to 118 on CMJ. In 2008 they were joined by a new drummer, Scott Hayden, and horn section, Reed Wallsmith and Jacob Potter, thus drawing them closer to pop perfection.

    "Feelin' Citrus" was a totally D.I.Y undertaking, with the band self-producing and bassist, Gus Elg as lead engineer. At every step, great care was given to stirring up magic on each track. All the party jams were recorded live in a secluded cabin in Idaho and all the ballads were recorded live with a ten-piece orchestra. The album was mixed at Portland's legendary Jackpot! Studios and includes guest appearances from members of Portland's Talkdemonic, Point Juncture, WA, and Blue Cranes.

Official Website: alansingley.com
Publicity: Chris at 230 Publicity
Radio Promotion: Hannah at Spectre Music
Electronic Press Kit: here



  
Beautiful Dana-- rough cut from Asher Sandberg-Lewis on Vimeo. ..

Member Since:

February 07, 2005

Members:

Alan Singley (Vocals, Piano)
Gus Elg (Bass)
Leb Borgerson (Guitar)
Scott Hayden (Drums)
Jacob Potter (Tenor Sax)
Reed Wallsmith (Alto Sax)

Influences:

Burt Bacharach, Steely Dan, soft rock.

Sounds Like:

(2006) Lovingkindness
Slow January Records


(2005) Audiobicyclette
Lucky Madison Records
(2003) Oh, Salad Days
Not Without Your Space Helmet Records

Record Label:

Bladen County Records

Label Type:

Indie