Until the Clouds

Will Phalen - Stay the Same - NPR Tiny Desk Contest 2017

willphalensongs — Sun, 29 Jan 2017 19:29:18 -0600

Will Phalen - Stay the Same - NPR Tiny Desk Contest 2017:

New video up! Acoustic, unplugged version of “Stay the Same” shot for NPR’s Tiny Desk Contest. Check it out!

SINGLES #1: Stay the Same / Summer's Coming Fast / Graceland, by Will Phalen

willphalensongs — Sun, 29 Jan 2017 19:14:59 -0600

SINGLES #1: Stay the Same / Summer's Coming Fast / Graceland, by Will Phalen:

Just released: three brand new studio tracks previewing our forthcoming LP of 60s-inspired psychedelic folk rock! Steam and download now…

For Will Phalen, it’s about writing songs with depth and...

willphalensongs — Wed, 05 Mar 2014 13:19:31 -0600

For Will Phalen, it’s about writing songs with depth and feeling. But Phalen doesn’t stop there. He takes his lyrics and his melodies and surrounds them with textures and sounds that move the music far beyond “the guy with the guitar on the stool”. His newest album The Dirt The Air and the Grass is released March 11, but Phalen joins Morning Shift to perform several tracks live.

New Tshirt Design for 2014!!

willphalensongs — Fri, 21 Feb 2014 13:02:58 -0600

Our brand new tshirt was designed by band member Donny Mahlmeister in celebration of the new record!

Both will be available March 11th at willphalen.com

or on March 7th at the album release show at the Hideout in Chicago.

Pre-Order the NEW ALBUM and support our Kickstarter...

willphalensongs — Thu, 19 Dec 2013 02:22:49 -0600

Pre-Order the NEW ALBUM and support our Kickstarter campaign!!

Friends! We launched a Kickstarter campaign for the new album yesterday! Pre-order your copy today and check out the cool bonus offerings available only through this campaign. Thanks so much for your love and support!!

T-Shirts! We’ve got your T-Shirts here! Represent the...

willphalensongs — Fri, 24 May 2013 00:43:00 -0500

T-Shirts! We’ve got your T-Shirts here!

Represent the Addicts with this brand new tee!

Designed by Anna Phalen, these limited edition WPSA Equalizer logo t-shirts come printed on super soft cotton fabric. Available in grey and blue, mens and ladies sizes while supplies last!

Each purchase comes with a free download of the February 2013 Two-Song Album Sneak Peek available only through our Bandcamp page: http://willphalen.bandcamp.com/merch/wpsa-equalizer-t-shirt

NEW ALBUM sneak peek!!

willphalensongs — Thu, 02 May 2013 16:17:00 -0500

NEW ALBUM sneak peek!!:

Have a listen!

New Video: Live from the Studio - Recording the New Album -...

willphalensongs — Wed, 23 Jan 2013 00:41:59 -0600

New Video: Live from the Studio -

Recording the New Album - December 2012

In December, we traveled to Wisconsin to begin laying down tracks for the new record. This short clip will give you a quick glimpse behind the scenes at Sub-Urban Studios, and the track you hear in the background is an instrumental mix of one of the new cuts called “Shadow People”. Lots more to come!

In the studio…

Ryan Juravic: drums

Jack McLarnan: bass

Donny Mahlmeister: electric guitar

Adam Pryzybyla: pedal steel

Gregoire Yeche: engineer

New Collaboration: Quentin Hirsley - The Big Beautiful

willphalensongs — Mon, 15 Oct 2012 15:59:00 -0500

http://quentinhirsley.bandcamp.com/

Last Friday October, 12 saw the highly anticipated release of a project I was pleased to be a part of this year. I engineered, produced and played bass on record called The Big Beautiful, featuring the songs of my friend Quentin Hirsley. Quentin, who also lives in Chicago, is one of the best songwriters I know, and he has a rich, dark voice that puts him near the top of my “Favorite Singers” list too. After taking a few years off from his music, I was really honored that he wanted me to be record and co-produce his new project.

We tracked the five-song EP live (drums, bass, electric guitar, acoustic guitar and vocals) at my family’s studio in Mequon, Wisconsin, and then completed overdubs (re-did a couple of lead vocals, keyboards, percussion, a few electric guitar parts, harmony vocals and violins) at my home studio in Chicago.

