The Well Pennies
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The Well Pennies

Des Moines, Iowa, United States | Established. Jan 01, 2012 | SELF

Des Moines, Iowa, United States | SELF
Established on Jan, 2012
Band Folk Pop

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Music

Press


"Diffuser reviews The Well Pennies, ‘Endlings’"

In today’s crowded musical climate, it takes a lot to cut through the clutter and rise above the digital din — so give the Well Pennies credit for not even bothering to try.
This is not to say that the folk-pop duo’s debut full-length, ‘Endlings,’ reflects a lack of effort; in fact, this is an exquisitely crafted album, replete with deceptively thoughtful arrangements that surround their soaring harmonies with shimmering guitars and lush strings while leaving plenty of room for the songs to breathe. But it’s also a confidently quiet work that asks for room to reflect rather than demanding the spotlight, and in these years of lossy formats and loudness wars, that’s nothing less than refreshing.
It helps that the songs are good, too. If you’ve heard ‘Drive,’ the leadoff single from ‘Endlings,’ you’ve got the map to the Well Pennies’ musical DNA: breezy hooks, acoustic instrumentation, and loads of sweet, sunny harmonies. Needless to say, if it’s abrasive noise or darkness you seek, this isn’t the band for you — ‘Endlings’ comfortably occupies a spot on the map near the Weepies and Ingrid Michaelson.
But while their sound is sweet, it stops short of saccharine; throughout much of ‘Endlings,’ the Well Pennies tinge their tracks with a hopeful sort of melancholy that’s wholly appropriate for a duo who takes their name from a Tom Waits lyric (“My legs ache / My heart is sore / The well is full of pennies” –’The Fall of Troy‘). When they indulge in it deeply, as on ‘Kill the Darlings,’ it’s hard not to miss the warmth of the uptempo tracks, but it’s also precisely that musical dynamic that makes the album an emotional journey instead of a non-stop barrage of sunshine and smiles.
All in all, ‘Endlings’ is easy listening in the best sense of the term: the kind of record that soothes while you’re driving or otherwise occupied, but also reveals subtler, quieter depths if it’s given one-on-one attention. The title was inspired by a famous photo of the last known Tasmanian tiger, and serves as a reminder of precious things lost to time and carelessness — something that probably hits close to home for a couple of artists with so much evident fondness for old-fashioned simplicity.
With any luck, this album will only be the first chapter of many for the Well Pennies. In the meantime, it makes for an impressive debut, and one of the more effortlessly rewarding albums of this (very) young year.


Read More: The Well Pennies, 'Endlings' - Album Review | http://diffuser.fm/the-well-pennies-endlings-album-review/?trackback=tsmclip - Diffuser


"Billboard Magazine - The Well Pennies Interview"

"[...] The husband-and-wife team offers a DIY model to follow as it releases new album 'Endlings.'

Harmonizing husband-and-wife duo the Well Pennies broke through with a highly-praised Beatles cover. Now, as it preps its new album Endlings, due Tuesday (Jan. 27), the pair is finding creative ways to stand out in the complicated, but potentially high-ceiling, independent artist landscape.

The Boston-formed, Los Angeles-based twosome – Bryan and Sarah Vanderpool – covered the Fab Four's 1964 classic "All My Loving" for the 2013 album Beatles Reimagined, reworking the high-energy hit as a gentle ballad. The arrangement brings the song's lyrics to the forefront, making for a more intimate take than the hallowed original.

(The set, whose partial proceeds have benefited music- and youth-based charities, also includes Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros, who've scored two No. 1s on Billboard's Folk Albums chart: Here in 2012 and their self-titled set in 2013.)

