Benjamin Verdoes Does Alaskan Home Skillet Fest Friday

Benjamin Verdoes is Playing @ Homeskillet Fest in Sitka, Alaska, Friday, August 8th

Home Skillet Festival is a Summer music festival which takes place in Sitka, Alaska and is put on by the good folks at Home Skillet Records. This year’s outdoor festival takes place on August 8th and 9th and features a very eclectic group of musicians coming from all over the country.

Benjamin Verdoes (who takes the stage at 8:10PM on Friday, August 8th) is a songwriter from the Pacific Northwest often known for his unorthodox approach to composition. In the last decade he has written four albums, two as a part Mt. St. Helens Vietnam Band (Dead Oceans). The Evil Eye, which he began composing in 2011, is the first recording released under his own name. The album received generous musical contributions from Samuel Miller, Matt Badger, and Melodie Knight. Verdoes also currently plays alongside Nathan Quiroga in the emerging Seattle band Iska Dhaaf. Peaking at #44 on the CMJ Top 200 soon after its release on Jan 14th, 2014, the album continues to inspire praise. Here’s a sample of what the press has to say about Benjamin Verdoes and The Evil Eye:

“Benjamin Verdoes is primed for a big 2014. His new solo record, The Evil Eye, showcases his indie songwriting prowess at its best. It’s slow-burning dynamite. “ – Seattle Met

“Lead single “Evil Eye” sounds like Death Cab might after binging on old Motown records. Moody indie pop woven from guitar and keyboard parts give way to a grand string arrangement and a syncopated bridge that you could almost imagine at a prom slow dance if the more tumultuous sounds didn’t swirl back to the fore. It’s all streamlined into something seamless.” – Stereogum

“Every note and every heavy breath on this album feels honest and vulnerable, there’s no concealing the heartfelt emotions that Verdoes delivers. “ – Secretly Important

“A groovy indie-pop charmer flushed with enough grand little moments to keep the hips of dancers and lovers alike swaying well past midnight. “ – Consequence of Sound

“Though Verdoes’ lyrics have always been gripping and raw, his album, The Evil Eye, escalates his thoughts into a masterpiece of delicate words intertwining gracefully with the soft instrumentals and truthful vocals.” – Buzz & Howl

“Benjamin Verdoes‘ new album reaches a level of intimacy that makes eyelashes flutter and hearts race. The feeling of needing an escape, a way to unravel out of our cocoons; each of his songs permeate to our core.” – Yours Truly

Full line-up for Friday’s event can be found HERE. Please help spread the word!