Jason Ward (bass, samples) // Scott Kennedy (guitar, rhodes, organ) // Burke Jam (guitar, samples, keys) // Baine Craft (drums) // David Totten (guitar, lap steel, keys)
Influences
hope and light and the lives we've lived and the mountainscapes at the edge of our view and all of those who have intersected with our experiences. as for musical influences, everything from neil young to tarentel, yo la tengo to john coltrane, bruce springsteen to black dice, sonic youth to dimitre shostakovich, trans am to the beach boys, stereolab to johnny cash, and so on. generally speaking, if it was made with passion and intensity, and at some point it filtered through headphones and speakers into our ears, it has probably had some affect on our lives.
Seattle, Washington instrumental collective This is a Process of a Still Life writes songs with a focus on layered melodies and shifting tones. Formed in the spring of 2003 in Missoula,MT, current members Jason Ward (bass), David Totten (guitar, keys) , Scott Kennedy (guitar, keys), Baine Craft (percussion), Burke Jam (guitar, samples) strive for an organic, living feel in their sound and visual art. “They are the painters of the musical community, stretching song structures into an open canvas within which they paint their moods, emotions, thoughts, and feelings” (Delusions of Adequacy – August 23, 2004).
"This is a Process of a Still Life are starkly original, as they blend the finer elements of instrumental rock to create something they can call their own." (30Music.com) Their instrumental approach creates intricate layers of sound; music that both soothes and challenges. Drum and bass roles ground the music, providing a strong yet expansive foundation for the ethereal, entwining guitar melodies. Bells, electric piano and analog synths lend delicate shadings of texture and mood. "They are the painters of the musical community, stretching song structures into an open canvas within which they paint their moods, emotions, thoughts, and feelings." (Delusions of Adequacy) At times the music becomes almost chaotic, but the underlying harmonies remain, luring the listener back into pleasant insecurity.
"Fans of Mogwai, Tortoise or Maserati will find plenty to admire in this band's work, which reveals new depths and moods with each listen." (Eugene Weekly) This is Process of a Still Life strives for an organic, living feel both in their sound and their visual art. Tones and moods shift and evolve throughout the course of a song -- or within the songs in a set -- while still retaining unity and cohesion. Their music draws you in, providing a reassuring sense of peace without succumbing to saccharine platitudes or overplayed stereotypes. "Blissfully zen out with their moody and evocative instrumentation; it's blissful without boredom, and intellectual without pretension." (Three Imaginary Girls)
The band traveled to Haywire Studio in Portland, Oregon in the winter of 2003 to record their first album, which was released in April 2004. "Their self-titled debut is a delicious selection of explosive peaks and meandering pathways. At times it feels as if the world is crumbling; at other moments, it's twilight outside and everything is wonderful." (Indieville.com) After several tours, This is a Process of a Still Life returned to the studio, where they spent four long months working on their second album, "Light," released in the fall of 2005. "Bottom line here is, if you dig on expertly played guitar music that cuts right to the gorgeousness, add this CD to your constant rotation pile... They continue to amaze with the melodies they pull out of thin air." (The Big Takeover)
You guys were SO good tonight! Can't wait for your upcoming album. I am however bummed that you guys ran out of your 2nd album, but I hope this means that you were able to rack in the dough for Laurie and Baine.
Hey guys- just wanted to say it was a pleasure meeting you all, and really great to play with you! Thanks again, and hopefully we can do it again in the future...Jed
We are modestly sure you are all robots. There is no way humans could be responsible for creating something so beautiful. Which is kind of ironic considering people build robots—but, in fairness, it’s done with alien technology.
This is really amazing. So beautiful and relaxing. Please let us know if and when you are going to play some shows over here in good old germany! hartmut / leaving town
---------- listen to LEAVING TOWN´s new demo "catch a star, stop the fight" on myspace
Nice to meet you. thanks for the add... We are Japanese instrumental rock band (Gt.x2&Dr.) of "THE SPIRITUAL". NICE SONG!! Please enjoy our music. Thank You!! Cheers!
~ FREE CD!! ~ We began "free CD" distribution to have many people listen to our music. Please send a message to us from "myspace" if there is a person wanting our CD. The postage is free of charge, too.I wait for a message!!
Hey there, don't know if you remember me or not, is was during the crazy missoula and victor of aera 5 dayz, anyways i was the girl who put on the paper dolls fashion show and was wondering if any of you still had any amounts of pictures taken. if ya do thats cool if not, that sucks, but it would be definitly awesome if ya did. ciao mindy
Hi you guys. Just wanted to say hi and hope you can book a show in spokane soon. Would love to see you live again. Your music is moving. Merry Christmas. :)
new pictures coming soon! i got the bulk of them printed yesterday... a wonderful excuse to get back into my darkroom... (three years after i took them ;) )