AY: Ancient Melody

Many years ago (OK, maybe more, maybe less) the Universe sent a sign of hope in the form of an ancient melody. This sign was much more than the proverbial and tangible olive branch of peace. This portent came as an earthy and mysterious sound, unorthodox and transcendent harmonies, all hung upon honest and cutting lyrics. You can still hear these sounds today if you press your ear to the empty, but soon to be filled, spaces of the city of Tacoma. They are the sounds of the human collective; who we are, where we are, and what we hope for. Perhaps, even these sounds emit from your very own heart. These songs carry tunes of honesty, suffering, and pain, yet lilting above the grit are steadfast and true melodies of a determined hope.

These ancient melodies have evolved to make up the musical duo that is Goldfinch. Comprised of two hard working souls bent on bolstering the culture of music and art appreciation in Tacoma, Aaron Stevens and Grace Sullivan sing songs for the collective, and to the individual. Prior to this project, each was working in all manners of ways on their musical identity, dabbling here and there in working jointly with each other. About a year ago they decided to pare down and focus on what just the two could foster together.

All Photos Copyright Adam Ydstie

This recognition of collaborative power began when they realized their ability to create together far surpassed their individual endeavors. This set their strategy into motion; secluding themselves, exploring old songs and new, traveling the new landscapes of thoughts and sounds that their work together created. Gradually, patterns and themes emerged, and Goldfinch solidified itself into a distinct sound and entity, separate and unique from any former endeavor.

Each has continued to mature as writers, and as performers. Together, they began carefully creating shows that reflected their artistic standards of beauty; hand stenciled posters, intensely local promotion, and carefully selected line-ups. Their fan base has begun to grow beyond their loyal friends and family into the larger community. They try to make Goldfinch events creative and unique, as though each performance could be the last, doing what they can to grow the community and not just themselves.

The journey that produced their upcoming record speaks to their hopes, collaborations, community, years of musical exploration, and of their intense arch of growth in 2008. They are two people who love few things in life as much as making music. They are determined folk who will continue to make cleverly crafted and raw music with their biggest priority being to keep the art alive and keep it growing — whether ten people or a thousand hear it.

Some of their lyrics on which this ancient melody hangs ask, “Can I wish to hold the weight of heaven?” Each person who attends a show, or listens to their songs must expect to hold this weight in tension along with the pain and hope of the songs sung by our holy irreverent Goldfinch. May we all learn to sing the songs that carry tunes of honesty, suffering, and pain, yet carry in tandem steadfast and true melodies of a determined hope.

Visit their MySpace for upcoming shows and additional images: www.myspace.com/goldfinchstatebird