Quentin brought together some of my very favorite Chicago musicians to help out for this one…

Ryan Juravic - drums (Dirty Pigeons, Old Fashioned War, and now the time-keeper for the new Stereo Addicts!)
Chris Anderson - guitars (Old Fashioned War, and he’s played with me in my acoustic trio since the release of Holy Ghost/Gold Coast)
Dan Ingenthron - keys (Dirty Pigeons, Weepin’ Willows, Go Long Mule, and many more)
Jason Bennett - guitars (The Tornaparts, Julie Klee, and many more)

Anna Phalen - vocals on Crocodile Tears (my lady)
James Davis - trumpet on Crocodile Tears & You In A Dress (Chicago Jazzman Extraordinaire!)
Tony Barba - tenor saxophone on You In A Dress
Mark Thompson - trombone on You In A Dress
Jennifer Silverstone Page - violin on B A B Y (The Puffins, I worked with her on Musikanto’s Sky of Dresses album)

…for my money it’s one of the best lineups that could even be imagined in the Chicago music scene. Quite a privilege to be able to work with all these folks on a single project. No surprise then that the record turned out beautifully. The songs are top notch (listen to “B A B Y”, the best ‘father-writing-to-child’ song I’ve ever heard), and everyone poured themselves into the performances. I’m especially proud of the drum sounds we captured. Ryan Juravic really knows how to get drums ready for recording, and his studio playing is stellar.

So, check it out! You can listen to the entire EP and purchase it here at bandcamp.

Will Phalen - Your Raging Seas - Summer Tour 2012 A video...

willphalensongs — Thu, 13 Sep 2012 09:57:32 -0500

Will Phalen - Your Raging Seas - Summer Tour 2012

A video montage documenting Will Phalen’s tour of the East Coast in July 2012. Footage includes scenes from the Martha’s Vineyard ferry boat and various music venues from New York City to Portland, Maine.

The audio is a demo recording of an unreleased Phalen composition called “Your Raging Seas”.

Will Phalen - You Can Close Your Eyes (by James Taylor)...

willphalensongs — Wed, 12 Sep 2012 09:59:46 -0500

Will Phalen - You Can Close Your Eyes (by James Taylor) video

Will Phalen performs James Taylor’s classic lullaby at a seaside campground somewhere in the north woods of Maine while on tour in July 2012.

Three Shows for Chicago this September

willphalensongs — Tue, 11 Sep 2012 14:36:00 -0500

Friends,

This past year has been really amazing. After releasing Holy Ghost/Gold Coast last summer, I got married to the girl I love (and my muse) and then flew off to Thailand for two euphoric weeks of travel and relaxation. Since my return, I have immersed myself in the world of yoga, and I just recently started exploring the universe of martial arts. And perhaps most significantly (at least for those of you reading), this past year or so has given me the opportunity to make music with a host of incredibly talented and creative people, all of whom I consider to be close friends.

This month in Chicago I’m going to showcase my work with at least a handful of those friends. I’ll be playing with a totally different band for each show and we’ll be doing a totally different set each night, giving me a chance to make music with a bunch of different friends and giving you the chance to see three unique shows in one month.

September 11th: Chicago
live at Uncommon Ground
featuring Sarah Holtschlag, Anna Phalen, Jason Bennett, and Shawn Rios
This Tuesday, for one night only, I’ll be joined by my incredibly talented friends Sarah, Anna, Jason and Shawn for a very unique set of mellow music and song. We’re going to pass the mic around and sing a lot of harmonies together. I promise that this is a show not to be missed!
Uncommon Ground (Wrigleyville)
8:00 pm - All Ages - $5 cover
3800 North Clark Street
Chicago

September 21st: Chicago
live at Lilly’s
as part of the “Chicago, I Love You” Festival
The original Holy Ghost Trio featuring Russ Mallord and Chris Anderson reunites for this special event! Can’t wait to jam with Chris and Russ again!
Lilly’s
8:30 pm - 21+ - Free Admission
2515 North Lincoln Avenue
Chicago

September 29th: Chicago
live at Beat Kitchen
with Minor Characters
I’ll round out the month of performances with some rocknroll! This one will feature the new Stereo Addicts band in our very first club show. If you haven’t seen the new group yet (or even if you have!) this will be your chance!
Beat Kitchen
8:30 pm - 21+
2100 W. Belmont
Chicago

Hope you can make it to one of the shows, if not all three. It’s going to be quite a special month! Thanks to all of you for your continued support and love! You’re the reason we keep doing this stuff!

Love,

Will

Wicker Park Fest! July 29, 2012. The Chicago debut of the new...

willphalensongs — Tue, 21 Aug 2012 16:05:00 -0500

Wicker Park Fest! July 29, 2012. The Chicago debut of the new band featuring…

Adam Przybyla - pedal steel

Donny Mahlmeister - guitar

Jack McLarnan - bass

Ryan Juravic - drums

New tunes, new recordings, new shows all to come!

Summer Tour 2012!!! I’m hitting the road with Shawn Rios...

willphalensongs — Mon, 02 Jul 2012 14:00:04 -0500

Summer Tour 2012!!!

I’m hitting the road with Shawn Rios and Chris Anderson for some dates out on the East Coast. We head out next Thursday July 12th and will be performing in New York City on July 14th and 15th.

For a full list of dates and info see willphalen.com

A big thank you to Ashleigh Long of Something of a Dandy for the beautiful tour poster!

