Seattle, Wash.
Northwest Folkestral
www.heymarseilles.com

Hey Marseilles present their own brand of folk-pop, utilizing trumpet, viola, cello, accordion, and other classical instruments within a standard rock setup. The six-piece, self-described “folkestral” band aim to “replicate the dynamics of their record in the live setting,” according to lead vocalist/guitarist Matt Bishop, emulating an orchestra in a way that many other bands cannot. Several members met while playing at the University of Washington in 2006 and kept adding friends and instruments, eventually booking a show. Philip Glass, Sufjan Stevens, Isaac Brock and James Mercer are all influences. “We try to call up inspiration from as many perspectives and opinions as we can,” Bishop says, adding that the Seattle scenery works itself into some songs with references to rain and clouds. Hey Marseilles recently released their second full-length album, Lines We Trace, which Bishop says was a more collaborative, focused process than 2008’s To Travels & Trunks. “We’ve been working on this one for several years, so it kind of makes me want to start writing the next record again,” he says, also mentioning their busy touring schedule. “When all of you are on the road in a 15-passenger van, it gets crazy.”

Hey Marseilles present their own brand of folk-pop, utilizing trumpet, viola, cello, accordion, and other classical instruments within a standard rock setup…