Seattle-based artist, Noah Gundersen, brings his own unique brand of folk, indie and hip-hop to the Back Room at Colectivo on Wednesday, Oct. 2. In preparation for a local stop in his nationwide “Lover” tour, Gundersen shared his perspective in an exclusive interview.
Freshly two weeks into his tour at the time of writing, Gundersen is in high spirits. He made clear that it’s not about the success of the tour, but about the experience of playing with his friends on stage. Through new songs like title-track “Lover” and opening song “Robin Williams,” the artist breaks away from the traditional style of other singer-songwriters in this genre and the differentiation is intentional.
“It’s just boring,” Gundersen said over a phone interview, speaking on his well-recorded dislike for the title of singer-songwriter. “I’d just seen too many boring white guys with acoustic guitars”.
And with this tour, he certainly has been putting some mileage between himself and that term. However, there is more reason than setting himself apart for the energy and enthusiasm he exudes on stage. Following his previous tour, which left him and his band in a financial hole, mental-health problems began to arise as his relationships started to crumble. A turning point for Gundersen, he evaluated what he was doing and the music he was making and rediscovered why he started making music in the first place.
His newest album, “Lover,” is comprised of songs he has written over his career but were never published, alongside experimentation with a new more intimate voice in a variety of styles that show off Gundersen’s range, musical and emotional.
As a longtime fan of folk and indie music, I have an appreciation for the new sound Gundersen brings. It’s a refreshing change to what fans have come to expect. Inspired by his idols along the lines of Leonard Cohen, he’s reminiscent of few artists. His style is distinct while still staying true to himself and that above all is admirable.
Come out this Wednesday, Oct. 2 to the Back Room at Colectivo on Prospect Avenue. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show starts at 8 p.m.
Wow, I’m unbelievably blown away by the sheer writting prowess of future Pulitzer winner Carson Silver. Compensation for his future publishings should be increased tenfold.