Logan Pilcher
Athens, Georgia, United States | Established. Jan 01, 2018
Music
Press
An album that starts with a song titled “After October” feels oddly present-tense; though the song was surely written months or years ago, at least for the moment, we’re placed in the shoes of Logan Pilcher himself, watching the skies darken, days shorten, and leaves fall. Autumn is a proper picture of this album – a transitory state of looking forward.
The first three tracks of Pilcher’s latest album form a musical hat trick. “After October” sets the mood, albeit with hints of lament. “I Just Don’t” is a bit more upbeat, a cognitive reconciling of relational disparities – perhaps my favorite song on the album. “Infinite Sunshine” leans more into more blatant indie pop inspiration in the likes of The 1975. Pilcher doesn’t downplay the challenges of life, but he’s not selling invitations to a pity party. He’s striving to move forward with hope and purpose. Some of the sentiments are a bit cheesy, but the arrangements and delivery certainly compensate.
And if that was all Pilcher had, some brand of intelligent indie pop with hints of folk and alternative, it’d be more than enough. But this songwriter isn’t content to rest in myopia. “Youngblood” opts for a Sufjan Stevens-adjacent mix of falsetto and orchestral strings. It’s a bit of a slow burn, but it works. It’s the kind of track you’d expect to see on a drama or film.
And not everything is so introspective, either – “Other Than War” speaks to tension and division, which is certainly timely. Democracy thrives off open discourse, but there are plenty of instances where things are less than civil. And even in this respect, Pilcher is looking forward with longing.
“Lost In Translation” ends on a similar note to where the album began – trying to make sense of interpersonal communication fraught with mixed signs. But even this problem is not a deep enough hole to keep Pilcher confined, and he shows confident assurance that all of this will fade eventually.
The past two years have been undeniably challenging, and the resounding external (and often internal) rhetoric is that of all hope being lost. It’s hard to feel that things can get better. It’s hard to not become bound by our insecurities and failings. But Pilcher shows us a way of hope – maybe misplaced, maybe not. But he fixates on the world he wants to see, not the world that was or even the world that is. Most Days encapsulates all of this in a mid 2010s brand of indie lined with captivating lyrical sentiments. - Tuned Up
Logan Pilcher
Ever After Always
self-released; 2019
3.7 out of 5
By Jamie Funk
Logan Pilcher is an artist who recently released Ever After Always. I was reading about his influences and he mentions Tom Petty, Leonard Cohen and Simon & Garfunkel as influences when it came to the mixing and the songs themselves. I have to admit with that in mind I was a little surprised at what a contemporary rock/pop sound this had to my ear. Pilcher plays into the ubiquitous sound of combining melancholy, nostalgia and hope which often ends up feeling very motivational on certain songs. It’s much more similar to what you have heard from Coldplay versus a song like “Suzanne” by Leonard Cohen.
The EP opens with “The End.” I really liked the guitar melody which is stripped back. His vocals are unequivocally well done but I have to admit his inflection had a sense of familiarity to it. This song in particular made me feel like I was watching one of the shows where they have judges. I was picturing him on stage performing and an audience singing along. The song unfolds and completely deviates from the stripped back folk and goes onto a more epic and atmospheric rock/pop sound. It goes from an intimate performance to sounding like it was trying to surround the cosmos.
“Always Mine” was a lot less dynamic but a little more nuanced. The lyrics create this sort of perfect Elizabethan version of the love of soul mates, which at least at first seems like romantic paradise. It felt cute, endearing and like a song that might play over the slideshow at a young couple’s wedding.
“Brighter Days” is warm and optimistic. It gets more and more positive with the general feeling but there is some darkness brought up in the lyrics. The closing song “Oxygen” is the most atmospheric and reflective in the batch.
