Let's Whisper On 'Rocket Shop' 3/30/11
Words by Julie Jay Seger. Photo by Sarah Gottschalk.
Dana Kaplan and Colin Clary of bedroom pop duo Let's Whisper hung out on 'Rocket Shop,' Big Heavy World's local music radio hour on Wednesday nights from 8-9 P.M. on 105.9 The Radiator. Dana and Colin met and are still actively involved in playing with local band, The Smittens. In 2003, the duo decided to branch off together as Let's Whisper. Since then, Let's Whisper has recorded two eps: 'Make Me Smile' and 'Keep A Secret.' They will release their first full-length album, 'The Shortest Days' in April on independent label, WeePOP! records.
Let's Whisper's live configuration is comprised of Colin on the acoustic guitar with Dana on the acoustic guitar and ukulele. "We both sing vocals and harmonize for dreamy, introspective and intimate songs. Our sound plays with the contrast between lyrics and music. For example, some songs might have melancholy lyrics against upbeat music," Dana elaborated.
Calling their collaborations "whispering," Dana and Colin work as friends in a casual, organic recording style. "It's like this sneaky little thing we do on our own. We'll take a day or even a weekend and work on our music in bulk." says Colin. The duo collaborates on songs and work off each other for inspiration. Dana describes their recording process as unplanned and in the moment. In the same room and plugged into headphones, Dana and Colin will work on a different song or component separately. After hearing what the other has done, they'll combine forces and build from there. "The process allows us to get places with out music where we wouldn't have gotten to alone. We can have multiple tries and another set of ears to get things just right."
Let's Whisper offers a message of "militant vulnerability," according to Colin. "Our music targets the lone listener in quiet moments, who might want something different than what the world is doing. And while our music might come across as sad, we make it with open hearts and we embrace vulnerability, which could sound weak but definitely takes some bravery to do."
Let's Whisper frequents local haunts like Nectars, The Monkey Bar, and the Half Lounge, where they'll be playing this Saturday, April 2nd from 7 to 9P.M. They're also looking forward to their listening party with an art installation twist for their highly anticipated new album, 'The Shortest Days' coming up April 22nd at the Rose Street Gallery in the Old North End of Burlington. The event will allow for a communal listening experience to keep things interesting and social. Cool way to first hear their album, yes? For details on how you can get your whisper on, check out www.letswhisper.com. Thanks again to Colin and Dana for visiting 'Rocket Shop' on 105.9 FM The Radiator!
'Rocket Shop' Playlist:
1. Let's Whisper, "California Girls" (Live)
2. Let's Whisper, "All Happy Endings"
3. Let's Whisper, "Wonderful Year"
4. Let's Whisper, "Meet Me On The Dance Floor" (Live)
[podcast]http://www.bigheavyworld.com/audio_mp3/rocketshop/2011/RShop20110330_LetsWhisper.mp3[/podcast]