In this episode Chrvns and the SUAL crew head to Splish Splash Music Festival for their second annual outing at the Lookout Arts Quarry. With a little help from Tiaga Productions, the Whalien crew is at it again with another legendary weekend of music, fun, and space cowboy vibes. We sat down and talked with just about everyone we could get a mic in front of, and had an absolute blast attending this year getting weird and wet!!https://www.splishsplashfestival.com/Artists:Whalien - https://www.whalienmusic.com/Silk Jammies - https://www.instagram.com/silk_jammies/?hl=enHot Damn Scandal - https://www.facebook.com/HotDamnScandalBand/Canche Cachetes - https://soundcloud.com/user264125028Skablins - https://skablins.com/Powered by Listeners Like You - Join at patreon.com/shutupbham

CHRVNS sits down with Simon Llewelyn Evans and discuss a seed that sprouts a beautiful friendship, playing music to slow down time, drawing a straight line to inspiration, and more!

Simon Llewelyn Evans is a singer-songwriter originally from Australia, now based in the Pacific Northwest. His work blends a folk-soul sound with lyrics that open the door to the heart – gentle, searching, and honest. His latest album, Something Real, was recorded live to tape in Seattle and features lush string arrangements and sparse acoustic production from Dave Steel in Australia. Whether live or recorded, Simon’s music is designed to slow the moment down and let something true rise to the surface.

Shut Up & Listen headed to NW Tune-Up Festival this year and talked to the sponsors and the cofounder about bringing a local community together to celebrate what they love most, we also talked to touring bands like Harbour and The 4411 about what it means to them to get to play events like Tune-Up, we also talked to locals about what they love about the festival, and a few local bands about getting to play a local music festival.

CHRVNS and Tim Mechling sit down with City of Pines and discuss turning a catastrophe into a core memory, winning over a hostile crowd, recording in Sweden, how much running is involved in making a music video, Backflips > Frontflips, and Tim tries to start a true crime podcast.

City of Pines was founded by Nick Clack in 2017, built on a foundation of honest songwriting inspired by the human experience. Drawing from a love for the outdoors and deep human connection, Nick crafts music that is both meaningful and uplifting. The project began with original recordings in a friend’s cabin on Camano Island, and the first EP—along with six additional releases—was recorded in Kyiv, Ukraine, where Nick previously lived and worked.

In 2021, Tyler Cutforth joined as lead guitarist and backing vocalist. His role expanded on the latest record, contributing to songwriting and taking lead vocals on the track Wandering Pines. In 2025, the lineup was completed with Andrew Sweeting on bass and Justin Dobbelaar on drums.

With a full band, a busy year of shows, and multiple video productions, City of Pines is just getting started.

CHRVNS and Tim Mechling sit down with Whalien and discuss the down and dirty side of being a jam band, how to be a multi-genre band while also having a clear identity, does being a drummer who writes lyrics make you a piece of shit?, getting punched by my middle schoolers, from Singapore with love, literally how every band from Bellingham was started, and are you team Splish, or team Splash?!

Whalien was born in a rush, winning the 2018 Summer Meltdown Showdown after playing together for only a few months. The win allowed them to perform alongside artists like Lettuce, Greensky Bluegrass, and Big Gigantic at Washington State’s Summer Meltdown Festival.
Since that time the band has played relentlessly around the west coast. They’ve developed a reputation for high-energy live shows featuring surprise trombone solos, energetic disco
breakbeats, honky-tonk shuffles and ska suites about cryptids. Since 2018, Whalien has played more than 200 shows and released two studio albums, ‘For Realien’ in 2022 and ‘Whale Tales’ in December 2023. In 2024 the band hosted their own festival, ‘Splish Splash’, which highlighted local and nationally renowned artists from around the west coast.

In this episode Chrvns and OVRTHNKR sit down and reminisce over the last 99 episode of Shut Up and Listen. Discuss what it means to promote a community, they also talk about the future of the podcast, and the future for themselves.

CHRVNS and OvrThnkr. sit down with Nico Carrera of Killmer and discusses who in the band gives the better interview, moving to a new city to make new music, making music to challenge yourself and your listeners, understanding everyone's creativity, Netflix, dealing with wack crowds, and making a long distance bandlationship work.

Killmer is a PNW-based psychedelic rock band that combines the intensity of punk rock, the soul of blues, and the loud riffs of rock 'n' roll into their unique sound. With dual lead vocalists, they create rich harmonies over energetic rhythmic grooves. 

