Meagan Grandall of Lemolo
It was the late 80’s in Seattle, and a form of underground music was quickly taking flight. Grunge was on its way to becoming the most popular genre of music, claiming the following ten years as its own. Meanwhile, across the churning waves of the Puget Sound, a pair of eyes were opening in Kitsap County’s petite port-based town of Poulsbo. Over two decades later, those very same eyes would open an array of possibilities that were rarely imagined in such a town; a town where residents rarely left and outsiders seldom sought. A small-town girl, with a sound before unheard, gave the big dogs across the water a run for their money, and swept Seattle off their feet.
Lemolo started sometime in 2008, when old friends, Meagan Grandall and Kendra Cox, formed the group, basing the name of the band on a street where both friends spent their childhood. The vision Grandall had was unique, but it would be four long years of playing in back wood cafés and tucked away bars before her first record (The Kaleidoscope, 2012) would drop. This great album sailed the unique musician’s music across the Puget Sound, onto the ports of Seattle, and then beyond; throughout America and over into Europe. It was when the hidden came out from hiding, when this beautiful sound arose; flourishing with Grandall’s musical gift, and sharing it with anyone she crossed paths with.
In 2015, the dream pop artist released another album, Red Right Return, maintaining a sound that deeply reflects the enchanting landscape of Kitsap County—a litter of small towns, sleeping on the shores of the great Puget. Some songs pound like a plundering rainstorm, slicing through the dense Northwest rain forests. Others correlate to a gentle coastal breeze, surfing through vibrant green fields, and settling in fiery reds and yellows that make up the calm evening skyline. Lemolo has really captured the magic of this rural and beautiful arm of Washington.
Recently, I was honored with the experience to witness Lemolo’s great talent in person. Within moments, my mind had been blown away. Lemolo’s performance was an explosive, enchanting, and special experience. The Lemolo I would usually listen to during quiet, reflective days, now had my feet dance-floor destined, yearning to follow the thundering jams. When they played Letters, the usual power of the song had quadrupled, and within moments I found myself falling into a memory:
As Lemolo’s Letters slowly faded into its end, I faded back into reality with tears streaking my cheeks. Lemolo’s performance was beyond stunning, and its conjuring of a soft and pleasant nostalgia was impeccable.
We strongly advocate such exceptional experiences, and it is our passion to share beauty with anyone who seeks good art, good music, and good times. Join us next week on September 27th at Sonoma Cider, as we proudly host Lemolo’s first live appearance in Sonoma County! If you are someone who enjoys great music paired with an astounding performance, then this event is a must see. It will not just be a show, it will be an experience.