Live in-studio at WBEZ Chicago Public Radio: Eight Forty Eight I...

willphalensongs — Fri, 04 May 2012 14:33:25 -0500

Live in-studio at WBEZ Chicago Public Radio: Eight Forty Eight

I had a nice early morning interview with Eight Forth Eight host Tony Sarabia, followed by a live performance. I’m joined here by my friends Shawn Rios and Chris Anderson

see the full story h ere

Record Store Day feature interview

willphalensongs — Fri, 04 May 2012 14:30:17 -0500

Record Store Day feature interview

a BIG thank you to all these stations and platforms for spinning Holy Ghost/Gold Coast

willphalensongs — Fri, 04 May 2012 14:27:00 -0500

TheLoft; SiriusXM <http://www.siriusxm.com/theloft>
KDNK.org <http://KDNK.org/> Colorado
88.1 FM Carbondale/Glenwood, CO.
88.3 FM Aspen, CO.
88.5 FM Basalt, CO.
93.5 FM Leadville, CO.
94.9 FM Thomasville, CO <http://www.kdnk.org/>
KOTO.org <http://KOTO.org/>
91.7 FM Telluride, CO.
89.5 FM Norwood, CO.
105.5 FM Down Valley, CO. <http://www.koto.org/>
KFJC.org <http://KFJC.org/> Los Altos Hills, CA.
KFOG.com <http://KFOG.com/> San Francisco/San Jose, CA.

KIWR/ <http://www.897theriver.com/> 897theriver.com <http://897theriver.com> <http://897theriver.com/> Council Bluffs, IA.

KPFT.org <http://KPFT.org/> Houston, TX.
KYRS.org <http://www.kyrs.org/showprofile.cfm?id=1234988911045> Spokane, WA.
KBCS.fm <http://KBCS.fm/> Bellevue, WA.
WFDU.fm <http://WFDU.fm/> Teaneck, NJ.
WMSE.org <http://WMSE.org/> Milwaukee, WI.
WUWM.com <http://WUWM.com/> Milwaukee, WI.
KKFI.org <http://KKFI.org/> Kansas City, MO.
WEFT,org <http://weft.org/on-the-air/listen-live/> Champaign, IL.
WERU.org <http://www.weru.org/> , Blue Hill / Bangor, ME.
WAJP <http://wwuh.org/> , Torrington, CT.
WWEB <http://wwuh.org/> , Wallingford, CT
KRVM <http://www.krvm.org/> , Eugene Oregon
WDJW <http://wwuh.org/> , Somers, CT.
WWUH.org <http://WWUH.org/> Hartford, CT.
KDHX.org <http://KDHX.org/> St. Louis, MO.
PUBLIC RADIO EAST <http://www.publicradioeast.org/> , NC.
WZNB, <http://www.publicradioeast.org/> New Barn, NC.
88.1 , Greenville, NC
WKNS <http://www.publicradioeast.org/> Kingston to Raleigh, NC.
WBJD <http://www.publicradioeast.org/> At The Coast, NC
WBJB <http://wbjb.org/home.php/> Lincroft, NJ
WBEZ <http://www.wbez.org/> , Chicago, IL
WTMD <http://wtmd.org/radio/2012/02/16/get-ready-for-music-madness-wtmds-super-sonic-showdown/> Towson, MD
IndieSF.com, <http://IndieSF.com/> Santa Fe, NM
InsomniaRadio.net <http://InsomniaRadio.net/>
RadioFreeAmericana.com <http://RadioFreeAmericana.com/>
Rootstime.be <http://Rootstime.be/>

Even Though - Official Music Video The first music video from...

willphalensongs — Fri, 04 May 2012 14:23:27 -0500

Even Though - Official Music Video

The first music video from Will Phalen’s solo album Holy Ghost/Gold Coast. This stop motion film was made from several hundred still photographs taken in the days following the great Chicago blizzard of February 2011. Some of the photos used in the film appeared in the album’s artwork as well.

The video also documents the final days before the demolition of the Cabrini Green housing project high rises on Chicago’s near north side. Night photos taken from the Sky Deck atop the Willis Tower aka Sears Tower.

Americana Music Times reviews Holy Ghost/Gold Coast

willphalensongs — Fri, 04 May 2012 14:19:46 -0500

Americana Music Times reviews Holy Ghost/Gold Coast:

“There’s nothing out of place here. Phalen’s vocal is perfectly more speak-y than sing-y, the acoustic guitar is wonderfully understated as the primary instrument, the accompanying instrumentation is spot on, and the songwriting is engagingly beautiful…Holy Ghost / Gold Coast has just the right sound, mood, and songwriting to be a model for other americana artists to follow”

3/30/2012

No Depression interview: Will Phalen, Ghost in the Machine

willphalensongs — Fri, 04 May 2012 14:17:12 -0500

No Depression interview: Will Phalen, Ghost in the Machine:

01/13/2012