Kindlewood

Every now and then, you come across something that leaves a lasting impression: an unexpected moment of artistry that sticks with you long after the lights go down. For me, one of those moments happened years ago at the Black Cat in Washington, D.C., when a friend of mine, Galen Smith, and his band Kindlewood took the stage.

Back then, Galen and I were work colleagues by day. I knew he played in a band, but I had no idea what I was in for. That night changed everything I thought I knew about the quiet guy on the sales floor and in the break room.

Kindlewood, made up of Galen Smith, Kelci Smith, and Jamison Lyman, crafted a sound that was delicate and restrained, yet carried a kind of emotional weight that hit deep. Their music was both haunting and beautiful, full of atmosphere and heart. It felt like discovering a hidden treasure right in our own backyard.

They released two albums during their time together, along with a single. Their albums included I Don't Believe in Ghosts and Desiderium. Their single was “Give & Take.” One of the standout tracks, “Dangerous is the Sound,” from Desiderium was captured in a raw, live motel session filmed by Cory Pampalone. That video, like much of their work, still holds up. It is evocative, intimate, and timeless.

Though Kindlewood is no longer together, each member moving on to new places and creative projects, their music lives on. You can still find and enjoy their full discography on Spotify. They can also be found on YouTube.

And if you're curious about the filmmaker behind that beautiful motel session, Cory Pampalone continues his creative journey as well. You can check out more of his work on his website, CoryPampalone.com and on Vimeo.

Looking back, I feel lucky to have experienced Kindlewood live. They were a reminder that sometimes, extraordinary creativity is quietly blooming right next to us. All we have to do is pay attention.

Enjoy!!