Modern Relics’ music fills in the spaces between the soulful songwriting of Bill Withers and Van Morrison and the twangy energy of Glen Campbell and Johnny Cash. Self proclaimed “Country-soul” artists, MR weaves horns and pedal steel around tuneful melodies and a solid grooves—sounding at once familiar and new. Their high-energy live shows have been attracting a lot of attention at clubs throughout Seattle, such as the Tractor Tavern, Columbia City Theater, and Hwy 99 Blues Club. With their 10-piece band, including a horn section and a mix of male and female vocals, Modern Relics really know how to entertain a crowd. They have already shared the stage with the Ian McFeron Band, Massy Ferguson, Ha Ha Tonka, and many more. The band’s first EP, Side 1, was released in June 2013, produced by Kevin Suggs (KEXP). The album quickly sold out of its initial pressings at shows and online. The songs “Trying to be a Better Man” and “Precious Thing,” as well as the raucous “The Feeling’s Taking Over” became fan favorites. The band is in preproduction to record its second EP, Side 2, which will be releasedin 2014. MR is the brainchild of songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Joshua Schramm (Westerly, Harbor Island). Born out of his experiments combining alt-country music with soul rhythms and his desire to have a big sound on stage, Josh recruited Seattle music veterans to create a big band. Pedal steel player Kevin Suggs (Evangeline, ARO), bass player Sugar McGuinn (Delour, Brent Amaker and the Rodeo), drummer Jeff Hayes (Drummerboy, Muddy Sons), vocalists Sarah McGuinn (The Fading Collection) and Nila K Leigh (Goodbye Heart), keyboard player Dan Walker (LeRoy Bell, Red Jacket Mine), and the MGM horn section with Mike Tooley, Greg Lyons, and Mike West (too many bands to list). Keep an eye out in 2014 for Modern Relics’ new album as well as tour dates around the Northwest and beyond. Merch and music available at www.modernrelicsmusic.com. Modern Relics fill in the spaces between the soulful songwriting of Bill Withers and Van Morrison and the twangy energy of Glen Campbell and Johnny Cash.