From time to time, your friends at Paste scour Kickstarter to find projects worthy of your support and love. Support independent art today by becoming a backer, and spread the word, why don’t ya?
We usually bring you film-related favorites, but today’s pick is actually a music project, although it did come to our attention through Seed & Spark co-creator and Indiewire Top Fifty Influencer Emily Best.
But lest you think it’s through sheer nepotism that you’re hearing about Bonsai, do your ears a favor and give a listen to the first song from the forthcoming EP, “I Fashion You’re a Dreamer,” here. It’s somehow simultaneously peaceful and energizing. Lead singer Simone Stevens has an intriguing voice, and when the backgound vocals join her on the chorus, the effect is positively bewitching.
As further third-party testimony, consider that the EP’s producer, Dan Moland, is perhaps best known for his work with recent Paste SXSW headliner Lucius, but has also worked with bands like Elizabeth and the Cataoult and Here We Go Magic. Lucius guitarist Peter Lalish is also featured on the record.
Here’s what the band has to say:
“Bonsai is a band based in Brooklyn, NY. It is comprised of singer-songwriter (and author of this letter, spokesperson if you will) Simone Stevens, guitarist Greg McMullen (Trixie Whitley, Michelle Ndegeocello, Glenn Branca), and drummer Bryan Bisordi (Nels Kline, Great Elk). We have been playing together for years, supporting each other in different acts and are so excited to now have this curvaceous body of material to share with you, together! Unfortunately, with Kickstarter, if we don’t reach our goal we walk away with nada.
“It was produced by Dan Molad (Lucius, Elizabeth and the Catapult, Here We Go Magic) at Sounds Like a Fire in Ditmas, NY, featuring guitarist Peter Lalish (Lucius). Watching them work/play their instruments together was an amazing treat. Greg’s guitar magic and pedal steel action is so lovely, and Bryan plays the hell out of these tunes live.When I listen to the tracks and their talent, I more often than not have to pinch myself.
“So, here we are, with this 5 song EP, finished, but not finished. It still needs to be made physically tangible and more importantly, the monetary support for publicity and promotion, so it doesn’t dissapear into the ether.It’s actually the hardest part, and we want this baby Bonsai EP to grow up strong, get an education, travel, and perhaps meet your children. We want them to date maybe, or at least have coffee.
“I hope you will join us. We can’t wait for you to take long drives across the country to it, or cook chicken paillard to it, or send it to a friend so they can cook(or burn) chicken paillard to it. You know what I mean.
“Thank you for taking the time to check us out. Be well lovely people!!”
Support the project here in the next 24 hours.