Ahead of the self-release of Endlings, Bryan Vanderpool discusses independent artists' challenges – and rewards – the emphasis the Well Pennies are placing on album artwork and the potential minefield a husband and wife can face as a recording act (not to worry, he promises on the last point). [...]" - Billboard Magazine


"Interview Magazine (Discovery: The Well Pennies)"

They perform in their Sunday best, often slotted into bills featuring Los Angeles's finest screamo, rock, and noise acts. Their defense? Lush folk harmonies and crystalline male/female vocals, set against a wash of banjo, guitar, piano, violin, and the occasional suitcase-based percussion kit. Meet The Well Pennies, husband and wife team Bryan and Sarah Vanderpool, who—for the record—enjoy their position as musical outsiders.

"We get great responses from the most random places," laughs Sarah. "When you bring the banjo out, or the mandolin or something, they'll literally cheer when you take it out of the case. I have had that with the accordion. Really? You're cheering for the accordion? Okay! I like it!"

We recently joined The Well Pennies for a meal at their favorite cheese shop. Over sandwiches, they told us about discovering that they were musical soulmates, trading life in Massachusetts for the West Coast, and why their self-titled debut EP proves that they'll always be a pop band at heart. They also provided us with the premiere of their video for Coldplay cover "Viva La Vida."

HOMETOWN: Northborough, MA

CURRENT CITY: Pasadena, CA

LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT?: Bryan Vanderpool: Sarah was working at a coffee shop in Northborough, Massachusetts that I would frequent every day. Frequent? I basically lived there.
Sarah Vanderpool: It was like a bookstore coffee shop. We would do different events and things there. I tried to plan the events. So I was helping with some event; I don't remember what. I was supposed to do music for it. It was happening the next day, and I hurt my wrist, so I couldn't play guitar or piano. It was just going to be me. I could do a cappella, which would be weird. I was at the store, and I was telling the guy in charge that I didn't know what I was going to do. He asked, "Don't you know anybody?" and Bryan was standing down the hallway. I said, "Well, he plays stuff!" We played that day, and it was really good. We actually spent more time playing on each other's solo stuff for a while. It took us longer than it should have to realize that we should try writing music together. Our first song was written with accordion, and it was a lovely song. We realized it was really good.
Bryan: It clicked right away. We could write very easily together.
Sarah: The romantic relationship was always there. I mean, look at him! [laughs] I think we had an instant connection. I had known his family for a while. We're both the kind of people who are completely obsessed with music. I grew up in Iowa, and he grew up in Massachusetts. You don't always find people who understand that obsession. They treat you like you're weird. There's things beyond music, and we're like, "Really?" So when you meet someone who gets it, and it's in their veins the way it is with you, you instantly click. It's even better that we also play well together.

HEADING WEST TO SEEK THEIR FORTUNE: Bryan: We were playing New England, New York shows. As much as we loved it, it's a great environment, it's a supportive community, but there's really not the opportunities out there. The Boston folk scene is so encouraging and supportive. You need that. It's very much like playing for your parents.
Sarah: Where do you go from there? We were playing in Manhattan, but Manhattan is like LA—saturated. There's live music every single night from six to two in the morning. How do you stand out? We felt like if we're going to do it, let's go for it. Start in a brand-new place. We literally packed up the Honda Civic with some clothes and some instruments, and that was it. We didn't have jobs; we just came out here to see what happens.

IT'S INSTRUMENTAL: Sarah: We get great responses from the most random places. When you bring the banjo out, or the mandolin or something, they'll literally cheer when you take it out of the case. I have had that with the accordion. Really? You're cheering for the accordion? Okay! I like it! And the kazoo. We've gotten the biggest cheers for the kazoo. I think it's that appreciation of thinking outside the box.

WHAT'S IN A NAME?: Bryan: We're huge Tom Waits fans. So we were thinking about a Tom Waits-inspired name. Real Gone, he's got this song called "The Fall of Troy." It's a dreary song—as most Tom Waits songs are. In the last line he says, "My heart aches, my legs ache, my heart is sore and the well is full of pennies." It's kind of this sad but hopeful thing, of something dirty like an old penny being attached to all these dreams. That makes it beautiful somehow. We thought it was perfect; we have to be The Well Pennies. Even though it's a little twee.
Sarah: We had a different band name before. We were Portico, from an Anna Kamienska poem. But a bunch of landscaping companies have that name.
Bryan: We didn't have the domain name; the online presence is all landscaping. We moved to LA, so we figured the project deserved a new name.
Sarah: But then we had another name. Everyone hated it! Th - Interview Magazine


"USA Today Top 10 Playlist - The Well Pennies - All My Loving"

USA TODAY music critic Brian Mansfield highlights 10 intriguing tracks found in the week's listening.

