The Secret Society | That Much Further West Podcast

Bret Ervin, bellied up at the bar in The Helm. Photo by Anne Marie for Local Hero Media

Stream or download Episode #84: Episode 84 w/ Bret Ervin

The gang from Countryside Ride knew they had the songs and the inclination to make a great second album. But they remained patient while looking for a way forward — some kind of sign to show them which direction to go.

They found it when the band did a studio session at The Deer Lodge, a Portland-based music hub where producer and engineer Ezra Meredith was compiling songs for a tribute CD to country music great George Jones. In making its contribution to the compilation, the band and Meredith immediately clicked, and from there Countryside Ride saw the path to making their fabulous new album, “I Hope He Breaks Your Heart.” It’s a long-playing blast of pure country music that eschews modern production tricks and will delight traditionalists and new fans searching for a truer sound.

Bret Ervin belting it out in The Helm. Photo by Anne Marie for Local Hero Media

Countryside Ride singer Bret Ervin Lien stopped into The Helm to record Episode #84 in advance of the record’s release and the band’s big show this coming Saturday at The Secret Society in Portland. He talked about the band’s natural progression from a trio to a five-piece, the inspiration he draws from his daily life for his songwriting, and finding a second home for his band at The Deer Lodge.

He also offers up some songs from a few of his major influences and plays a few stripped-down versions of tunes that highlight the new album. One listen to this podcast and you’ll know why we’ve come to love and admire this very humble, talented singer-songwriter as well as the super cool folks he calls bandmates. So sit back, buckle up and enjoy a ride through the Pacific Northwest countryside.

Here’s the playlist:

All You’ll Ever Be, Countryside Ride
I Hope He Breaks Your Heart, Countryside Ride
Since You’ve Been Gone (Live In The Helm), Bret Ervin
Ramblin’ Lips, The Cedar Shakes
Pay No Attention To Alice, Tom T. Hall
Other Side Of The Blues, Mike Stinson
Truck Driver’s Lament (Live In The Helm), Bret Ervin
Breakfast Blues, Countryside Ride
Trailer Of Love (Live In The Helm), Bret Ervin

Countryside Ride, 2018: Jessica Kunze, Ian Miller, Bret Ervin Lien, Joshua Kunze and Johnny Payola. Photo by Mirifoto (www.mirifoto.com)

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Matthew Lindley . . . settled in at The Helm. He’ll celebrate the release of his new album, “Late Bloomer,” on Oct. 8 at The Secret Society in Portland. Photo by Anne Marie for Local Hero Media.

Stream or download Episode #76: Episode 76 w/ Matthew Lindley

Whatever the endeavor, Matthew Lindley brings a fire and passion to everything he does. That’s evident from the get-go on this episode of That Much Further West Podcast, when Lindley joined our team in The Helm for his long-awaited podcast debut as a guest.

We first became aware of Matthew’s music about three years ago with the release of his debut solo album, “Paper Lion.” It revealed Lindley as both a top-notch songwriter and super talented singer, traits he keenly employed for the making of his new album, “Late Bloomer.”

Matthew shares stories from the making of the new album and also talks about his musical upbringing under the influence of his parents while growing up in Spokane, Wash. Turns out the tape deck in dad’s car helped launch him into an appreciation of Michael Jackson’s “Thriller,” and “Born In The U.S.A.” by Bruce Springsteen, and set Lindley on his ongoing path of music discovery.

Matthew Lindley, serending the podcast crew in The Helm. Photo by Anne Marie for Local Hero Media.

Performing came naturally to the young Lindley, and as he grew he crossed paths with performers such as Todd Snider and Jay Farrar who would put him on the trail to a deeper appreciation of songwriting and Americana music.

On this episode, Lindley shares some songs from the new album as well as a few of handpicked tunes that show his musical influences. He also tears through a handful of live performances that illustrate his talents for singing and storytelling.

So dial it up and mark your calendar for Oct. 8 when Matthew and his fantastic band celebrate the release of “Late Bloomer” at The Secret Society in Portland. Here’s the playlist:

Slammin’ Doors, Matthew Lindley
Late Bloomer (Live In The Helm), Matthew Lindley
Alright Guy, Todd Snider
The Day John Henry Died, Drive-By Truckers
I’m Goin’ Down, Bruce Springsteen
No One Remembers, Matthew Lindley
Street Dance (Live In The Helm), Matthew Lindley
All My Fault, Matthew Lindley
Ex-Girlfriend Song (Live In The Helm), Matthew Lindley
Straight To Hell (Live In The Helm), Matthew Lindley

That Much Further West Podcast

Sharing our favorite Americana, Alt-country and Roots Rock music from the Pacific Northwest

Tag Archives: The Secret Society

Episode #84 featuring Bret Ervin of Countryside Ride

Episode #76 featuring Matthew Lindley