‹ Random Cover of the Week - Prince Covers Radiohead • Mini Movie Review - Iron Man ›

Sunday Music Spotlight - The Builders and the Butchers

May 4, 2008 in Music, Spotlight by Sean | No comments

Portland indie band The Builders and the Butchers

Do you like The Decemberists? Then you’ll probably dig The Builders and the Butchers. Like their fellow Portlandites The Builders and the Butchers write songs about eclectic topics, using lush and unusual instrumentation. The tunes range from epic to intimate. And their live show is famous for its energy.

I’m stuck at an airport in Dallas, and the internet connection bites. Luckily I have the band’s latest press release, so just read that and let the music speak for itself.

Singer/guitartist, Ryan Sollee moved to Portland, OR in the fall of 2003 from Alaska with his band at the time The Born Losers, which played a mix of rock and roll and punk. Feeling inspired by the blues, county and gospel music he was listening to, Sollee formed The Builders and Butchers with other eclectic and like-minded musicians he had met around Portland which included Alex Ellis (Bass, Vocals), Ray Rude (Snare Drum, Vocals) Harvey Tumbelson (Mandolin, Banjo, Percussion, Vocals) and Paul Seely (Bass Drum, Trumpet, Melodica, Vocals.

The Builders And The Butchers practiced a few times and played their first shows during the Halloween weekend of 2005. With little expectations, the band was surprised that after only a few shows people were singing along and responding passionately to their music. A lot of these first shows were played downtown outside of bars and clubs. As the crowds grew and local media began to take notice, so did Bladen County Records and Big Shot Touring (who also books Richard Hawley, The National, The Decemberists, etc) who now back the band. The Builders and The Butchers have also played with Man Man, Cake, The Decemberisits, among others.

The guys are recording right now, here in Portland Oregon. Type Foundry Studios and Magic Button. Chris Funk of the Decemberists is Producing. It’s sure to be grand.

The Builders And The Butchers - Bottom Of The Lake