♪ artist of the week. ♪

Wednesday Jun 11, 2008

Happy Wednesday everyone! It's that time of the week to introduce you to my artist of the week. Today, I am here to tell you all about Patrick Park.

The Colorado native is one of those singer/songwriters where creativity comes from the bottom of his feet to the top of his head. He doesn't purr out the lyrics; he sings them in full voice, putting everything he has into every single word. He doesn't agonize over his music. He just makes it. You can tell Park's influences are the likes of Leonard Cohen, Neil Young and Bob Dylan (and I am sure, many more!). I was reading his website earlier today and I read something that just made sense about him and his music: "His songs teem with dramatic tension, vivid character sketches and fitful visions of inner turmoil." Park explains "The most beautiful and magical thing any song has to offer, is how it affects the listener, how they relate it to their own life." He goes on to say "I also don't know what I would want to open myself up that much and actually say what these songs are about. It's hard enough to put them out there sometimes. all of them were written with the hope that there would be a better day. I don't know if that coms across or not."

While living in CA, Park started playing solo shows in LA, and the local press soon picked up on his talent. Shortly after, he would start to open for other artists such as Gomez and Beth Orton. At that time, Hollywood Records also took notice and signed Patrick. Park released 'Loneliness Knows My Name' in 2004 and immediately hit the road to tour with David Gray, Liz Phair, The Polyphonic Spree, The Thrills, Grandaddy (all amazing talents as well) and more. From that album, "Something Pretty" caught my ears by a melody so sweet that I was immediately drawn in and have been a big fan ever since. I am excited that he will be playing the Fillmore this coming Friday with Augustana and I will be there front and center enjoy the sweet melodies from both of them. Enjoy the video for the song that made me a Patrick Park fan and enjoy your day!