Well Alright – Peasant Well Alright – Peasant

Okay everyone, grab hold of your patent leather Elliott Smith wristbands, because you’ll find it hard to listen to singer-songwriter Damien DeRose’s lofi indie-folk without being reminded of the late musician. After signing onto Paper Garden Records, he’s released two albums, with his latest, Shady Retreat, coming out just last month.

With summer around the corner, Peasant’s music will easily help you tune out the bustle of the everyday stresses. Grab some friends and a speaker and chill out under a tree, because that’s what this music inspires. With lyrics that come from the soul, his songs are by no means happy and care-free, but while touching on subjects on how people move apart and interact with each other, it’s still some of the chillest music I’ve heard without being slow or boring.

In an example of what happens when the artist has no limits, Damien’s latest record is an intimate volume of personal expression and beauty. Recording all the instruments himself with all the time he wanted, the connection between the music and musician is really felt with how absolutely everything works together.

This also felt onstage, where everyone is quick to quiet and even take a seat when the indie folkster starts to play (much to the chagrin of his following act; See SXSW where he opened for hardcore punk band Fucked Up!)

Based in Doylestown, I was able to catch a few of his earlier shows before his albums, and the power in his voice was both surprising and overtaking. With interests ranging from croissants and cats to rainy days, see if you can catch any of his shows before he leaves the states .

Apr 28 2010, Martyrs’, Chicago, Illinois
Apr 29 2010, Shank Hall, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
May 1 2010, Bryant Lake Bowl, Minneapolis, Minnesota
May 2 2010, High Noon Saloon, Madison, Wisconsin
May 3 2010, Vaudeville Mews, Des Moines, Iowa