Jessica Dobson is the fearless multi-instrumentalist, singer and band leader for Deep Sea Diver. Cutting her teeth at a young age playing lead guitar for artists such as Beck and James Mercer (The Shins) Jessica learned a thing or two about writing a song and putting on a show. In late 2013, Dobson put in her notice to former Shins boss, in order to give full attention to her own musical vision. Mercer agreed, saying “I’ll miss you, but I give you my full support. You’ve gotta pursue Deep Sea Diver”. “Good thing too,” noted Stereogum, “because Jessica is an incredible front woman.”
Deep Sea Diver, urgently and deliberately move you from rock experimentation to dreamy soundscapes, Kraut-esque drum and bass grooves to angular danci-ness, and full fledged orchestration to bare bones simplicity. Dobson has the voice and authority to tie it all together, and turn it into a cohesive unit that soars yet remains beautifully delicate and intimate. Live, the band has received acclaim for their festival-ready power and presence, Jessica’s larger than life guitar hooks, and their cascading layers that build upon each other until they reach their explosive peak.
Currently in the studio finishing LP3 with Jessica at the producer helm for the first time along with talented up-and-comer Andy D. Park (Pedro the Lion, Ruler) and mixing by Darrell Thorp (Radiohead, Beck, Paul McCartney) Jessica and band (comprised of husband Peter Mansen on drums, Garrett Gue on bass, and Elliot Jackson on guitar and synth) have together created a sound and experience that is colorful, energetic, and varied—with an emotional depth and pulsating charge that demands the listeners full attention. Sonically and emotively the album is massive and it will only be a matter of time until Jessica’s voice and talent are heard and given full attention by an ever increasing audience. Jessica has already been shining, but now it’s time to pay attention.
Blood Lemon
When Boise three-piece Blood Lemon — singer/guitarist Lisa Simpson (Finn Riggins, Treefort Music Fest), singer/bassist Melanie Radford (Built to Spill, Marshall Poole) and percussionist Lindsey Lloyd (Tambalka) — formed, in 2018, out of a medley of mutual admiration, a cover band called Mostly Muff and a unanimous love of Kim Deal and 90s Riot Grrrl music, they had no idea they’d be writing a perfect soundtrack to kick off 2021. What they did know was that they were eager to play music with their fellow women; they wanted a sound informed by 90s stalwarts like Pixies, Hole and The Breeders; and they were eager to get more political.
Cigarette Speedway
Cigarette Speedway began as a project comprised of three Nicks: Archibald on drums, Dzaitch-Pounders on guitar and vocals, and (Nick) on the guit-bass. After realizing that that was too many Nicks for one band to handle, a call was put out to the fair city of Boise for Nick-friendly musicians. Devin and Rob were added to the fold on lead guitar and bass, respectively, and Cigarette Speedway’s star began to burn even brighter. With Nick Dz-P taking up songwriting duties, the songs are chiseled and shaped by the band as a collective, turning each into a rich tapestry of power-pop, punk and post-grunge. Drawing inspiration from Reckless Eric, Elvis Costello, The Jam, Nirvana and The Minutemen, Cigarette Speedway achieves maximum rock’n’roll for the modern listener. More than just throwback music, Cigarette Speedway adds their own twist to the power-pop sound, becoming something other than an imitation. Forged in fire and bound by blood, Cigarette Speedway have worked hard and steadily to hone their songs into cocaine for the ears and have just finished recording their first 6 song EP