Smokey Brights shares ‘personal skin’ in Spokane from latest album
Seattle’s Smokey Brights are making their way to Spokane’s Chameleon hot on the heels of their latest album release. Comprised of husband-and-wife duo Kim West and Ryan Devlin, along with Luke Ragnar and Nick Krivchenia, Smokey Brights’ journey began over a decade ago when four friends working together at a South Seattle pizza restaurant decided to experiment with creating a demo.
Despite their humble beginnings, the band quickly gained popularity, with the addition of Luke Ragnar in 2016 marking a turning point for Smokey Brights. Reflecting on their growth, Devlin emphasized the band’s importance in their lives and the organic evolution over the years. Their latest album, “Dashboard Heat,” is a testament to their progress and commitment, with West dubbing them a “50-year band” despite it being only a decade into their musical journey.
In crafting “Dashboard Heat,” Smokey Brights delved deep into personal themes like childhood, home, and grief, with a deliberate effort to explore their lyrical content. The band was initially hesitant about such personal storytelling, fearing it may not resonate with audiences, but the response from fans has been overwhelmingly positive. By infusing their lyrics with personal experiences, Smokey Brights offers listeners an intimate and immersive musical exploration.
As the band embarks on their album tour, they are set to grace Spokane once again with their captivating sound. Unlike many music acts drawn to the bustling side of the Pacific Northwest, Smokey Brights find solace in Spokane’s music scene and appreciate the city’s scrappy and supportive atmosphere. West highlighted the challenges of connecting with other musicians in the region and praised Spokane’s growing music community for its resilience and passion.
Beyond making music, Smokey Brights also champions the arts and supports the next generation of musicians by donating proceeds from their music sales to the Vera Project, a nonprofit organization fostering youth engagement in music and art. Devlin emphasized the band’s commitment to nurturing young talent and encouraging community transformation through creativity. By supporting Smokey Brights, fans are not only embracing the band’s music but also investing in the future of Seattle’s artistic landscape.
Looking ahead, West envisions Smokey Brights continuing their musical journey for the next four decades, with fans and aspiring artists eagerly anticipating their future work. With their earnest storytelling, sonic exploration, and unwavering support for youth music initiatives, Smokey Brights is poised to leave a lasting impact on the music scene and inspire generations of musicians to come.