All My Loving, The Well Pennies
Boston folk-pop duo tweaks a familiar melody, adds strings, for a new Beatles Reimagined set, with delightful results. - USA Today


"Daily Unsigned - The Well Pennies Feature"

Sometimes we jump to greener pastures looking for something more special than we currently have. Whether it is for new love, new job, new music, or even for someone who we think will connect with us better.
I spent last week in a different country looking for some “better” amazing music knowing full well that it was already in my own backyard…and guess what? Here I am back home and embracing that very music in my own backyard.
No matter where you go in life…I wish you the happiest of times!
Today’s Fresh Pick on Daily Unsigned, The Well Pennies delivers music that will always be there for you in good times and those bad times.
Music that is edible enough to replace your comfort food!
- Rob Daily - Daily Unsigned


"NYLON Magazine - Love me do - The Well Pennies & Beatles Reimagined"

What happens when you take the songs of arguably the most influential band in rock'n'roll history, and pass them along to the coolest musicians playing right now?

Welcome to Beatles Reimagined, a 10-song album of Beatles covers by everyone from Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros to Mobley. The collection, which was put out this week by Community Music's Community Project label, is as diverse as the music of the Fab Four; it ranges from an acoustic-folk version of "All My Loving" to an all-out dance party-fied "I Wanna Be Your Man."

The timing couldn't be better--besides the fact that it's been exactly 50 years since the start of Beatlemania, there's the little problem that more and more young people (read: us) don't actually know the British foursome's music. Which, if you've ever spent an afternoon playing the likes of Revolver or A Hard Day's Night on repeat, you know is a bit of a bummer.

Though you can pick up a copy of the album right now (with all of the label's net profits from the album donated to the Rock n' Roll Camp for Girls Los Angeles, which is a nice bonus), we've got the exclusive free stream of Beatles Reimagined right here. Scroll down to press play, and then read on to see what the 21st century featured bands have to say about their covers.

The Well Pennies - "All My Loving"
What made you interested in being a part of Beatles Reimagined? "We loved the concept of the album. The Beatles are such an important band that even today, decades later, they still inspire creativity through their music. We also love a challenge; The Beatles are so iconic and so loved by the world that it seemed like a risky move to re-imagine the well-known melodies and lyrics of their music. But even then we couldn't pass on this chance to honor their legacy and the influence they've had on us and so many other artists." --Bryan and Sarah Vanderpool - NYLON Magazine


"Under the Radar Magazine Media: Folk-duo The Well Pennies cover The Beatles"

Beatles Reimagined is an album tribute to the fab four featuring Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, and Leftover Cuties among others. One of our favorite unsung folk duos, The Well Pennies, was asked to participate. Check out their sweet-hearted version of “All My Loving” below. You can also revisit their original tune “Nothing to Do” here. - Under the Radar Magazine


"Under the Radar Magazine Premiere: The Well Pennies – “All My Loving (The Beatles Cover)” Video"

Beatles Reimagined is an album featuring twelve takes on classic Beatles tunes from bands such as Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, Leftover Cuties, and The Well Pennies, who made a video to go along with their heartwarming version of “All My Loving.”

“The Beatles are so iconic and loved by the world that it seemed like a risky move to re-imagine the well-known melodies and lyrics of their music,” explains The Well Pennies’ Bryan Vanderpool. “Even then we couldn't pass on this chance to honor their legacy and the influence they've had on us and so many other artists."

