This past weekend I had the chance to sit down with Pullman based band Yarn Owl after their KEXP in-studio to ask them a few questions. Over the past few months the group has started to get some attention in the Seattle music scene, landing them a spot on the Capitol Hill Block Party line up. When asked how the Seattle crowd reception has been, the band said that all the shows have gone well. The crowds have been very appreciative and out of the handful of shows not one has been a flop. Capitol Hill Block Party is the most well promoted show the group has played and they are really excited to be a part of such a popular event.
Being from Pullman created a few barriers for Yarn Owl to overcome, considering that the town’s population is primarily college kids. They are looking to get signed to a label to assist them along the way, which is resulting in some of the members possibly moving to Seattle in the near future. Doing everything on their own has been a fun but difficult process, and the fact of the matter is that Yarn Owl has begun to outgrow Pullman, and the band is ready to take things to the next level in Seattle.
One of the things I was curious about going into this interview was where the name Yarn Owl came from. Javier had a collection of yarn art covering the walls of his room; turtles, castles, and of course an owl. The underappreciated art and ideal behind it fit the group, hence their name, Yarn Owl, not Barn Owl. Their debut album, Montaña y Caballo, has a unique title as well. This translates to “Mountain and Horse” in Spanish, which came from the small amount of Spanish vocabulary Tim could remember from school. It also helps that Javier is fluent in Spanish.
The song writing process for Yarn Owl consists of Javier or Tyler bringing an idea to the group, followed by them jamming on it for awhile until they fit all the pieces together. Sometimes Javier will have more or less of an idea of what he wants, and in that case the group helps turn that idea into the song that was envisioned. The recording process brings in Chris Early who worked with Tim before Yarn Owl in other groups, which was perfect for the group because there isn’t an abundance of people to work with musically in the Pullman area.
When asked who some influences were Ted told me Javier likes the Beatles, and then there was silence. That silence spoke for itself. The Beatles are a large influence. Along with the Fab Four the group is into a lot of music people may not expect such as, jazz, instrumental music, and on the ride from Pullman, a lot of 80’s music.
Before Yarn Owl had recorded their full length album they played a show in Spokane at Terrain. Over four thousand people attended, James Pants DJ’d, and it was an all around great experience with good energy for the band. The response they got from the crowd was a huge boost of confidence and brought them to the realization that they should record a full length album.
The most entertaining part about interviewing a band is hearing some of their quirky stories, and luckily I was able to get a gem from Yarn Owl. Upon asking them who they’ve been listening to lately I was told Fleet Foxes, Beach Fossils, and The Lonely Island. The Lonely Island isn’t exactly something they intentionally listen to, but on their weekly musical bowling excursion in Pullman, the Lonely Island gets played a lot. Yarn Owl and fellow Pullman band Buffalo Death Beam are a part of the Dead Beat Degenerate Bowling League, where before each match they hold their drinks up in respect to Dick Berger, the finest bowler in Pullman history. Dick Berger where ever you may be, know your legacy continues in the D.B.D.B.L.
Wrapping up I asked the guys who they have been listening to in terms of local music. Aside from Fleet Foxes, they have been listening to Craft Spells, Buffalo Death Beam, and Portland band Yeah Great Fine. All of which I would also recommend to anyone looking for some cool new Pacific Northwest music.
Yarn Owl will be performing with Chapter and The Young Lions this Friday, May 27th, at the Columbia City Theater celebrating their CD release. Tickets are $6 and the doors will be at 9PM/21+.
For your chance to win a free CD and ticket to Yarn Owls show this Friday, please be 21 years of age and email your name to seattle@thevinyldistrict.com
