Quien es, BOOM!
To those who need a quick reference point in defining their sound, I would recommend calling them a rock band with obvious undertones of folk influence. A combination of say Gerry Rafferty’s “Can I have my money back” mixed with the modern sounds of “Beck or Wilco”.
When the two songwriters Jason Butler and Dabney Dwelle started playing music in 2003 they found that writing music together was a good way to keep their sanity in tact. They felt the music that they were making was not simply just a a quick outlet or a way to vent but a glimpse into something that they could accomplish on a much larger scale. Not a hobby, but a pursuit to reach into themselves putting life experiences into visions they felt were too important to walk away from.
In 2004 they made their first recording with engineer Lars Goransson (Cardigans) at his home studio in Austin Texas. This recording session was an eye opener for both Jason and Dabney as it gave perspective and logistical hope of making their often grand ideas a reality. Soon they were able to gather old friends together to create the group that they had envisioned. Here enters Kevin Fender, a childhood friend well known for his detailed percussion and ability to give each song a unique percussive structure, Alec Padron on bass who they met literally in passing.Nik Snell who has a reputation for his multi instrumental talents and in Quien es, BOOM! focuses on the keys, and finally Scott Shellhamer (Ghosts and Vodka) who is the long distance member from Chicago that contributes digital compositions (”Cast Your Burdens Aside”) adding extra detail and subtlety.
Fascinated by the life story of Billy the Kid they took the name Quien Es, Boom!.”Quien es” being the last words of Billy the Kid before the final gunshot that ended his life. They felt this title was fit to be the name of their newly born creative vehicle.
Quien es, Boom! recorded their debut 7 song EP, “Cast Your Burdens Aside”, with good friend & engineer Jeremy Lemos (Jim O’Rourke, Loose Fur). It earned them modest success and has been praised by the press on both a national and regional scale. However, with the new record in hand the group is eager to show people the contrast between the first record and the new recordings which highlights a certain maturity and growth, as the band seems more focused
with a clearer vision that the group shares.
The new record titled “Bent With Age”, features string arrangements (Hello Lovers group), a modest horn section, gospel voices, and a more unique/refined sound that they have become known for. With a couple of tours behind them there new record is sitting on a shelf waiting for the day to be released.
