-WE ARE THE WILLOWS ANNOUNCE NEW ALBUM; PICTURE (PORTRAIT) PT. 1
-OUT NOVEMBER 4TH ON THE HOMESTEAD RECORDS
– INSPIRED BY 350 LOVE LETTERS WRITTEN BY LEAD SINGER’S GRANDFATHER TO HIS GRANDMOTHER DURING WORLD WAR II
–LEAD SINGLE “DEAR MS. BRANSTNER” DEBUTS ON BUZZFEED
We Are The Willows is thrilled to announce the release of the new full-length album Picture (Portrait) Pt. 1, out November 4th on The Homestead Records. The Minneapolis based six-piece have premiered the song “Dear Ms. Branstner” via Buzzfeed music as a preview of the material found on the album. The lyrics and inspiration for all the songs comprising Picture (Portrait) Pt. 1, are derived from a series of 350 letters written by songwriter/frontman Peter Miller’s grandfather to his grandmother while he was stationed in the Southwest Pacific during World War II. Their correspondence inspired Miller to explore themes of family, separation, life, death, and identity in a time of national and personal crisis.
Stream/Download “Dear Ms. Branstner” via SoundCloud
Visit Buzzfeed to view select scanned images of the letters from Miller’s Grandfather
We Are The Willows’ orchestral indie-rock ensemble features Miller’s unique countertenor voice and guitar, supported by Jeremiah Satterthwaite (guitar/banjo), Leah Ottman (violin/voice/keys), Hilary James (cello/voice/keys), Travis Collins (bass), and Stephen Lindquist (drums/voice). Together they craft dynamic, intimate songs with instruments and voices combining to create energetic rhythms and intricate melodies. Their heartfelt arrangements evoke shared nostalgic feelings of love and loss.
Past efforts from We Are The Willows have received kind words and attention from the likes of Magnet Magazine, local NPR affiliate 89.3 The Current, Minneapolis City Pages, Daytrotter, and PASTE Magazine who named them a Minnesota band to watch. Stay tuned for tour dates in support of Picture (Portrait) Pt. 1 to be announced.
