Soundbooth
Floating in space with The Brightest Quasar
Colorado indie-folk luminary shines without the trappings of social media.
By John Bueno
Pueblo based The Brightest Quasar was something of an enigma for me; A folk artist that has no real social media, no live shows booked, and no way to reach them other than through online streaming music service Bandcamp, where their musical output is as oddly unique as their lack of digital imprint.
I had to know more.
Their newest EP, EAC#G#BC#, has captured something beautifully understated; softly capturing audio snapshots of the natural world all around us, funneled through lo-fi folk and 90’s indie without relying on the tired granola-fed tropes that matriculate at Phish concerts. It’s honest music with an indelible sense of self, one that doesn’t need the oversaturated posturing of social media after all.
After a few emails exchanged, I was fortunate enough to meet up with the Brightest Quasar, and I’m glad I did.
You mentioned you’re relatively new to Pueblo. How are you liking it?
It depends on the day. I had been living near Boulder, and it’s interesting to see the difference in places that seem to have money and the places that don’t, or at least have less. But there’s a lot to like about it though, here in Pueblo. I like the charm of this city. It’s a certain something you can’t quite put your finger on, but it feels more down to earth. It’s very much its own animal.
Let’s dive right in; EAC#G#BC# has a beautifully quiet and intimate aesthetic to it. Is that the way you’ve always played?
Well, it has definitely gotten quieter over the years. I started off in punk rock bands, but over time it’s shifted; especially now. My wife and I just had a baby; I don’t listen to metal anymore, at least without headphones on. Our place is 700 square feet. So you’re not exactly gonna sing your heart out while the baby is sleeping.
How easily did the record come together?
It was nice and easy. I did a lot of it over a few days. My wife took a trip out of town, so when the baby went to bed I would have some beers and turn the recorder on.
Is it a lot harder to get to do stuff like record after having kids?
Absolutely. Having a kid changes things. It’s great, though, but I’d say whatever it is you did before with 90% of your time, you have to flip and try to do within 10% of the same time. They really need you, especially the first few years.
Any plans to play out for this new album?
I haven’t exactly cracked here. We’ve been in Pueblo for a year now. I would love to get back into live shows, especially now that (daughter) Naomi is getting bigger. So I guess maybe?
You’re constantly around and involved with plant life. Do you feel like that has taken root in your songs?
Yeah, but it’s the opposite; that’s the way I am, so I sought out a job doing that involves plant life. Lyrically, though, I feel inspired by Herman Hess and Khalil Gibran. Those guys were never far away from nature, even in the city; they were always pulling in natural elements and beauty. And I’m not in their league at all I don’t think, but I’m playing the same game. The most timeless songs seem to always involve natural elements.
Are you trying to ascertain a timeless quality with your music? Is that a hard thing to do?
Not really. But I do feel it changing; I’ve written probably hundreds of songs in the last decade, and they’ve gone from sad relationship songs, which have their place, but I’m maturing. It’s like a parable; anything you want to talk about you can do using something else. You can talk about anything using nature to do so.
You ever feel at odds living in the city?
Oh yeah. It’s a love/hate relationship, though. We (humans) are social creatures, but I do like to spend as much time as I can out in nature. And that’s what I feel like that’s what I’m trying to do with music; be an advocate for the Earth without being too Boulder-ite or hippy-dippy; because I do believe there’s a way the two can coexist, and you wouldn’t have to give up the iPhone. I think we can figure it out, though.
EAC#G#BC# as well as more from Pueblo-based the Brightest Quasar is available via their Bandcamp page for all to enjoy. Huzzah!