Check out the Los Angeles-based duo’s take on the song below. If they’ve captured your heart, you can pick up the full compilation here.
- Under the Radar Magazine


"Love me do - The Well Pennies & Beatles Reimagined"

What happens when you take the songs of arguably the most influential band in rock'n'roll history, and pass them along to the coolest musicians playing right now?

Welcome to Beatles Reimagined, a 10-song album of Beatles covers by everyone from Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros to Mobley. The collection, which was put out this week by Community Music's Community Project label, is as diverse as the music of the Fab Four; it ranges from an acoustic-folk version of "All My Loving" to an all-out dance party-fied "I Wanna Be Your Man."

The timing couldn't be better--besides the fact that it's been exactly 50 years since the start of Beatlemania, there's the little problem that more and more young people (read: us) don't actually know the British foursome's music. Which, if you've ever spent an afternoon playing the likes of Revolver or A Hard Day's Night on repeat, you know is a bit of a bummer.

Though you can pick up a copy of the album right now (with all of the label's net profits from the album donated to the Rock n' Roll Camp for Girls Los Angeles, which is a nice bonus), we've got the exclusive free stream of Beatles Reimagined right here. Scroll down to press play, and then read on to see what the 21st century featured bands have to say about their covers.

The Well Pennies - "All My Loving"
What made you interested in being a part of Beatles Reimagined? "We loved the concept of the album. The Beatles are such an important band that even today, decades later, they still inspire creativity through their music. We also love a challenge; The Beatles are so iconic and so loved by the world that it seemed like a risky move to re-imagine the well-known melodies and lyrics of their music. But even then we couldn't pass on this chance to honor their legacy and the influence they've had on us and so many other artists." --Bryan and Sarah Vanderpool - NYLON Magazine


"Love me do - The Well Pennies & Beatles Reimagined"

What happens when you take the songs of arguably the most influential band in rock'n'roll history, and pass them along to the coolest musicians playing right now?

Welcome to Beatles Reimagined, a 10-song album of Beatles covers by everyone from Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros to Mobley. The collection, which was put out this week by Community Music's Community Project label, is as diverse as the music of the Fab Four; it ranges from an acoustic-folk version of "All My Loving" to an all-out dance party-fied "I Wanna Be Your Man."

The timing couldn't be better--besides the fact that it's been exactly 50 years since the start of Beatlemania, there's the little problem that more and more young people (read: us) don't actually know the British foursome's music. Which, if you've ever spent an afternoon playing the likes of Revolver or A Hard Day's Night on repeat, you know is a bit of a bummer.

Though you can pick up a copy of the album right now (with all of the label's net profits from the album donated to the Rock n' Roll Camp for Girls Los Angeles, which is a nice bonus), we've got the exclusive free stream of Beatles Reimagined right here. Scroll down to press play, and then read on to see what the 21st century featured bands have to say about their covers.

The Well Pennies - "All My Loving"
What made you interested in being a part of Beatles Reimagined? "We loved the concept of the album. The Beatles are such an important band that even today, decades later, they still inspire creativity through their music. We also love a challenge; The Beatles are so iconic and so loved by the world that it seemed like a risky move to re-imagine the well-known melodies and lyrics of their music. But even then we couldn't pass on this chance to honor their legacy and the influence they've had on us and so many other artists." --Bryan and Sarah Vanderpool - NYLON Magazine


"Whoa Magazine features The Well Pennies"

"Los Angeles-based husband and wife duo, Bryan & Sarah Vanderpool, self-titled manages to create the perfect amount of happy fused with just the right amount of folk. The bands stunning harmony and melody blends are enticing." - Whoa Magazine


"Whoa Magazine features The Well Pennies"

"Los Angeles-based husband and wife duo, Bryan & Sarah Vanderpool, self-titled manages to create the perfect amount of happy fused with just the right amount of folk. The bands stunning harmony and melody blends are enticing." - Whoa Magazine


"Under the Radar Magazine (The Well Pennies Premiere)"

The Well Pennies hail from Los Angeles—not that you’d know by the pair’s sweet harmonies folk harmonies and banjo-driven tunes. Today we’re pleased to premiere “Nothing to Do,” a cut from the duo’s self-titled debut EP. Grab it above; it’s the perfect cure for that dreaded rush hour traffic - Under the Radar Magazine


"IMR Magazine (Indie Acoustic Featured Artist: The Well Pennies)"

There has been a common theme in many of the Indie Acoustic artists. Adjectives like upbeat, fun and uplifting pepper the articles for these musicians throughout this issue. The Well Pennies personify those three words and wear them proudly.