Pilcher is hitting a certain sound right on the nose at times. There is a lot of stiff competition in almost any genre but the reflective and hopeful singer/songwriter arena I think is at least in the top two. My only critique for the artist is I would love to hear some more emotionally gray areas with possibly some more dissonance, white noise and darker tones and textures to extend his palette of nuance.
Overall, I think Pilcher has more or less perfected this type of sound with these four songs. The vocals, guitar work and songwriting is very strong. Take a listen. - DIVID AND CONQUER
ATLANTA, GEORGIA BASED INDIE-FOLK ARTIST LOGAN PILCHER REVEALS TONGUE-TWISTING ALBUM “MOST DAYS (I’M TRAPPED IN MY BEDROOM DREAMING OF A WORLD I DON’T KNOW)”
Logan Pilcher’s music is best described as pure and organic, and “Most Days (I’m Trapped In My Bedroom Dreaming of a World I Don’t Know)” cements this as a fact.
Somewhere between 60-70s folk music with tinges of lo-fi indie, the new album is diverse and comes across as Logan’s own.
Within the confines of his bedroom, he began to discover himself as a producer of a larger sound. Leaning on more instrumentation and a modern edge, Logan began to piece together his debut, full length album.
Sharing his thoughts on the release, Logan tells us, “2020 forced a lot of us to slow down. I was moving so fast playing shows and writing music that I forgot to examine my own mental health. I had forgotten what I wanted in life and what I was working so hard for.
It all came to a head right as the nationwide lockdown hit. I could no longer distract myself with busyness and a lot of the songs from this album were birthed in the bleak reality of knowing I needed to deal with myself or I would never move on.”
Summarises as a time capsule of the emotions of a lonely man’s search for love, Logan’s remarkable debut album will go down in history as one of the greats. - CLOUT
Once-avowed “rolling stone”, 25-year-old indie-folk artist Logan Pilcher has since grounded himself in the hustle and bustle of Atlanta, Georgia.
His fingerstyle guitar picking technique along with his love and appreciation for the classic folk-inspired sounds of the 60s and 70s has had a definitive influence on his signature sound. However, amidst the ongoing pandemic, a newer sound for Pilcher has developed.
From his bedroom quarantine came the self-discovery of wanting to try his hand as a music producer. About this experience, Pilcher says, “2020 forced a lot of us to slow down…I had forgotten what I wanted in life and what I was working so hard for. It all came to a head right as the nationwide lockdown hit.” This new, self-produced sound birthed his new single, “Other Than War”, which hit streaming services September 10th.
While Pilcher’s preceding music has been written from a more introspective angle, “Other Than War” is a bit different. Having been written during the pandemic, it comes as no surprise that this is a song with political undertones. The soft folk-pop track, with a sound similar to Novo Amor or The Paper Kites, examines the divisiveness of human beings and is a longing plea for unity and kindness.
We had the chance to chat with Pilcher to learn more about who he is as an artist, the new single, and much more.
So where did you grow up, and who or what got you into writing and playing music?
I grew up in a small town in South Georgia called Ellaville. I come from a musical family. In a lot of ways I had no choice in whether I would learn an instrument or not. If I wanted to hang out with my brothers, I had to be able to jam. I started out on drums and after a backyard football incident, I broke my leg and was gifted a ukulele as a condolence from my little brother. This plus experiencing a Noah Gunderson concert created the dream of being more than just someone who knows how to play an instrument but also someone who creates songs and stories.
How would you describe your sound and style to those wondering what you’re all about?
My sound is mostly inspired by singer-songwriters from the 60’s and 70’s. I love artists like Leonard Cohen, Joni Mitchell, and Simon and Garfunkel. I am not solely focused on music from the past but also have a respect for indie pop music from this day and age.
What does a day in the life of Logan Pilcher’s songwriting process look like?
