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The Long Winters

MusicBlog

"Hair"

Location: Seattle, WA

Website: http://www.thelongwinters.com/

Bio: Formed by guitarist John Roderick in 2001, the band was named by an offhand comment from Chris Walla (Death Cab for Cutie) in reference to ... (more) Roderick's years growing up in Alaska. The first Long Winters album was a recording project of Roderick, Walla, and Sean Nelson (Harvey Danger), but when the recordings were picked up by Barsuk Records a live band was formed. They played their first show opening for John Vanderslice at Seattle's Paradox Theater, and the first album, The Worst You Can Do Is Harm, was released in early 2002. They quickly followed up with 2003's When I Pretend to Fall, which was met with widespread critical acclaim. 2005's Ultimatum EP received similar praise.

By design, the original touring band featured a rotating line-up of friends and guest stars, at times including Sean Nelson, Ken Stringfellow (the Posies), Michael Schorr (Death Cab), and many others, but since the 2006 release, Putting the Days to Bed, the line-up has solidified around bassist Eric Corson, drummer Nabil Ayers and keyboardist/guitarist Jonathan Rothman. Both Ayers and Rothman live part time in New York City and return to Seattle to rehearse and record with the band.

The Long Winters have begun work on their new album with producer John Goodmanson at Electro-Kitty studios in Seattle. (less)