The husband and wife duo of Bryan and Sarah Vanderpool hit every note and sing every key in their six track self-titled EP. Met while working solo in the Boston music scene, they have found a perfect fit in their harmonies while they trade back and forth throughout the album.

It is Sarah’s voice that will knock you off your feet though. Imagine Norah Jones’ with more body. The composition and the musicianship are quite impressive, and you can hear the Bryan’s background in percussion coming through. Each song is layered with such texture that beat can be felt without their being a drummer to provide it.

Whether it is in the hopeful song “I Hope You Notice Me,” or the love song “You Make It Easy,” you can feel the heartfelt lyrics and emotions that are projected through. In the first you are the young boy or girl at the junior high dance with butterflies in their stomach. The second, you are skipping on cotton candy clouds, holding hands with your loved one, while eating a lollipop.

It always amazes me how often we find music that blows what is being pushed at us on mainstream away. “Nothing To Do” is one of those songs that that just make you love being a fan of music. One of those cross-over tracks that could easily rise on multiple charts, it just has that perfect combination of beat, hook and message that draw a crowd.

“All the Pretty Girls” and “Feels Like Home” are pure showcases of Sarah’s voice. Imagine Zooey Deschanel and Feist for the first and add a country flair to the second. As with each of these songs, it will have you bouncing in your seat. “String Around My Finger” is a classic country song with nice fiddle work and finger pickin’.

Currently making Los Angeles their home, The Well Pennies worked with producer Michael Woodrum (Joss Stone, BC Jean) to record and release this first release this past January. The duo provide an amazing combination of vocals, musicianship, music writing and emotion that is hard to find elsewhere. They are truly a hidden gem.

Rating: 5/5 Stars!
- IMR Magazine


"Sunday Music Refill: The Well Pennies"

The Well Pennies are an indie folk/pop duo from Los Angeles consisting of husband and wife team, Bryan & Sarah Vanderpool. With a sound that blends 60's folk, 70's pop and a little Americana, The Well Pennies strive for a vibe that is new and old at the same time; taking influence from Feist, Sufjan Stevens, Iron & Wine and Nickel Creek. 

In the last four months they have played all over California including The Roxy, The Mint, The Largo, Molly Malone’s, The NAMM Show for Guild and Gretsch Guitars, and have gotten press in Under the Radar Magazine, IMR Magazine, Vents Magazine, Pasadena Magazine etc. all available to read on their link. Recently they were also endorsed by Deering banjos and will be on the artist roster along with Mumford & Sons and The Avett Brothers. - Your Music Refill


"Sunday Music Refill: The Well Pennies"

The Well Pennies are an indie folk/pop duo from Los Angeles consisting of husband and wife team, Bryan & Sarah Vanderpool. With a sound that blends 60's folk, 70's pop and a little Americana, The Well Pennies strive for a vibe that is new and old at the same time; taking influence from Feist, Sufjan Stevens, Iron & Wine and Nickel Creek. 

