Misé “Eclipses; eyelashes”

03 Jan 2014 — Andi Wilson

In most people's college years it is a time of transformation and discovery. One of those life-changing discoveries for me was being a part of a small yet continuously moving music scene in the fairly desolate towns of Pullman, Washington and Moscow, Idaho. It was quite amusing that a 10 minute drive between these state borders created two pretty incomparable spaces. Pullman consumed a typical university-lifestyle while Moscow was more homey and welcoming. Despite these differences, local musicians crossed paths and significantly collaborated while raising awareness to up and coming venues in the area. 

Returning to the idea of transformation, Moscow-native, Misé stands as an impressive example of differentiation within a community while also staying ground to his roots. Originally the act was a solo one and formed by Cooper Trail who would sing, loop guitars, and play a small drum-kit during his set. At the time he was only 17 and seeing a young performer in an advanced setting is always groundbreaking. Little Mountain was the project's first beautifully-crafted EP, released in 2012 and warmed-up many listener's winters that year. 

"Eclipses; eyelashes" experiments in a new realm where the first half of the track grows and intensenly clenches a darker pop sound. Just as rapidly, the fuzz-soaked guitars fade into a cassette-recorded, honest love story. The tape aspect was brought in by producer/engineer, Bart Budwig, running CasetteNW which focuses on more intimate sessions with Northwest artists such as Breathe Owl Breathe and Radiation City.  

Stream and download "Eclipses; eyelashes" and catch a preview for Misé's debut album, Arts & Crafts which will be released sometime in 2014 from Moscow label, Woolly Records. Live shows are being set for the new year as a duo piece including Nevada Sowle on drums.