ENTER THE ECHO. A new Eau Claire-based group, Echo Parlor, will begin performing this summer. They are, from left to right, Valerie Evans, Will Deblaey, Sarah Elstran, and Staš Hable.

Within Eau Claire’s flourishing music scene, a group of talented musicians are preparing to make their debut as a brand new group: Echo Parlor. With a self-described indie rock sound, the group consists of Sarah Elstran (guitar, vocals), Valerie Evans (piano, vocals), Staš Hable (drums), and Will Deblaey (bass).

If you recognize those names, it’s because all are members of other musical groups that have performed in the area: Elstran, also known as The Nunnery, captivates audiences throughout the region with her looping music; Evans is a part of the popular Melange Trio, who use their voices and single guitar to play original music and cover in a wide range of genres; Deblaey is a part of Sweater People, an instrumental band which recently released its first full-length album; and Hable plays drums in a local favorite folk band, Them Coulee Boys.

The four came together organically, meeting each other through several performances, musical projects, and even school (Elstran and Hable first met in high school). Elstran spearheaded the group out of a desire to work on projects that deviated from her usual Nunnery sound. She has written the songs for the band thus far, but they’re experimenting with what works for them as a group.

“(Echo Parlor's sound) is not very clearly identifiable. To me, the songs kind of go past indie rock – it’s a little bit like dreamy pop, maybe baroque pop.”

WILL DEBLAEY

ECHO PARLOR BASS PLAYER 

“(Echo Parlor’s sound) is not very clearly identifiable,” Deblaey said. “To me, the songs kind of go past indie rock – it’s a little bit like dreamy pop, maybe baroque pop.”

“We’re not the kind of band that discussed our influences in the start,” Hable continued. “The four of us have all had various influences, and we’ve all let them come through organically. All of us listen to different (music) as well so it’s kind of fun to just see what happens.”

Elstran also wanted to keep the band made up of Eau Claire-based musicians. “It’s nice to have this group with people who care about what Eau Claire represents and are happy to bring this new project to life here,” she said. “I think we all feel pretty strongly about wanting Eau Claire’s art scene to thrive and we’re excited to keep it going.”

Though Echo Parlor has yet to record music, they have several live performances planned. Their first-ever live show will be held on May 14 at The Good Wives (2161 Eastridge Center, Eau Claire). The show will be held in collaboration with Farewell Transmission, a local radio show. Echo Parlor will also be performing as part of the Sounds Like Summer Concert Series on Thursday, July 25, in Phoenix Park.

“It’s nice to have this group with people who care about what Eau Claire represents and are happy to bring this new project to life here.”

Sarah elstran

member of echo parlor

As they continue to fine-tune their sound as a group, Echo Parlor is also looking to release music and continue to perform live locally. At the center of it all, they’re aiming to keep their style and music fun and organic.

“The four of us have set aside times in our life and we’re not trying to make money or whatever,” Hable said. “It’s felt so pure and reminds me of being in my first bands where you’re just having fun, but at least we have a little bit more professional understanding of what it’s like to run a band.”

Keep up with Echo Parlor on their Facebook page.