This week, CHRVNS and OVRTHNKR sit down with Bellingham artist Kam Lynn to dive into the craft behind the music. They unpack the difference between lyrics-first vs. vibe-first listeners, why imperfection might be the key to great production, and whether gear really matters for a great songwriter. Kam shares what it's like navigating the local scene under 21, favorite actors, and the artists shaping their sound. It's thoughtful, raw, and full of heart—just like Kam's music.

Kam Lynn is a singer-songwriter and skateboarder from Bellingham, Washington. Born into a musical household, Kam was raised by two guitar-playing parents, which fostered a lifelong connection to music. The name “Lynn” is a nod to their mother’s middle name, a subtle tribute woven into their identity. Kam’s songwriting is deeply influenced by lyrical legends like Elliott Smith, Bob Dylan, and Nick Drake, and they’re known for diving headfirst into the emotional depths of their lyrics. When not making music, Kam is likely skating the streets or exploring new ways to blend melody and meaning.

IG: https://www.instagram.com/kam.lynn_music/

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/50pEO0PcM5NmajilhWlBIf?si=OyBQjkSfT6Kh2no7jxDzAg

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CHRVNS sits down with Now Defunkt and discusses humble beginnings in Huntington Beach, having an open invitation to jam, making music during lockdown, creating a Jamcation, community, finally getting to play live, and making a documentary about the whole thang.

Now Defunkt is a genre-blurring sonic collective that grooves like a vinyl record spinning in a raucous room—raw, electric, and impossible to pin down. Fusing the jagged edges of proto-punk with the soulful swagger of R&B fusion and the gritty rumble of alternative rock, their sound is messy in all the right ways: pulsing, alive, and full of motion. Born from lockdown as a family-and-friends experiment in radical creativity and interdependence, Now Defunkt conjures a primordial soul shift—equal parts catharsis and celebration, always with a twist of lemon. Their music doesn’t settle. It moves, it mutates, and somehow feels right at home everywhere it lands.

CHRVNS and OVRTHNKR sit down with Bellingham’s own Silk Jammies to talk origin stories—from elementary school band days to Robo’s chaotic early mix-tapes that sparked his DJ journey. They get into the eternal Logic vs. Reason debate, pour one out for the dearly departed Sasquatch Festival, unpack a wild LSD trip, and break down the ritual of getting hyped before a set. This one’s equal parts nostalgia, chaos, and sweaty dancefloor energy.

Silk Jammies is an ever-evolving DJ, electronic music production, and entertainment duo based in Bellingham, Washington. Formed in the wake of post-pandemic clarity, Jordan and Robo fused their eclectic music tastes to create genre-blending live sets that are equal parts chaotic, euphoric, and unforgettable. Rooted in house music but never confined by it, Silk Jammies brings high-energy performances that keep dance floors moving and minds buzzing.

https://linktr.ee/silk_jammies

https://www.instagram.com/silk_jammies

https://soundcloud.com/silk-jammies

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Chrvns and Tim Mechling sit down with Josh Jensen and discuss being a father first and foremost, recording his first album on his phone to recording his latest project with a drum and bass DJ to spice things up. The power of collaboration and embracing the darkside to take creative leaps, and recording in the grungiest studio in Seattle.

Josh Jensen is a singer songwriter hailing from Seattle, WA. Josh's honeyed vocals and fingerstyle guitar accompany a wide range of what he dubs as PNW Americana stylings that make up his music.

Kyle Alan Hobbs is a Bellingham-based songwriter and multi-instrumentalist blending cosmic country with a psychedelic twist. Born in Memphis and raised across Florida and California, Hobbs’s music reflects a restless, exploratory spirit grounded in American roots.

A self-taught musician, Hobbs grew from a ska- and punk-loving teen into a genre-blending artist—pulling influence from J Dilla’s beats, Brian Eno’s atmospheres, and the twang of classic country. But it was Sweetheart of the Rodeo by The Byrds that became his compass, guiding him toward the haunting, heartfelt sounds of Gram Parsons, Merle Haggard, and John Prine.

His music fuses the lonesome soul of Hank Williams with the heady swirl of Pink Floyd—honoring tradition while exploring new sonic territory. Hobbs lives in Bellingham with his wife, Cordelia, and their son, Lucas. His debut EP, Made This Way, drops in 2025. Catch him live at Northwest Folklife (Monday, May 26) and Farmstrong Brewing (Thursday, August 14).

https://www.instagram.com/kylealanhobbs/ 
https://www.instagram.com/kylescosmiccountryband/
https://kylealanhobbs.com/

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CHRVNS sits down with Devin Champlin to discuss and tour his legendary guitar shop in the heart of Bellingham. They also talk about clowning around on T.V. in Chicago, gaining rainbow vision after an acid trip, the state of music in Bellingham, and creating a space for musicians.

