Loch Lomond
Location: Portland, OR
Website: http://www.lochlomondmusic.com/
Bio: Now a popular fixture of the Portland music landscape, Loch Lomond
effortlessly combines their symphonic nature with chamber-pop
melodies. The six to nine performers orchestrate instruments to
provoke ... (more)
a visceral experience that is both raw and emotional, weaving
the distinct use of mandolin, theremin and saw along with the
traditional indie instrumentation.
Luring the listener with the unique range and power of his voice,
Ritchie Young's vocal ability enables him to switch from fragility to
thunder in the turn of a phrase. Yet, Young exercises the power of
restraint, saving vocal tornadoes for emotional apexes, buoyed by the
four-part harmonies, string section swells and rhythmic dynamics of
the ensemble.
Drawing inspiration from the iconic Funky Church, a Portland venue
that serves as a home to local artists and musicians , Loch Lomond
utilizes this space to nurture their music in a way only a high-domed
ceiling and absent sound system can convey. In conjunction with the
cathedral's influence, Ritchie Young calls on inspiration from within
to infuse his creativity. "My internal inspiration comes out of me in
strange ways," says Young. "I lock myself in a room until I scream,
knock stuff over, whatever I'm compelled to do to make a song emerge.
Once a song does come out of me, I leave it alone. Changing the
structure or the lyrics would feel like I was second-guessing my art."
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