I didn’t discover Big Thief until late 2022 because I have been living under a rock.

Well, maybe not a rock but definitely a too-small Seattle apartment with 12(!) bicycles, my partner, and a manic but cuddly corgi. In the clutter, my turntable, records, and stereo got pushed by the wayside. Instead I focused on the world outside my apartment walls. I developed a semi-serious cycling habit, joined a bicycle racing team, and put in part-time-job hours pushing the pedals of a bicycle.

Just a few months ago, we moved to a much bigger space with a garage to house all of those bicycles and space to listen to music without worrying about neighbors stacked on all sides. With the added space, I decided I wanted to rediscover my record collection, and the joy of listening to music with purpose and intention. I upgraded my speakers and turntable, and decided to start this blog.

The thing is, listening to and discovering new music requires effort and intention – or in the case of Big Thief, browsing Pitchfork’s end-of-year reader’s poll. On the surface – they seem to make homey folksy music with acoustic instruments and just the right amount of twang. Dig deeper though, and there’s just a bit of feedback and distortion here, and a touch of trip-hop there. It’s both cozy yet expansive and just plain pretty.

Finding new-to-me music like Big Thief reminds me of why I started collecting records many years ago in the first place.