Featured Artist: Cumulus

Seattle – The name Cumulus is just asking for cloud puns, but I’m going to resist because the band is far worthier than even the best pun could deliver.  The Seattle trio was born out of singer/songwriter Alexandra Niedzialkowski’s (nee-jul-KOFF-ski) solo project. Lance Umble (guitar) and Leah Julius (bass) joined Niedzialkowski and with that, Cumulus was born. Technically the band has been together since 2007, but with only one album under their name they feel much fresher than their official start date would suggest. What started as a girl with a guitar and some pretty songs was easily transformed into a more filled out rock and roll band that’s quickly ascended the ranks of the northwest folk-inspired indie scene.

While they’ve been compared to other northwest artists like Pickwick and Gold Leaves, they bring a more punky vibe than those more soul-influenced groups. The additional members provide a welcome contrast to Niedzialkowski girlish vocals; Umble’s guitar is crashing and bold while Julius’ bass is jarring and strong.

Cumulus released their debut album, I Never Meant it To Be Like This, on Trans-Records just this fall. The album is the result of a fundraising page the band started earlier this year, which is a testament to the band’s immediate popularity. With only a few rough tracks and small shows to their name, their promise was obvious and well worth the leap of faith. The album was produced in Anacortes, WA at Phil Elvrum’s studio (of The Microphones and Mount Erie) and the influence of both the city’s bleak atmosphere and Elvrum of himself created a thoughtful and mature album.

After the release of the album, Cumulus set off on their first US tour, which was an obvious boom for the band and yielded some much-deserved visibility. Earlier this month Cumulus made into onto CMJ’s top 100 list and their single, “Hey Love” was just KEXP’s Song of the Day on November 22 (although the radio station doesn’t shy away from favorite local favorites). On the same day, the band released their video for “Middle” which captures the personality of the group perfectly.

Cumulus is back home in Seattle and playing some holiday shows around the northwest. If you’re lucky enough to be in the area, check out their upcoming show dates here; if you’re elsewhere check back for the band’s 2014 plans.