Usually melodies and chord progressions come to me quickly when songwriting. On days where I am inspired most, I will conceive several songs in their beginning stages. I tend to write and complete songs in the order of the projects that I am working on. Some songs can be made in a day, other songs can take weeks or months for me to finish writing. I have found that I really don’t have a choice in the subject matter of my songs. I feel like I am starving for inspiration and whenever it comes to me, I grab hold of it and am grateful for the opportunity to create again.
So I was hoping you could talk about your new single, “Other Than War.” What’s the inspiration and influence behind it?
When writing “Other Than War”, I started off with a repetitive major scale guitar lick. To me, it felt very American. I immediately pinned the lyrics, “sunshine, french fries, life is such a breeze”. I remember spending time with this song in the middle of the pandemic when tensions were high politically. This song is a juxtaposition between the bright, happy mask that American culture wears and the darker truth that life isn’t a breeze in America right now. The goal in my writing is to challenge the identity of America. Are we bullies or are we kind? On a personal level and on a global level.
Where was it produced and who helped it come to life?
“Other Than War” was self-produced and recorded in my room as well as LaCrypte studios in Nashville. Only close friends played on this single and the rest of the album. Players as well myself include include: Conner Rogers, Blake Tallent, Andrew Blooms, Landry Lowrimore and Ethan Standard. This song was mixed by Hunter West and mastered by John Naclerio.
How do you know when a song is finished, and do you find it hard not to keep tweaking and changing things about it? Anything like that with this single?
I am guilty of getting lost in “demo land”. I will alter and change everything about the song and go down every rabbit hole until I find my favorite version. This process is very strenuous emotionally and creatively, but I find peace in knowing that the final version is my absolute favorite. Creating this single and album throughout the pandemic enabled me to stretch myself and become a better producer. I had the time on my hands so it was easy to make constant revisions to get that perfect sound I had in my head.
What does success as a musician and songwriter mean to you?
I feel like my answer to this question is constantly evolving. This has looked a lot of different ways throughout my career. I am no longer naive to the financial burden or brutal effort it takes to be a successful indie artist. I only wish to create and share my art with anyone who can appreciate and relate it to their own lives. Success right now is simply having the opportunity to share what I have created over the past year. The goal is that this will translates to live shows and future tours where I can connect with people face-to-face.
If you could describe your lifestyle as a musician in one word, what would it be?
Grateful.
What might fans expect from Logan Pilcher as we coast into fall, and frankly, the rest of the year?
Fans can expect a 10-track album titled, Most Days (I’m Trapped in My Bedroom Dreaming of a World I Don’t Know), coming October 1st. I will be releasing live videos and additional content online as well as doing a show on December 11th at the Smith’s Old Bar in Atlanta, GA. Early 2022, there will be an east coast, full-band tour that I will be announcing soon. Fans can get updates on social media as well as loganpilcher.com. - Music Mecca
Logan Pilcher's indie folk rocker I'm Here For You Babe twist and turns on Pilcher's self deprecating, sad reflecting, kind of work and love ethic "I may not be your first choice but I know I'll be your last" and while you could twist his true love aesthetic once again (which might go dark into stalker-ville) Pilcher, who has an obvious ear for catchy melodies and a vocal approach that is at once comfortable and passionate, makes I'm Here For You Babe cool and charming. To be serious for a moment, we have all known people who pick the worst partners based on nothing but some sort of surface attraction. Bad boy looks or pretty girl flirtations only go so far after all. Playing in the shallow waters is never as fulfilling as swimming in deep waters.
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Robb Donker Curtius
THE FACTS AS WE KNOW THEM - PRESS NOTES:
Logan Pilcher found solace in creativity at a young age. Never fitting into the academia mold, Logan’s family encouraged him to pursue art—something for which he’d already shown aptitude and passion. It was a discipline that quickly pervaded every aspect of his life. From that moment forward, Logan never stopped to consider what a life without music would look like. But it wasn’t until venturing away from home that he came to realize his own musical identity. One of profound vulnerability in the face of joy and hardship.