Northwest Washington's Devin Champlin writes songs for gettin' along, sometimes with his band Sons of Rainier, sometimes on his ownsome. He likes to fingerpick the guitar, grease the fiddle, and thump on the piano, all while singing about dreams of breakfast, and existentialism.

Website: https://www.devinchamplin.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/devin_champlin_/

Bandcamp: https://devinchamplin.bandcamp.com/

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Chrvns and Tim Mechling sit down with Jay Irwin and the GP Sunsets to talk about their new EP Blessings and Close Calls, how the Georgia-Pacific paper mill’s pollution inspired the band’s name, and writing songs about struggling with life online. It's a conversation about place, persistence, and the poetry hidden in everyday chaos.

Jay Irwin has been a staple of the Bellingham music scene since the 1990s, contributing to beloved local acts like Clambake and the Sons of the Widow James. His songwriting is melodic, plainspoken, and packed with lyrical depth that rewards repeat listens.

Jay’s newest project, the GP Sunsets (a nod to Bellingham’s industrial past), includes a crew of seasoned musicians:

• Elizabeth Elton – violin and backing vocals (also of Lindsay Street)

• Robin Elwood – accordion and backing vocals (also of Lindsay Street, The Moving Hats, and The Bayou Opossums)

• Brian Rapp – bass, mandolin, and backing vocals (also of Dr. Jimmy's Big Band)

Together, they blend rootsy instrumentation with thoughtful songwriting rooted in the Pacific Northwest experience.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JayIrwinGPSunsets

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4kFoBcl0UqzejLsMxm4df6?si=rP6Rlb_XSbmTz0i1w6uMrg

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Chrvns and Tim Mechling sit down with Surreal, a grunge/alt-rock band from Mount Vernon, WA, to talk band origins, musical influences, and why their name sounds like a fever dream.

They swap stories—including Tim’s unforgettable encounter with a carnie named Hatchet—and wrap things up with a completely unserious, instrument-free “performance” that somehow captures the chaotic spirit of the band perfectly. It’s part interview, part hangout, and part whatever that last segment was.

Surreal is a grunge-soaked alt-rock band from Mount Vernon, WA, crashing into the scene with heavy riffs, sharp hooks, and a whole lot of heart.

Rooted in the legacy of Northwest rock but unafraid to get weird with it, Surreal brings raw energy and offbeat charisma to every stage (and podcast couch) they land on. They’re here to remind you that rock isn’t dead—it just got a little stranger.

LINKS: linktree.com/surrealthebandofficial

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Tim Mechling and CHRVNS sit down with Mark 'The Freight Train' Wheeler and Walker VanWingerden of Preacher and The Freight Train for an unforgettable conversation. In this episode, they dive into Mark’s legendary birthday parties, Walker’s inspiring grandfather, and the concept of 'Grandpa Strength.' They also explore their unique songwriting philosophy and share the origin story of their band and the unforgettable name behind it. Tune in for a mix of heart, humor, and raw musical insights!

The Preacher & The Freight Train are an acoustic guitar and blues harp duo hailing from the great Whatcom County. The band is comprised of Walker VanWingerden on guitar/vocals and Mark “The Freight Train” Wheeler on Harmonica. Upon first meeting the stars aligned and the two quickly became soul brothers determined, together, to rock as many stages and faces as possible. You can expect to hear many original songs inspired by life, love, hardship, and the beauty of the PNW. As well, the band delivers many classic tunes and bluesy cuts. The energy is soulful, spiritual, dusty magic. Sure to thrill and entice. Watch out because The Preacher & The Freight Train are rollin’ down the track and they’ve got a message to share with you! Hold onto your eardrums!

https://www.instagram.com/thepreacherandthefreighttrain?igsh=MWY3eGtrMmJocndtag==

https://youtu.be/s8hezHgxsCg?si=4spZjgch5y5u--YJ

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Chrvns and Tim Mechling sit down with The Enthusiasts for a deep and heartfelt conversation about sibling ESP connections, how Sommer and Andrew found their way back to making music together, and the journey behind their new LP, To Rest a Field. They discuss recording at the legendary Unknown Studio, the profound loss of their parents that shaped many of the songs, and their involvement with the Anacortes Music Project (AMP). Plus, they treat us to a live performance of “Here We Go Again” off the new record.

