QUICK HITS: Here's What The Locals Are Listening To This September
new releases from Nova Garden, Ben Ellsworth, Cap'n Seabeard, & Ardeth Bay
"The Diary," Nova Garden
Estrella Mercado Panther, the singer-songwriter behind Eau Claire open mic mainstay Nova Garden, might be known to some as Soren Staff’s “favorite emo person,” a title she won’t soon forget.
It was at Soren's latest music residency, earlier this year, where I first caught on to what the rest of the area’s open mic scenes had long realized: Estrella’s highly theatrical and alluring expressiveness ring just as true in her recorded tracks as they do live.
Nova Garden’s latest single, “The Diary,” slated for release on Sept. 18, offers much of the grunge and ambient qualities of their previous single releases online.
“I wrote ‘The Diary’ when my phone broke and I bought this little Motorola from Walmart,” Estrella laughed. “Man, I (was) really stressed about a lot of things; I had so much fun writing this song though, despite how sad it sounds.”
The new track’s lyrics reflect this juxtaposition, as Estrella leans into outlets like her own physical journal to navigate through feelings of restlessness and the search for gratitude. Nova Garden’s gravely yet siren-like vocals make way for these heartfelt lyrics and leave us listeners craving more of this unparalleled sound.
Listen to “The Diary” and more music by Nova Garden on SoundCloud and streaming platforms.
"909air/Metro," Ben Ellsworth
On Sept. 9 – a date local electronic artist Ben Ellsworth has since dubbed “909 day” – a fresh collection of unreleased material surfaced from his previous full-length album, 1. Initially set as the opening track, Ben felt “909air/Metro” didn't quite fit alongside the other eight selections on the release.
“I want to honor the history that came before me, take that and make my own thing,” Ben said. A 909 drum kit serves as a primary foundation for his overall sound and his new piece serves to honor that tool through a poetic, distinct approach.
At exactly eight minutes and 30 seconds, “909air/Metro” brings the ambient crescendos we’ve come to love about Ben’s sonic creations, woven together by textures that mimic rippling pools. Good luck staying still while listening; it feels near impossible to resist grooving along with the rhythm.
Listen to “909air/Metro” and more music works by Ben Ellsworth on Bandcamp.
Cap'n Seabeard: Live!, Cap'n Seabeard
Last time we spoke with Christopher Schumacher, frontman of Chippewa Valley punk-folk ensemble Cap’n Seabeard, he shared this wish: “I want Cap’n Seabeard to be more than just a band on stage playing music. I would like to make the audience feel included in the experience to the best of my ability.”
Needless to say the group’s latest collection, Cap'n Seabeard: Live!, takes this desire and brings listeners right into The Raw Deal (603 Broadway St., Menomonie).
Across its seven tracks – some from previous record Poor & Ignored and others yet to be released – this record also offers an introduction to Cap’n Seabeard’s newest member: Sam Weaver, on lead guitar.
Of course, the ensemble's longtime Maria Lewis (bass guitar) and Brett Miller (percussion) accompany Christopher’s guitar chords and vocals. Together, all bring an unfiltered presentation of the Menomonie sounds and what other music is already in development for Cap’n Seabeard.
“Some of these live recordings will then be incorporated into a full-length album that will be recorded this coming October,” Christopher said of a new chapter of Cap’n Seabeard.
“It’s kind of exciting because this the new lineup has actually been leaning into even more of a grunge or punk rock direction. Growing up around that stuff... I always wanted to have at least a part of my musical identity affiliated with that sound.”
Listen to Cap'n Seabeard: Live! and more music works by Christopher Schumacher and company on streaming platforms.
Emptiness Within The Bliss, Ardeth Bay
Maybe you caught post-punk outfit Ardeth Bay playing a show at The Venue in downtown Eau Claire this spring. Or, you will be among the cohort of listeners to discover Emptiness Within The Bliss – the band’s debut EP – as it releases today, Sept. 18.
Bandmates Colin Grossbier (guitar, vocals, songwriting) and Matthew Baughman (bass, songwriting) have rooted themselves in a DIY ethos, with six new tracks in Emptiness Within The Bliss. The duo’s lyrics reveal a strong focus on “isolation that happens when the sun goes down” and other nocturnal imagery.
Nods to classic horror cinema – a common interest between Colin and Matthew – are also woven into the EP’s storytelling and moody, atmospheric sounds.
“We’re constantly talking about music and movies at band practice, so I don't think we’re going to grow out of those interests anytime soon,” the duo said.
Locals, myself included, might wonder how the city of Eau Claire weaves into track four, “Nights in EC.” The song’s messaging stems directly from personal history rather than any critique of the city itself, Colin admitted.
While listening through, the song does deliver an upbeat, danceable energy. Yet, its lyrical content juxtaposes these feelings with darker emotional turmoils. Emptiness Within The Bliss shifts between many musical genres, but its exploration of interpersonal growth will surely strike a chord all listeners can connect with.
On Sept. 19, Ardeth Bay will return to The Venue stage for an EP release party, supported by regional hardcore bands Casual Sex and Sex, Fear. Both Colin and Matthew envision this weekend will bring much of the same, spontaneous energy that inspired Emptiness Within The Bliss.
“We prefer performing these songs live more than recording them,” the duo said. “Subconsciously, I think some of that influenced this record … it's rough around the edges and isn't perfect, but that's okay.”
Ardeth Bay will perform its new EP, Emptiness Within The Bliss, live at 9pm on Sept. 19 at The Venue (209 Graham Ave., Eau Claire). Tickets will be $10/person at the door. Keep up with the Eau Claire band on Instagram (@ardeth_bayec).
