Seattle’s own Painted Shield today release their new single and video “Blue Crystal” in celebration of their first live sold out performance at The Clock-out Lounge in Seattle.
The aptly named blues-inspired track “Blue Crystal” was inspired by the season finale of the Emmy Award winning TV obsession, Breaking Bad after folk artist Mason Jennings watched the season finale.
As Mason tells it, “During the lockdown we were working on ideas for the artwork for the Painted Shield LP and someone made a composite photo of all five of our faces. Matt Chamberlain (drummer) said ‘Hey, we look like the guy from Breaking Bad!’, Mason continues, “I had never seen Breaking Bad so I watched it and loved it! “Blue Crystal” is about the duality of feeling invincible but also feeling needy. And also asking: when it comes to desire and addiction, who really is in charge?”
The accompanying video was created in a collaboration with drummer Matt Chamberlain and Regan Hagar and is a composite of footage from a classic sci-fi film perfectly encapsulating the retro feel of “Blue Crystal.”
Painted Shield are performing their first ever live show to a sold out crowd in Seattle on release day plus two additional shows due to fan demand at the Clock-out Lounge. They then head to SXSW to perform at the SPIN Magazine showcase. Show dates and times below.
Painted Shield’s debut self-titled album received over 3M streams and sold out their initial vinyl pressing for Record Store Day Black Friday. The album received critical praise from marquee publications like Rolling Stone, Consequence, SPIN, The Seattle Times, and NPR’s All Songs Considered.
Painted Shield is made up of a collective of musicians that define the word credibility.
Pearl Jam founding member Stone Gossard plays guitar alongside acclaimed studio musician Matt Chamberlain (David Bowie, Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Tori Amos, Pearl Jam), celebrated folk singer Mason Jennings and soul music innovator/keyboardist/vocalist Brittany Davis share lead vocals providing a unique harmony.
Brittany made a splash in 2022 when they were selected by NPR for a Tiny Desk performance. The band is filled out by Jeff Fielder who is a distinguished guitarist having worked with the late Mark Lanegan, Duff McKagan, Amy Ray, Indigo Girls, and more.