The Enthusiasts are a spirited rock-folk band that blends acoustic storytelling with the dynamic energy of a full ensemble. Their sound features guitars, drums, bass, mandolin, accordion, and rich harmonies that range from solo voices to soaring group vocals. Siblings Sommer and Andrew began writing songs together in their youth, and over time, those acoustic roots grew into a vibrant and enthusiastic rock-folk experience that is both energetic and approachable. Rooted in the scenic shores of Anacortes, Washington, their music carries the spirit of their community and surroundings.

Album: To Rest A Field https://theenthusiasts1.bandcamp.com/album/to-rest-a-field

Website: https://enthusiaststheband.com/

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Chrvns and Tim Mechling sit down with singer-songwriter Tad Kroening for a deep dive into his musical journey. They discuss Tad and Tim’s shared experiences in Bellingham and Snohomish, Tad’s passion for open mics, and the art of hosting. Tad shares insights into his songwriting process, his Leonard Cohen influence, and his debut album Baby Birch. Plus, he treats us to a live performance of an unreleased song.

Tad Kroening comes from Sultan, Washington, but has been a Bellingham musician since 2008.

He’s been a mainstay at the Honey Moon open mic, and has played infrequently in songwriters circles, house shows, or whatever he can get tricked into.

He’s been playing the same Kalamazoo guitar since 2005(ish) and has been developing many songs for as many years. He cherishes the songwriting of Leonard Cohen, Tom Waits, Townes Van Zandt, Jackson C. Frank, Elvis Costello, and various other sad sacks and nerds.

He released his first official E.P., “Baby Birch,” in July of 2023, and is slowly assembling his next release.

He’s worked with Hannah Wyatt, Tim Mechling, Pete Ruble, Scot Casey, K.A. Ambrose and various Bellingham artists over his time here.

“Tad Kroening has a beautiful new album of his gentle singer-songwriter material, “Baby Birch.” His delicately fingerpicked guitar and melancholy vocals are lightly augmented by strings and harmony vocals.” -Jesse Stanton, Cascadia Daily

“I’ve been a friend and fan of Tad Kroening ever since we first met at the Honey Moon listening room. His debut album, “Baby Birch,” spent years percolating at the weekly Wednesday open mic, but it’s finally out and the entire thing is equal parts crushing and enchanting.” - Pace Rubadeau, Cascaida Daily

Bandcamp: https://tadkroening.bandcamp.com/album/baby-birch

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/superfancydumdum/

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Chrvns and Tim Mechling sit down with singer-songwriter Brittany Collins to dive into the quirks and chaos of being a musician. They explore why so many artists seem a little off, the art of writing “character songs,” and the need for more women in the music industry. Plus, Brittany opens up about her latest album, Things I Tell My Therapist—the stories behind the songs, the raw emotions, and the catharsis of putting it all out there.

Brittany Collins is an Americana singer-songwriter hailing from the picturesque Skagit Valley, Washington. Inspired by the natural beauty of her surroundings, Brittany weaves heartfelt narratives into her music, blending folk, country, and rock influences. With a voice that resonates with authenticity, she captures the essence of the Pacific Northwest, drawing listeners into her evocative storytelling. Her songs reflect themes of love, loss, and the enduring spirit of her community, showcasing her deep connection to the landscape that shapes her artistry. Brittany’s performances are known for their intimate atmosphere, where she invites her audience to share in her journey. As she continues to create and perform, Brittany Collins is poised to make her mark on the Americana music scene, one soulful note at a time.

Website: https://brittanycollinsband.com/

Instagram: @brittmakesmusic

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Pete Ruble joins hosts CHRVNS and Tim Mechling to discuss his early introduction to Bob Dylan and how it shaped his songwriting and musical journey. He shares insights on playing live shows in Bellingham and wraps up the episode with a special live in-studio performance.Pete Ruble was born in the Arizona desert and wound up in Lynden, WA as a child. Although the twangy, folksy leanings of his musical style might indicate him being from the vast countryside outside of that town, he actually grew up very much inside the city limits. He now lives in Bellingham and paints houses when he's not playing music.IG: https://www.instagram.com/pjruble/Brought to you by:Subjam: subj.amLost Giants https://lostgiantscider.com/Menace Brewing https://menacebrewing.com/Binary Recording Studio https://binaryrecordingstudio.com/Binary_Recording_Studio.htmlAll things music in the PNW: https://www.shutupbham.com/Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shutupandlistenbham/Follow on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6Fua8JpP6GL2kQcqwB6YfZLike on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shutupandlistenbham/Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/shutupbham