Garage Grooves

Photo Credit: Jason Norman

[dropcap class=”kp-dropcap”]M[/dropcap]any great things have come out of Pacific Northwest garages. No, not the infamous cannabis grows that were ubiquitous in the medical cannabis days. We’re talking about the other famous Pacific Northwest garage-made goods—bands. Talktin and Easy carries on this vital tradition, not only because the band was formed in a garage, but its sound has a subtle and mellow rock vibe as well. Just because Talktin and Easy may provide some nostalgic good old fashioned rock ‘n’ roll, doesn’t mean the band is boring. It’s just the opposite. The quartet provides traditional instrumentation and melodies, with a modern experimental spin.

After releasing a few singles, Talktin and Easy released its first full length album, All In Our Family of Trees, in October. The single “Home Is Not A Place” is a perfect embodiment of the band’s warmth and talent, with melancholy lyrics sung in a familiar but original way. Ironically, despite the track’s title, it’ll make you feel right at home if you love good music. Like a good indica-dominant strain, All In Our Family of Trees manages to energize you and chill you out simultaneously.

Talktin and Easy consists of Harry Smith on guitar and vocals, Jesse Cohen on guitar and bass, Josh Davis on guitar, keys, bass and vocals and Mike Davis on drums, keys, guitar and vocals. Cohen was kind enough to answer a few questions about Talktin and Easy’s history, influences and naturally, cannabis.

Where are the members of Talktin and Easy from?
Talktin and Easy’s members are from all over the Pacific Northwest. Mikey and I grew up in Anacortes, while the Davis brothers, Josh and Mike, are from the Kelso/Longview area. Jacob has always lived in the Seattle area, but the rest of us moved there within the past five years or so.

How did Talktin and Easy form?
Mikey and I started Talktin in his garage in Anacortes in about 2013. We would get stoned and jam for multiple hour periods, eventually leading into having a solid lineup of songs and musicians that we knew from around the Puget Sound.

Photo Credit: Jason Norman

“Mikey and I started Talktin in his garage in Anacortes in about 2013. We would get stoned and jam for multiple hour periods, eventually leading into having a solid lineup of songs and musicians that we knew from around the Puget Sound.”

Who are some of Talktin and Easy influences?

Talktin seems to have a lot of varying musical influences. Our record collections combined would certainly cover most genres, but we are all probably most influenced by fellow PNW artists/friends. The City Hall, The Co Founder, Cumulus, Sloucher and Coach Phillips have all put out some great music recently.

How has cannabis influenced Talktin and Easy?
Cannabis has definitely played a role in the formation of Talktin and Easy. As I stated before, Mikey and I started Talktin out as stoned jams until it led into actual compositions.

What do you love listening to when you consume cannabis?

A good Karl Blau album will always hit the spot!

www.talktinandeasy.com