I’m proud to showcase the first sneak peek into the new album by Victoria Wimer Contreras (V. Contreras).  Here is the video for her track “Lush.”  Unfortunately I wasn’t able to make an appearance for the video shoot itself, however, you will hear me throughout all of the strings in the audio.  Recorded all of the violins/violas myself

Here is information about the upcoming show I’ll be performing with a small string orchestra backing V.

V CONTRERAS – ALBUM PREVIEW CONCERT W/ WHITNEY FLINN & LADY AND GENTLEMAN

$15 advance // $18 day of show // $25 VIP

Friday, May 03

7:30 PM (All ages)

Doors open at 6:30 PM

I’ve been wanting to collaborate  with fellow Seattle musician Josh Karp (aka Budo) for almost 2 years now. We had initially first met through our mutual friend Ryan Lewis (of Macklemore notoriety) and have been corresponding ever since.  First we had discussed the idea of an instrumental film score project, then having him produce my own album, and on and on – but nothing really came to fruition. Prior to SXSW we finally had the opportunity to work together with Tucson, AZ artist Marianne Dissard (Calexico).

Working in that capacity seemed to have opened up the flood gates, and I had the pleasure of collaborating with him on his brand new track “Circles” which is a sneak peak of his own solo project – a beautiful departure away from the hip hop aesthetics that he previously had with Macklemore, Slug and Grieves.  Check out the link below.  There is sure to be more goodies to come soon, and I’m looking forward to further collaborations with this Seattle music craftsman.

The new Macklemore & Ryan Lewis video for their song “Can’t Hold Us” (Featuring Ray Dalton) just dropped today. The exciting thing is that my strings/arrangements bookend the epic music video, and also Seattle is showcased heavily in it. #proud, #pnwpride.  Not a bad way to start my Wednesday.

http://stupiddope.com/2013/04/03/macklemore-ryan-lewis-the-heist-goes-gold-news/

BUILDING A SONG: MELODY AND SONG STRUCTURE  (12:10 p.m. – 1 p.m., JBL Theater) – Experience Music Project

Songwriters from a variety of genres discuss their writing process, sharing their own unique approach to utilizing melody and building an engaging song structure.

With discussion moderator Andrew Joslyn (Composer, Orchestrator, Violinist)
Eric Tingstad (Grammy winning multi-genre Producer, Musician & Songwriter)
Erik Blood (Critically acclaimed musician and producer)
Keyboard Kid (Music Producer, Pioneer of the Based Movement)
Jeff Angell (Songwriter, Guitarist and Vocalist for The Missionary Position and Walking Papers).

More info here. 

The festival is coming July 26+27, and is a new outdoor Music festival from Artist Home Presents, which unites music, community and the beautiful natural environment of the Pacific Northwest. To present Timber!, Artist Home is partnering with King County Parks to set the festival in the rural splendor of Carnation, Washington.

http://timbermusicfest.com/index.html

I have the honor of working with, and arranging for Duff McKagan (Guns N’ Roses, Velvet Revolver, Loaded) for his upcoming show at the Moore Theater.  My group, The Passenger String Quartet will be joining Duff, Mike McCready, Jeff Fielder, Paul Hutzler, Jeff Rouse, Mike Squires, Burke Thomas, and more!  Promises to be an amazing evening!

Here is a description of the upcoming event:

“STG Presents Duff McKagan’s It’s So Easy and Other Lies, A Punk’s Revue at The Moore Theatre in Seattle on Tuesday, March 26, 2013.

Duff McKagan’s show “A Punk’s Revue” returns to Seattle for one night!

Based on the autobiography of Seattle’s own Duff McKagan, “It’s So Easy and Other Lies” the documentary is currently in production. As a part of the film, we will be shooting a performance re

ading show. The night will feature a multi-media exploration of Duff ‘s career as told through excerpted readings, musical performance and imagery. Seattle area musicians and long time friends of Duff will accompany him through this spoken word performance.”