In the last four months they have played all over California including The Roxy, The Mint, The Largo, Molly Malone’s, The NAMM Show for Guild and Gretsch Guitars, and have gotten press in Under the Radar Magazine, IMR Magazine, Vents Magazine, Pasadena Magazine etc. all available to read on their link. Recently they were also endorsed by Deering banjos and will be on the artist roster along with Mumford & Sons and The Avett Brothers. - Your Music Refill


"The Well Pennies self/titled ep"

The Well Pennies offer up a delightful mix of folk pop, much in the vein of Donovan and others. The simple approach works well for the band as their vocal harmonies intertwine on the tracks into an easy going relaxing style. The vocals blend wonderfully together and each making the other vocals stronger.
Though described as folk the Well Pennies are much deeper that a folk band with their rich tight pop vocal harmonies that blend the rich warmth of their vocals into a weave of happiness, joy, pain and fun.
The catchy sound of Nothing To Do could easily be used in many of the TV or movies made today and it would be an excellent track to use. This band is putting out some fine enjoyable easy listening folky pop music. All the Pretty Girls is another wonderful folky pop ditty that would also work well in TV or movies. There warm and inviting sound is light and airy like such modern artist as Lindi Ortega with her track Angels. As this band continues to grow, they will forge a place in the music world for themselves and will have many fans to follow along.
However I don’t’ believe the Well Pennies will have a hit record because their music does not fit the Top 40 of today. But they are producing excellent music that deserves to be on the charts and would have been in the sixties when there was no music formatting. I can imagine the song Nothing to Do following the Mamas & Papas, Or the aforementioned Donovan on the radio, maybe right before It’s a Beautiful Morning by The Rascals.
Pretty lofty company if you are a fan of that era of music, so don’t wait enjoy the new sounds of the Well Pennies and you can hear excellent music again.
Click the pick to purchase. - New Classic Music


"Vents interviews The Well Pennies"

Tell us more about you guys? How you guys got started in the music scene.

It’s the only thing either of us ever wanted to do. From early ages we were playing instruments and writing songs. We tried the solo thing for awhile but nothing clicked until we found each other on the east coast. We moved out to LA and haven’t looked back since.



What are the instruments you guys play?

Sarah is a trained pianist and Bryan has played drum-set since he was a kid. But in the studio and on the stage Sarah will play accordion, Wurlitzer, and mandolin, while Bryan plays guitars and banjo. On our EP we played everything except bass (played by our trustee sidekick Tony Green) and Fiddle (played by Leah Zeger, and Asha Sukumar)



Have you guys ever thought of playing another type of music?

Not really, it doesn’t get much better than playing folked-up pop music.



What are your music influences?

We’re kinda all over the place when it comes to our iTunes library. You’ll find Led Zeppelin, Doc Watson, Iron & Wine, Radiohead, Johnny Cash, Bill Evans, Joni Mitchell to name a few. But we’re obsessed with discovering new music so we’re constantly enlightened with new amazing talent. Have you heard The Tallest Man on Earth? That guy is nuts!



We also really appreciate producers and will often buy albums just because they produced them. We have catalogs of T-Bone Burnett, Ethan Johns, and Jon Brion. They really inspire our vibe. All their records have beautiful tone throughout the recording and that really influences how we record.



The Well Pennies EP. How was the process recording and writing the album?

We’re songwriters first and foremost so we are constantly writing new songs. For this EP we picked some of our favorites and went from there. As for the recording process, it was the coolest few weeks of our lives, we got to record with Michael Woodrum at this beautiful studio with every toy imaginable



How was it working with Michael Woodrum?

Fantastic! We’ve never worked with anyone so willing to experiment and explore different musical ideas. The studio was such a creative stimulating environment instead of a sterile music lab. We would throw out some crazy idea and Michael would be like “ok, let’s try it!” He was the perfect fit for us.



What has been the funniest moment you have been or took part while touring?

I think some of the funniest moments on tour have been when we’ve been booked with other bands with a completely different style. We once followed a hard core growl rock band, Marshall stacks, the whole bit. Then we get up there with our banjo, upright bass, and mandolin and have to awkwardly transition through our set. Although we’ve found that hard rock crowds are pretty down with roots music.



Are there any plans for the near future?

We’d love to get involved in music licensing and as for performing we’d love to get into the festival circuit. We’ll just keep pluggin away!



Do you feel you are moving on the right direction?

