Stellar Jays

Bittersweet but infused with a determined optimism, Stellar Jays bring a shine to their jangly Alt-country American rock and roll with sweet vocal harmonies and shimmering reverb. Crunchy blues leads dance with sparkling acoustic chords, while an in-the-pocket rhythm section keeps things trundling along as we head off on our melodic journey into the great unknown.  

Brian Siems (vocals & guitars), Brian Besand (guitar & vocals), Bob Congleton (bass), Alison Perkins (keyboard & vocals) and Tim Schuringa (drums) came together as the world was emerging from pandemic-induced stasis. Originally hailing from Virginia, Texas, Washington and California and holding down quintessentially Seattle day-jobs across global philanthropy, software, water quality, library sciences and consulting, the quintet was born from the perpetually simmering Seattle country-Americana scene.  

Stellar Jays released their debut album ‘Early Winters’ in August 2023, which was recorded and mixed at Earwig Studio in Seattle with engineer Don Farwell (Foo Fighters, Ginger Baker Trio) and mastered at Resonant Mastering by Rachel Field (Pearl Jam, Brandi Carlile). Americana UK calls it “A superb debut album from the Seattle-based band that has something for everyone… As well as writing some fascinating and evocative songs, Siems has an interesting somewhat world-weary voice that at times has echoes of Lou Reed and Jeff Tweedy.” 

Stellar Jays are firmly rooted in a shared, profound love of energetic live rock and roll. There is joy to be found in the creation of music, and that joy is palpable in the ringing chords and catchy hooks of the record. “We collectively spent enough time depressed and crying in our beers during the pandemic” says Siems. “We’re hoping this album just delivers a bit of the happiness we had creating it to anybody listening.”