Memory Tapes: The Perfect Show for Your Rainy/Sunny Day

Memory Tapes tomorrow night at Chop Suey! He is a reclusive musician who doesn't have many photos on Myspace.

Memory Tapes' music is much like the summertime we've been experiencing as of late. The songs start out like a gray misty morning with a haunting, acoustic, and melancholic feel. But, just like the sun eventually breaks through the clouds, the songs transcend into something palpitating, catchy, and very danceable. So, Seattle's perfect summer soundtrack, which means tomorrow night's show at Chop Suey will be Seattle's perfect summer show.

If you're not already familiar, Memory Tapes is Dayve Hawk. He makes music by himself and gained a lot of attention last year as part of the chillwave phenomenon. His older work, particularly the popular Seek Magic, is filled with samples, loops, dance rhythms, and sounds and has a rather electronic feel. However, his most recent album, Player Piano, is quite different.

As Hawk becomes more of a producer in his own right, he has ditched the loops and sound samples opting to record all the instruments himself. He even went so far as to record it in a wood shack, so he had more space to play instruments. Though Hawk has shifted his approach, Memory Tapes' trademark hazy sound is still very present. Like on Seek Magic, Player Piano is made of a mesh of melodies that range from rapid, electronic-influenced to acoustic and haunting - all in one song.

Hawk is somewhat of a recluse, so he doesn't tour all that often. In fact, Hawk didn't even want to tour as Memory Tapes, he was content to just put out music. He eventually changed his mind and the tour this summer is actually his second major tour to date. His last tour was pretty simple: Hawk on guitar accompanied by a drummer, playing over recorded music. However, this time around, he will be playing with a full band. Hopefully this means that the departure from samples will translate to a more lively performance.

Whether you are a fan of his early remixes or his original stuff, Hawk is definitely a musician that is worth checking out.

Need further reason to check out Memory Tapes at Chop Suey tomorrow night? Here is their performance of Seek Magic's "Bicycle" from earlier this month in London.

Below is the video for "Yes I Know" from Player Piano.