WASIP-003

Released: Jan 24, 2025

Alaskan Tapes' new EP, Songs From My Living Room, is exactly as it sounds: five songs on piano captured from the cozy confines of artist Brady Kendall's home. It is a short and sweet eleven minute EP of solo piano (with minimal guitars, synths, and field recordings sprinkled throughout). A neoclassical project both warm and inviting, it never overstays its welcome while also being full of replay value. It's perfect for napping, relaxing, studying, or reading. Pouring coffee in the morning or winding down at the end of a busy day.

His four-song EP from last year, on my new piano, can even be seen as a precursor to this project. Kindred spirits, as both are filled with moving piano tracks stripped down and bare bones. Minimalistic, emotional, reflective, intimate, and calm.

Songs From My Living Room is an end-of-the-year meditation to soothe one's mind and ease one's soul. Lead single "White Pine Walk" is dedicated to Alaskan Tapes' dog Oreo, who unfortunately passed away earlier this year. The song is fittingly named after a path that Brady frequently hiked with his wife and with Oreo. From start to finish, it's an EP of loss and reflection, an EP of grief and processing emotions through music. The end of the year is often full of reminiscing and this EP enhances and assists in that instinct.

With titles like "Canopy," "Moss," "Field of Shapes," and "White Pine Walk," it's safe to say this EP is inspired by the outdoors. Going hiking, wandering through the woods, and taking note of the rainfall as it pushes through the forest, helping the green to grow. Despite being a project recorded entirely indoors in his living room, Alaskan Tapes' newest EP is best listened to while on a walk, on a hike, on a stroll, or at the very least, to be played while looking out of the window, watching rain touch the glass, watching snow cover the street, watching the afternoon turn into evening, and all of the stars come to life.

Songs From My Living Room fittingly captures the stillness of nature: slow, gentle breaths alongside steps atop crunchy fallen leaves and swaying trees. Listening to this project gives the feeling of being present while also deeply rooted in a past moment. Press play and slow down, reflect, and connect with both your exterior and interior worlds.