Something seems to be working, six months ago we could barely book a local coffee shop, and now we’re playing all over LA. Last Saturday we played The Roxy in Hollywood! And we have a bunch of shows lined up for this summer. - Vents Magazine


"Direct Current Music RADAR: The Well Pennies"

Husband and wife Bryan and Sarah Vanderpool make up the creative nucleus of The Well Pennies, an acoustic indie pop outfit that keeps their spry, buskery songs loosely tethered to folk and Americana influences. After meeting up in the Boston songwriter scene and kicking around clubs in New England and New York's Lower East Side, the Vanderpools packed up and headed west to L.A. The Well Pennies self-titled January debut EP reminds us a bit of The Weepies, Brit duo Paper Aeroplanes and even a touch of The Civil Wars and Nickel Creek, tight harmonies wrapped around a memorable folk/pop melody, songs that are less about navel-gazing introspection and more about hanging your musical hat on sharp, radio-friendly hooks. Lead track "Nothing To Do" begins with a banjo/guitar jangle but quickly accelerates with a bracing rhythmic shot and a chorus that's meant to be sung along to. "All The Pretty Girls" lures us in with a Sarah's honey-coated vocals and jaunty music hall appeal. - Direct Current Music


"CD Blender on The Well Pennies"

Huge thanks to The Well Pennies for the Q&A! Good stuff…
Q: What spiked your interest in music?
A: “Nothing spiked our interest; music spiked us. We were both born with the bug. From very early ages we were obsessed with music to a weird degree and nothing about that has changed. It’s the reason we get up in the morning.”
 
Q: Who do you look up to in the music world?
A: “We definitely look up to a lot of producers; we’ll buy albums just because they’ve produced them. T-Bone Burnett, Ethan Johns, Jon Brion, and Danger Mouse, they’re masters of vibe. There is a fluidity to the albums they produce and very few can accomplish that. They take risks and have a knack for capturing the human element which is rare in this day and age. For the Raising Sand record, T-Bone had Plant and Krauss each pick songs that they wanted to sing and then made them sing each others songs; what a bad-a**!
As far as songwriters, melody writers, and players that we look up to – Chris Thile, Noam Pikelny and the rest of The Punch Brothers are some of the best players in the world right now, and we’d include The Bad Plus in that category as well: the god-tier of instrumentalists. They are masters of their instruments and not just in a virtuosic way. Anyone (not everyone, mind you) can play fast, but these bands know how to use their talents to really shape songs and bring out the best in the music in a mind-blowing way. Randy Newman, Dolly Parton, Ray LaMontagne, Ralph Stanley and Sam Beam are probably our favorite songwriters and melody writers ever. And we have to throw Tom Waits in there too, because he’s just cool.”
 
Q: How would you describe your music?
A: “Pop music with folk instrumentation: Iron & Wine with more banjo; Sufjan Stevens with less banjo; Mumford & Sons with the same amount of banjo just with an extra ‘X’ chromosome.”
 
Q: Where is the best place to find your music?
A: “iTunes (to purchase the EP), but we also have music on our Facebook page, Reverbnation, and, soon, on our website. YouTube and Vimeo also have videos of us with more coming in the future.”
 
Q: What song(s) do you wish you had written?
A: “Don’t get us started! To name a few:
“The Wild Hunt” by The Tallest Man on Earth
“Little Person” by Jon Brion 
“I Think It’s Gonna Rain Today” by Randy Newman
“I Know You Know” by The Punch Brothers
“Jolene” by Ray LaMontagne
“Bundah” by Christina Courtin
“The Sandman, the Brakeman and Me” by The Monsters of Folk
“From the Morning” by Nick Drake
“Tick of Time” by The Kooks
“Shiny on the Inside” by Leona Naess
and of course
“Cheer up Murray” by The Flight of the Conchords”
 
Q: Anything new?
A: “We just put out our first EP called The Well Pennies [EP]. And we’re playing shows around Southern California this summer: The Roxy, Amplyfi, The Gypsy Den, Molly Malones, all over the place.  Check out our Facebook for a calendar.”
Thanks again, Bryan and Sarah!
- CD Blender


"Working Brilliantly with The Well Pennies - Artist Spotlight"

This week's spotlight focuses on indie folk/pop duo The Well Pennies. These guys just cut an excellent EP filled with comfy lyrics and lush instrumentation. The standout for us is "All The Pretty Girls" which we are proud to say is our exclusive give away! Just click HERE to be transported to a temperate summers night in the city of your dreams.
 