Logan’s songs find their inspiration in his own personal experiences. Each of which do the job of transcribing authentic moments of truth, imbued with innocence. With sounds evocative of the early works of Tom Petty and Leonard Cohen, Logan’s earthy, layered tones and finger-style acoustic picking both tranquilize and wake the spirit. His lyrics tell a story of unapologetic love in the face of doubt and adversity. With each composition highlighting a unique reservation, combated with reckless hope. - American Pancake
Indie folk artist Logan Pilcher is stealing the heart of the nation with transcending new release ‘Most Days (I’m Trapped In My Bedroom Dreaming of a World I Don’t Know)’. Certainly quite the title, the ten track album specialises in lo-fi indie moments with nudges towards the 60s and 70s folk scenes. Logan dropped by to speak about his latest release, what’s in store for the rest of 2021, dream support slots and a lot more!
What made you decide that music is the right path for you?
Every time I’m asked this, I answer differently. I feel like there are so many indicators that led me down this path. So here is just one quick story I thought of this morning as I’m typing… I always romanticized being a touring musician as a child. When I was young my mother bought a Jason Mraz album, “We Sing. We Dance. We Steal Things.” This album included a DVD of Jason touring solo in Europe. I watched it on repeat and fell in love with an atypical musician’s dream. At this time I assume Jason Mraz was not the popular pop artist he is today. This was just before “I’m Yours” became a world wide success. Watching a relatively unknown musician travel and meet new people was so inspiring. He seemed so care free sharing his art in small venues, on the street, and backyards. This was what I dreamed of as a kid. While my fellow musician friends had big aspirations to touring in world class amphitheaters. I was in love with the indie musician’s life style. I still am. I love the intimacy of small shows. I love story telling and the connection with the audience. This seed was planted in me as a kid. This plus having severe dyslexia made me gravitate towards the arts. It was a space where I could belong and thrive. I never felt that in the academia realm. I was always creative and that looked several different ways growing up. But specifically songwriting was the only thing that I could never shake. It is part of me and a huge way of how I process my emotions.
What would be your dream support gig? Bonus points for place/venue.
I want to open up for Phoebe Bridgers. To me, she is the pinnacle of folk rock success in the modern world. She represents the seemingly dying art of the emotional songwriter. She seems to never sacrifice artistically for popularity and that is something I would be honored to support.
If you could collaborate with anyone dead or alive, who would it be?
Tom Petty for sure! Since he passed away there has been a hole in Americana Rock and I’m in love with that style of music and everything his songwriting represents.
What’s in store for you for the rest of the year?
I have a show booked at Smiths Olde Bar in Atlanta, Georgia on December 11th. I will be supporting indie folk artist Paul Whitacre. This marks the beginning of a long road of full band shows that I will be announcing soon. *Tickets are available at Loganpilcher.com/shows
Tell MoggBlog viewers about your latest release! What’s the inspiration behind that?
My album “Most Days (I’m Trapped in My Bedroom Dreaming of a World I Don’t Know)” was my introduction to creating a fully self produced project. Before the pandemic I was very focused on live shows and my recording process was a close representation of the songs I loved playing live. But without the outlet of live shows I adjusted my purpose in writing and recording. I wanted to push the music and the writing to be directed towards the solo listener. The person with headphones or driving in the car. I spent most of 2020 alone writing/recording this album and I feel emotionally it is for those in a similar mind set. During this time I drank a lot of wine, took a lot of walks, and dreamed about another world that I felt so distant from. Now that once distant dream is the reality that is upon me. I met the love of my life and I am now married. I somehow knew when I was done creating this album and came out of my gloomy bedroom that I would never be able to go back to that mindset (thank God). But I really did for lack of better words wallow in the emotions of loneliness as I wrote most of these songs. - Mogg Blog
Logan Pilcher’s “Good Fortune Vol 1 EP” is everything that you needed in your music library. Starting music from a young age, Pilcher has almost always been involved in music and has now started to release his own.
