The American West often conjures up visions of vast landscapes inhabited by cowboys, and mining towns. The open, rugged landscape pressed against the icy waters of the Pacific Ocean, scorched by the sun and soaked by the rain. Westerly is a band whose sound is shaped out of that landscape and a history of life the west. Primary singer and songwriter Joshua Schramm has lived all over the west coast from Alaska to Southern California. His songs often reflect the tension between a need to keep moving while still longing to put down roots. The band came together in Seattle with bass player Bob Hyde, and drummer Andrew Squire arriving from Albuquerque and singer and guitar player Kory Nagler coming over the water from the Olympic Peninsula.

The band draws influences from bands of the 60s and 70s. Artists like Bob Dylan, the Band, Tom Petty, the Byrds, and Buffalo Springfield. At the same time connections can be drawn to modern alt-country acts like Ryan Adams, Wilco, the Drive-by-truckers and the Jayhawks.

Like the west itself, Westerly captures the attention of a wide variety of people. Their unique brand of rock, country and folk appeals to young and old ears alike and many find themselves humming the melodies for days after a performance. This broad appeal has led Westerly to some great opportunities performing with acts like Sister Hazel and Christy McWilson at many great Seattle venues such as the late great Crocodile Cafe and the Tractor Tavern.

“Rodeo,” Westerly’s first full-length record was released in September 2007 on the Sacramento label, are You Alive Records. It features 10 original songs with special performances by pedal steel player and producer Kevin Suggs, and violinist Katie Mosehauer. Already it is getting attention and plays on podcasts and radio in California and Washington. The band is currently gearing up for summer festivals and working on breaking in new songs to record over the next year.