Song of the Day: Manatee Commune - Be Still (feat. Marina Price)

Every Monday through Friday, we deliver a different song as part of our Song of the Day podcast subscription. This podcast features exclusive KEXP in-studio performances, unreleased songs, and recordings from independent artists that our DJs think you should hear. Today’s song, featured on the Afternoon Show with Kevin Cole, is "Be Still" by Manatee Commune from his 2016 self-titled album on Bastard Jazz.

Manatee Commune - Be Still (feat. Marina Price) (MP3)Seattle by way of Bellingham musician Grant Eadie is better known around Seattle (and increasingly the country) as Manatee Commune. His ability to make catchy electronic music out of a bevy of samples and instrumentation is matched by his compelling live show. The violinist turned beat smith has always managed to craft huge sounds in his one-piece show, dancing between a midi-pad, drums and a violin among other instruments. But to describe Manatee Commune as a solo project still feels odd. He surely deserves all the credit for the distinct sound and live show he consistently conjures. But at the core of Manatee Commune's sound is a knack for hearing beauty in nature and others. Whether that be through vocalists like long-time collaborator and fellow Bellingham native Marina Price, or through his dedication to his "field-recorder" which is surely responsible for many of the nature-based samples that contribute to Manatee Commune's unique sound, Eadie always seems to have an ear open to inspiration from his surroundings. It's a formula that has worked to great success, as his sound is consistently fresh and invigorating while still undeniably his own. Others seem to agree, as his first collaboration with Marina Price, "White Smoke," surpassed one million plays on Spotify earlier this week. The landmark makes today's song of the day a fitting choice, as "Be Stil" is the most recent collaboration between Price and Eadie. The track finds Price's airy vocals journeying through a bevy of glimmering samples. A flute and Price's pitched vocals echo in the backdrop as Price shares lyrics consisting of phrases like "stems shoot from your fingers" that echo the feeling of wilderness the sonics of the song inspire. It is enthralling to the point that it easily inspires listeners to just be still and listen, a technique Manatee Commune uses to perfection in the crafting of his own music.

Manatee Commune just played his album release party at Neumos last week, but keep an eye on his website and Facebook page for future tour news. In the meantime, check out Manatee Commune play the previously mentioned "White Smoke" live at KEXP's old studio: