The Portland Playlist welcomed members from Alt/Classic Rock band, The Lovely Lost. Self-described by founder, Michael Collins, they are a “Craigslist band,” of solitary wayward souls that formed a cohesive unit, The Lovely Lost in 2012. While their music is rooted in ‘90s alternative and classic Rock & Roll, they are not afraid to delve into their vast array of influences – touches of classic soul, ‘70s folk and country, ‘80s metal, and more. Joining Michael in the studio were Jo Bewley (vocals/keys), Matt Shomphe (lead guitar), Ross Wilson (bass guitar), and Matt Lauzon (drums). As musicians often are, their music backgrounds started at a young age, and their talents are not limited to just one instrument.

The Lovely Lost, photo by Teri Briggs

The Lovely Lost, photo by Teri Briggs

Michael Collins, The Lovely Lost, photo by Teri Briggs

Michael Collins, The Lovely Lost, photo by Teri Briggs

The first hour covered Michael’s music influences from his childhood to the present with tracks from The Beatles, Paul Simon, Pearl Jam (1994 was the first album he purchased with his own money), Tragically Hip, Sunny Day Real Estate, Glen Campbell, Dennis Wilson, Jackson C. Frank, and Rufus Wainwright. As you can see, Michael’s influences cross genres, as does the music he writes for the band. He especially appreciates the music from the 1950’s to 2000 for it’s rich, diverse structure, deep, thought-provoking lyrics, and the keep-it-simple approach to songwriting that was utilized back then.

The Lovely Lost, photo by Teri Briggs

The Lovely Lost, photo by Teri Briggs

The second hour focused on their original music, the new self-titled Double Album, with a few of the songs performed live. As the songwriter for the band, Michael felt that too much of the music he saw was playlist oriented yet he wanted to create an album that told a story. He is very open about discussing his struggles and incorporates them into his songs. His lyrics often have a melancholy element but they are tinged with hope nonetheless. When it came time to record, they realized there was enough material for a double album which is what they did at an idyllic farm in Washington. It is an album that was a year and a half in the making, with great care taken in finding the right design, marketing, and distribution approach. With its varied genres and moods, it is one that will appeal to most anyone. Whether you want something fast or slow, loud or quiet, full blown rockin, or some folk tinged country, you will find it all here and then some. This is the perfect road-trip album, volume cranked, windows rolled down, and 22 tracks to keep you company.

The Lovely Lost, photo by Teri Briggs

The Lovely Lost, photo by Teri Briggs

The Lovely Lost, photo by Teri Briggs

The Lovely Lost, photo by Teri Briggs

The Lovely Lost will release the new album at The Lovely Lost Debut Double Album Release Feat. The Gerle Haggard Band show on Friday, August 26th, with Gerle Haggard Band at The Secret Society, 8:30 p.m.
You can watch the live videos from their PRP session here.

The Lovely Lost, photo by Teri Briggs

The Lovely Lost, photo by Teri Briggs

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