Photo by Rachel Bennett
Ready, steady go – it’s time to embark upon a sonic journey with Seattle-based musician Daniel Lyon, better known as Spirit Award. Fresh off the release of his latest album, The Fear, Lyon has a driving new single sure to get your heart racing.
“Western Violence” is a heady blend of genres, mixing elements of Americana blues, electronica, dance, spaghetti western, ecstatic dance, and grunge. Lyon’s haunting vocals echo throughout the track, while a jangly, fuzzy bassline gives way to a stomping four-on-the-floor beat. It’s a mesmerizing combination, drawing inspiration from the likes of The Gun Club, Dirty Beaches, Nick Cave, Orville Peck, and even Bauhaus. Its cinematic bend lends itself well to visions of desaturated A24 films as well as surreal, Lynchian moments.
For Lyon, music is all about pushing boundaries and exploring new sounds. With “Western Violence,” he’s done just that – creating a track that’s timeless and timely.
“This song, fitting in with the theme of the rest of the record, is about finding the truth,” Lyon says. “Asking the questions that challenge your beliefs. Finding the facts, and weed out the things that don’t stick. The things that you may have from your upbringing, bias or your ego.”
Listen below:
The Fear is a stunning exploration of the supernatural, love, and the human spirit. Co-produced and mixed by Trevor Spencer (Beach House, Father John Misty), the album is a mesmerizing blend of motorik beats, psychedelic soundscapes, and fuzzed-out guitars. But beyond the music, The Fear is a meditation on facing your fears and shedding your preconceptions about the world.
For Spirit Award, music is all about intention, vulnerability, and raw emotion. The Fear captures that spirit perfectly, with Lyon and bassist Chris Jordan (Sunny Day Real Estate) delivering a powerful message of positivity and self-discovery. With influences ranging from Arthur Russell to Neu! to Suicide, Spirit Award has created a sound that’s uniquely their own – a blend of aggression and pop sensibility that’s as captivating as it is ethereal.
With The Fear, Spirit Award proves that music can be both a journey of self-discovery and a force for good in the world. What sets this release apart is the band’s commitment to giving back – Spirit Award has chosen to donate a portion of the album’s proceeds to MusiCares, a nonprofit organization that provides critical assistance to musicians in need. Lyon and Jordan’s commitment to giving back is just one more reason to love this band, and we can’t wait to see what they have in store for us next.
“Western Violence” is out now via most streaming platforms. Listen Here.
Spirit Awards’ forthcoming album, The Fear, is out May 19 via Share It Music. Pre-Order Here.
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