Get to know Logan Pilcher below and listen to the premiere of his new EP, “Good Fortune, Vol 1” below.
1. Introduce yourself for our readers.
Hi, My name is Logan. (Enneagram 1 wing 9)
2. Describe your sound for someone who may not have heard it before.
Imagine if George Harrison and Neil Young grew up listening to Coldplay.
3. You started music from a young age, tell us more about your journey.
I was a terrible student but art always came naturally for me. My introduction to art was born out of this weakness. Music and songwriting didn’t become a passion of mine until high school but before then I enjoyed drawing and painting. I think not being solely a musician gives me a different objective. My guitar is a tool and my music is a means to express a story or emotion.
4. Who are your musical influences?
I love the 60s and 70s. Artist like The Beatles, Simon & Garfunkel, and Neil Young mean a lot to me. There are a lot of modern artists like Noah Gunderson, Henry Jamison, or Dawes that are so inspiring. I love the way music is consumed now. Being a millennial, virtually every song released was available when I fell in love with music. I think more people like myself are able to follow niche artists that fit their musical itch. I would be honored if my music can be that for others.
5. What influences your music as far as themes or life events?
For the first time in my life I have been focused on the cycle of generations. I feel like I am filling the shoes of some who came before me It makes me emotional to see younger people living my previous life as well. It’s hard to explain but that is a concept that is infused in a lot of my work. I also write about girls.
6. What can you tell us about your new EP, Good Fortune Vol 1?
Each song in this project represents a different reservation of what being fortunate means to me. Most of the lyrics are focused on two opposing point of views. Everyone has values, morals, and goals depending on how they were raised and their personal experiences. Hopefully my songs can be the median to help bring people together.
7. What was the recording process like for the EP?
The recording process started in a home with deep roots. A house that has not been lived in for twenty years. My relatives hold on to it because it is connected to the family farm. I spent a week alone with no wifi. Disconnected from my daily routine, I recorded the demos for “Good Fortune”.
After sifting through dozens of songs with my producer Blake J. Tallent, we picked our favorites and started putting them down. We worked in Nashville at his studio for months making Vol.I and Vol. II. Blake is a genius. He is a huge fan of mid tempo folk rock which made him the prefect producer. The demos were just bones and he added so much color to these songs. He recorded electric guitar and mixed all the songs for Vol. I.
I’m thankful to have a community of close friends who helped make this project happen!
8. What’s something our readers should know about you?
My goal is to connect with people who have an ear for thoughtful music. Creating a culture of friends, fans, and supporters to help a music career is tasking! It is something I don’t take lightly.
If my music means something to you PLEASE REACH OUT! Here is my email - Beyond The Stage
Discography
"Ever After Always" EP 2018 (4 songs)
"Good Fortune Vol. I" EP 2019 (5 songs)
"Good Fortune Vol. II" EP 2020 (5 songs)
"May June July" EP 2021 (5 songs)
"Most Days" ALBUM 2021 (9 songs)
Logan Pilcher's music is available on all streaming sites.
Photos
Bio
Logan Pilcher found solace in creativity at a young age. Never fitting into the academia mold, Logan’s family encouraged him to pursue art—something for which he’d already shown aptitude and passion. It was a discipline that quickly pervaded every aspect of his life. From that moment forward, Logan never stopped to consider what a life without music would look like. But it wasn’t until venturing away from home that he came to realize his own musical identity. One of profound vulnerability in the face of joy and hardship.
Logan’s songs find their inspiration in his own personal experiences. Each of which do the job of transcribing authentic moments of truth, imbued with innocence. With sounds evocative of the early works of Tom Petty and Leonard Cohen, Logan’s earthy, layered tones and finger-style acoustic picking both tranquilize and wake the spirit. His lyrics tell a story of unapologetic love in the face of doubt and adversity. With each composition highlighting a unique reservation, combated with reckless hope.
Band Members
Links