The Well Pennies are fiercely independent and have been making a splash on their own terms. With this classy EP under their belt and a show lined up at The Roxy, things are looking very promising for these guys... Their lovely voices and well executed recordings are almost as impressive as their positive outlook on life & success....

Read the rest of the interview by clicking attached link - Working Brilliantly


"SOUNDCHECK: The Well Pennies"

"a refreshing folk/pop blend...a talented duo who create music that’s light, upbeat and joyous....The result is an EP that’s sound is clean, unencumbered and easy to listen to." - Cityview


Discography

The Well Pennies - Endlings (2015)
Beatles Reimagined - (2013)
The Well Pennies [EP] - (2012)

Photos

Bio

Read our latest interview in BILLBOARD MAGAZINE! Stream the new album on SPOTIFY, over 20 MILLION streams and counting!

"...an exquisitely crafted album, replete with deceptively thoughtful arrangements that surround their soaring harmonies with shimmering guitars and lush strings while leaving plenty of room for the songs to breathe. But it’s also a confidently quiet work that asks for room to reflect rather than demanding the spotlight, and in these years of lossy formats and loudness wars, that’s nothing less than refreshing." - Jeff Giles (DiffuserFM)

THE WELL PENNIES are a Folk/Pop group consisting of husband and wife team Bryan & Sarah Vanderpool. The pair met in Boston while supporting each other’s solo sets at popular venues like Club Passim, Lizard Lounge, and The Middle East. They fell in love, ran away to Los Angeles and released their debut EP that was met with critical acclaim from press like Interview Magazine, Under the Radar, Daily Unsigned, and countless others. Taking influence from THE LUMINEERSPASSENGER, and SUFJAN STEVENS, the pair combine their signature pop melodies and tight harmonies with beautifully produced lush string arrangements. The band explains, “Our goal is to write songs that inspire something – however simple – to smile, to love, to get out and experience life.”

After a recent transplant from Los Angeles to Des Moines, Iowa, The Well Pennies are currently organizing a tour of concerts with local youth orchestras to promote their latest release, "ENDLINGS”, the long awaited and highly anticipated LP from The Well Pennies that was released on January 27th, 2015. In 1936, a Tasmanian Tiger died in the Hobart Zoo in Tasmania.  He was the very last one…an endling. The Well Pennies explore this topic of extinction and how it relates to all aspects of life. "The album is about protecting what’s important,” the band explains. “Not only are the environment and animals endangered in this day and age; hope, human connection and artistry are becoming more of a rarity. And if we don’t value the things that are most important to us, they will become harder and harder to find.”

The Well Pennies also spearheaded “BEATLES REIMAGINED” featuring Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros and 9 other up and coming indie bands. It was met with critical acclaim from Rolling Stone, New York Times, LA Times, Huffington Post and countless others. The Well Pennies version of All My Loving was chosen as the opening track on the album and caught the attention of USA Today, Under the Radar Magazine, and NYLON Magazine praising the track for its uniqueness and creativity.

 “One of our favorite un-sung folk duos” – Under the Radar Magazine
“Music that is edible enough to replace your comfort food” - Daily Unsigned
“The lush folk harmonies and crystalline vocals are enticing.” – Interview Magazine
"an exquisitely crafted album, replete with deceptively thoughtful arrangements that surround their soaring harmonies with shimmering guitars and lush strings while leaving plenty of room for the songs to breathe"  – Diffuser

Band Members