Harvest Thieves | Gritty Sunset: Texas Radio Live

Harvest Thieves

“Upon first listen, Harvest Thieves’ native Texan roots show through. The band’s well-crafted lyrics are confessional yet fluid, and they paint with strokes that put you squarely into a story – in a way that eases a relation to your own.

As The Sparks Fly Upward was written and recorded over a four-year period that witnessed the arrival and passing of the pandemic. Rather than a record about the ills of confinement and separation, the album survives more as a living document of the strangeness and aberration that occurred. A fitting commentary on societal upheaval in the face of some surreal American sensibility.

With potent storytelling, a smattering of rollicking guitars and fiddle playing, colorful harmonies, and the occasional honky-tonk tune, Harvest Thieves gather the most vulnerable details of their crossroads and recount their experience in a manner that provides an openness and honesty that most artists never approach.

The Austin based alt-country six-piece keeps busy, bringing their barroom swagger and swirling balladry to the streets of their hometown and beyond.

Harvest Thieves is Cory Reinisch (vocals, guitar), Wes Cargal (percussion), Mike Mangalindan (bass, vocals), Annah Fisette (keys, mandolin, vocals), Michael Gibson (lead guitar), and Dustin Meyer (multi-instrumentalist).”

-HarvestThieves.com

Gritty Sunset

“It was a bitterly cold Tuesday night in January of 2019 in Manhattan – yes it’s a cheesy start, but this is completely true and the story must be told – when COURTNEY received a text from a fellow singer and close friend asking her to come downtown to see some live music. Since the weather was so unpleasant, Courtney was not too keen on making the trek on the subway to the venue. Her friend sweetened the deal by inviting her to sit in with the band and sing a couple of songs so she figured there was “nothing better to do” that evening. After a little grumble to herself, she threw on her large winter puffer jacket and off she went. When she finally arrived, the atmosphere was a typical dimly lit lounge vibe that made it difficult to clearly see the faces of the musicians on the stage. In addition, ELI was wearing his signature style of a fedora hat that cast an even darker shadow over his eyes, creating that mysterious persona fabricated by so many musicians. While in a small conversation near the bar, Courtney was stopped mid-sentence as she was interrupted by a beautifully captivating guitar solo. With a stern inquisitive tone, she blurted out, “Who is THAT!?” She was so blown away by his tastefully skilled musicianship that she knew she had to meet him. Without agenda or expectation of any kind, she immediately made her friend introduce her to Eli, where at that time, she didn’t hesitate to instantly connect with him through Instagram.

The very next day, Courtney “slid into his DMs,” excited about possibly working with such a talented musician. Thankfully Eli agreed to meet up and discuss a potential musical project. That was the genesis of their professional relationship and they began to film and record short iPhone videos of cover song mashups. As a result of such an organic connection, their relationship moved from professional to romantic – “and the rest is history”. As Gritty Sunset, the duo performed at a handful of private corporate events as well as public appearances in NYC before the city went into full lockdown. As it was for so many, it was an extremely challenging time for musicians. Thankfully, the Internet and AV technology kept both of them busy with virtual performances, music lessons, and production. In addition, Eli had (and still does) a full recording studio setup that kept the creative flow and recording opportunities in full swing. When they started toying with the idea of leaving NYC, they figured if they can survive a pandemic together, they can survive anything! In September 2020, Courtney and Eli decided to move to Austin, due to its growing music scene and warmer weather, all the logistics and moving pieces seemed to come together quickly and easily. It felt like their move to Texas was meant to be. They were met with open arms by the music community.”

-grittysunset.com