The California based indie-folk trio, Yellow Red Sparks, possess a staggering ability to take seemingly normal circumstances, rewrite them with an uninhibited honesty and wistful beauty, and turn them into vivid scenes as told through their unique brand of cinematic folk.
Originally a moniker for California-based solo performer Joshua Hanson, Yellow Red Sparks now represents a trio, also comprised of Sara Lynn Nishikawa (upright bass/vocals), and Goldy (drums/vocals). Together, the three recreate Hanson’s songwriting by blending lush harmonies and haunting melodies with softly echoed vocals, as so effortlessly demonstrated on their first self titled album, which was released on January 29, 2013, and produced by Ted Hutt (Gaslight Anthem, Lucero, Flogging Molly), mixed by Grammy award winner, Ryan Hewitt (Avett Brothers, Red Hot Chili Peppers, We Are Scientists), and mastered by multi-Grammy award winner, Brian Lucey (The Shins, Sigur Rós, The Black Keys).
Since the release of the album, the band have since gone on to win two accolades for their local OC Music Awards in the Best Folk category and opened for the likes of Local Natives, Sea Wolf, The Jezabels, and Aqualung.
Atlanta Music Guide caught up with Yellow Red Sparks before their show in the Purgatory at The Masquerade, Friday, July 5! Check out what they had to say!
What’s the first gig you ever attended?
Guns N’ Roses with my dad. It was incredible.
What is the best gig that you ever played/performed?
A place called “Space” in Evanston, IL. The set up, the hospitality, the sound and the people were all amazing. Also, Lawrence High School in Kansa. We played stripped down for a high school film class and they asked some very well thought out questions and their teacher Jeff loves and believes in what he’s doing. Made the drive from Denver worthwhile.
What is the best gig you have ever seen?
Rufus Wainwright at the Greek theater in Los Angeles. My sweetheart surprised me with tickets for my birthday.
Gig you would most like to play?
Would love to play Outside Lands Festival in San Francisco. It’s my favorite festival and it’s close enough to LA that we could have family and friends attend.
What would be the lineup for your dream gig?
The Grateful Dead, Bob Dylan, First Aid Kit, Dirty Projectors, Radiohead and Bjork. I’d probably just watch 🙂
Catch Yellow Red Sparks tonight in the Purgatory at The Masquerade with III Bones!
