Loud Sun is Andrew Jansen – a naturalist, a musician, and a songwriter who’s been self-releasing music in various forms since the early 2000s. With Loud Sun, Andrew combines rock, folk, psychedelic, punk and elements of electronic music. Sea Grave (2017), Loud Sun’s latest effort, is a story of departure, loss and the time in between. Partially self-recorded in Oakland, CA and finished in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Sea Grave is largely comprised of melodic bedroom pop with experimental, garage, and ’60s influences.
“Some songs were started in my laundry room studio in Oakland, and everything was polished up in my basement in Minneapolis,” says Jansen. “Writing and recording are pretty intertwined.” Fans of Atlas Sound, the Microphones, Floating Action, and Elf Power should take note. The songs feel familiar, while also new and experimental. It’s homeopathic and self-medicated. Loud Sun is Andrew’s creative workshop. He emits lo-fi thoughts with the relaxed precedent of musicianship in the forefront.
“I use nature, water and songwriting to stay sane. It’s a way to process life and transcend it. I’ve also found new love and a new sense of peace with being in the Midwest. There’s an optimism here and a smooth, tender hustle when you find your groove.” Sea Grave is an emotional road map. When was the last time you listened to a record from start to finish? This is one of those records. “If the listener is happy, I hope this makes them happier. And if they’re sad, it makes them sadder, but in a purposeful, integrating way. I hope it makes them cry or feel loved. I hope it makes them want to find love.”
