Jeremy Bradley Earl (of Woods) Announces ‘Four Songs’ solo EP w/”Let The Snow Fall” Video
After more than 2 decades into a prolific career, the Woodsist founder releases his first solo effort
Twenty years after forming the prolific and mercurial indie psych-folk institution, WOODS, and founding the Brooklyn label, Woodsist, frontman, Jeremy Bradley Earl is announcing his first official solo release. Aptly titled Four Songs, the new EP will be released on March 21st and consists of Earl (vocals, guitar, Casio, percussion) supported by WOODS member, Kyle Forester on piano and the EP‘s producer, Sam Cohen (Apollo Sunshine, Yellowbirds) providing bass, drums, and Mellotron.
WOODS has gone through various changes since its formation, but the one constant has been Earl’s collaboration with multi-instrumentalist, Jarvis Taveniere. Prior to WOODS, the pair was in the project Meneguar. In 2018, their partnership even led to the duo backing David Berman in Purple Mountains, along with producing the only LP from the project by the late-Silver Jews frontman. Over the years, WOODS has gone through various incarnations, from a more stripped-down lineup to bringing in horn arrangements. What’s been so remarkable to witness is that, no matter how the band shifts, every single version of WOODS has remained great and the evolution feels organic. Members enter in and others move on, but the core of the project remains solid and nothing ever seems forced or out of place.
From the visual art that he creates to throwing the annual Woodsist festival and running the label that once released early work by such acts as Kurt Vile; Real Estate; Jonathan Rado; and Moon Duo; Earl‘s presence is felt in everything he’s involved with. But while his touch is evident, I’ve always gotten the impression that the singer/songwriter/label owner/artist cares more about the big picture and the overall product than having the spotlight on himself as an individual. I could be wrong, but just based on their output, both the band Woods and the Woodsist label feel like projects that respect the voices of those involved and provide them the freedom to express themselves. What’s exciting about having a Jeremy Earl solo effort is that it gives us the opportunity to finally hear him in his truest and most uncompromising form.
Commenting on the new EP, former WOODS member and collaborator, Kevin Morby states, “Four Songs only builds upon the already admirable DIY empire he’s been building over the past 25 years. Jeremy is an artist in every sense of the word. Be it songwriting or his beautiful work as a visual artist, I see these first songs under his own name as a culmination of the two mediums. Somehow, I feel as if these songs aren’t just songs but sonic paintings done by Jeremy. They each create their own universe bursting with color and I can’t wait for more.“
Left to his own devices, these songs feel more personal than ever. As if we’re getting a glimpse into an artist at work, behind closed doors, in real time.”
The single, “Let The Snow Fall” provides our first glimpse into what Morby is referring to. The emotional quality in Jeremy‘s voice is as affecting as ever, while the composition is sparse, yet full of life. The more stripped-down framework provides space for textural embellishments to breathe and expand like cosmic fauna sprouting around the trellis of its bones. A “sonic painting” is a great way to explain it and it works because, beneath it all, there is an incredibly solid foundation. Earl has long proven himself to be a terrific songwriter and “Let The Snow Fall” is another flawless example of his understanding of the understated. His experimentation greatly enhances the tune without sacrificing structure or melody. A lot of people can construct a home, but the ones that Jeremy Bradley Earl builds are lived in. The fireplace is lit. They are beautiful.
Check out the Ian McNaughton-directed video for “Let The Snow Fall” below.
Later this month, Jeremy Bradley Earl will be heading out on a co-headlining solo tour with Daniel Higgs of Lungfish.
Cassette pre-order for Four Songs is available now through Woodsist.com
Tracklist and full list of tour dates below.
Four Songs EP Tracklist:
1. Days Turn Around
2. Let The Snow Fall
3. I Know A Better Place
4. Deep Water For Ed
Jeremy Bradley Earl Tour Dates:
Thu. Mar. 20 – Kingston, NY @ Tubby’s *
Fri. Mar. 21 – Kingston, NY @ Tubby’s [SOLD OUT] *
Sat. Mar. 22 – Providence, RI @ AS220 *
Sun. Mar. 23 Winooski, VT @ Monkey House *
Mon. Mar. 24 – Portsmouth, NH @ Press Room *
Tue. Mar. 25 – Portland, ME @ Space 538 *
Thu. Mar. 27 – Philadelphia, PA @ Fist Unitarian Side Chapel – early & late shows [SOLD OUT] *
Fri. Mar. 28 – Washington, DC @ Songbyrd *
Sat. Mar. 29 – Brooklyn, NY @ Union Pool [SOLD OUT] *
Sun. Mar. 30 – Brooklyn, NY @ Union Pool *
Mon. Apr. 14 – Paris, FR @ Le Point Ephémère
Thu. Apr. 17 Barcelona, ES @ Laut
Sun. Apr. 20 – Lisbon, PT @ Musicbox
Tue. Apr. 22 – London, UK @ Lexington
* with Daniel Higgs
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