Esplanade Presents: Blind Pilot

“We Are The Tide blooms agreeably from start to finish…these guys make remarkably sturdy, gorgeous songs.”–NPR

Blind Pilot began in 2007 when Israel (vocals, guitar) and Ryan (drums) embarked on a West Coast bicycle tour of the United States playing mostly to unfamiliar listeners at small-town venues. The band now exists as a 6-piece ensemble featuring fellow Oregonians Luke Ydstie (upright bass, backing vocals), Kati Claborn (banjo, dulcimer, backing vocals), Ian Krist (vibraphones) and Dave Jorgensen (keyboards, trumpet).

Blind Pilot’s grassroots breakout debut 3 Rounds and a Sound has sold over 60,000 units and was featured in NPR’s Best Music of 2008 roundup. Their new album We Are The Tide was recorded in the spring of 2011 by the band and Skyler Norwood and mixed by Tucker Martine whose work has included The Decemberists and My Morning Jacket.

On We Are The Tide, founding member Israel Nebeker says, “We had a good idea of what we wanted the album to sound like…and when I listen to the album now, I hear all these good surprises we didn’t know were going to be on there.” Released to widespread acclaim, We Are The Tide debuted at #56 on the Billboard Top 200 chart and #22 on the Overall Digital Albums chart.

In the years since its inception, the band has toured with world-renowned musicians including The Decemberists, Josh Ritter, The Low Anthem, Laura Viers and Andrew Bird, and have appeared at the Sasquatch! Music Festival, Lollapalooza, Austin City Limits and the Outside Lands Music & Arts Festival.

18 Mar 2012, Sun, 7.30pm & 9.30pm
Tickets on Sale 20 Dec!