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When Typhoon started a decade ago, it wasn't meant to be anything more than a friendly studio project. In the 10 years since, the indie-pop orchestra has grown into one of Portland's most beloved bands. It has toured the U.S. several times, shared stages with the Shins and the Decemberists, jammed on late-night television and released three albums (plus an EP) of music that is simultaneously confessional and bombastic, communicating fear and struggle but also revelry for life.
This week, Typhoon plays a sold-out show at Revolution Hall to celebrate 10 years together. To commemorate the milestone, we asked the band to take us on a photographic tour of 10 significant moments in its career.
All photos by Matthew Thomas Ross.
2006-07: Pacific Northwest
We played our first few tours at coffee shops and in living rooms throughout the Northwest. On our second tour, we went out with Maggie Morris (now of Genders) and later stole her drummer, Pieter Hilton.
October 2010: Portland
Here we are in the green room at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall. Opening for Belle and Sebastian at the Schnitz was a milestone for many of us. The opportunity to play in this beautiful venue and open for a band many of us had grown up listening to made that evening a night that will remain with us for years to come.
October 2010: Portland
During the recording of A New Kind of House at the Orange House, we were lucky enough to have some of our closest friends join us on some group vocal parts. We owe a lot to our friends, and it means a lot to us to have some of them on this record.
August 2011: New York
From being picked up by a caravan of SUVs at 5 in the morning to meeting an astronaut in the elevator, our first national television experience on Late Night With David Letterman was fairly surreal for all of us. Even though it was 90 degrees outside, Letterman likes to keep it ice cold in the studio and here in the green room. To say we were nervous is an understatement, bringing a whole new meaning to the term "cold sweat."
September 2011: Portland
Here we are at the free pile on set for our BFF Tour promo video with Wild Ones and Youth. It was basically just an excuse to have a water fight with our best friends and do goofy slow-motion shots. The following tour up and down the West Coast and through the Rockies was one of our favorites.
April 2012: San Marcos, Texas
While in Austin for South by Southwest, we decided to rent a house outside the city for the week. [Frontman] Kyle [Morton] found this big place south of the city that was billed as a villa. It was the first time we had a few days off after a few weeks on the road, and we made the most of it. We've been back since then. It's a special place.
May 2012: Happy Valley, Oregon
Spending a month at Pendarvis Farm writing and recording White Lighter was truly a memorable experience. Most of the band lived on the farm while we were there, in the barns and in the woods. Kyle slept here in the studio.
August 2012: Happy Valley, Oregon
Anyone who has been with us (or within earshot of us) before a show knows that like any other team, we do a specific cheer before we go onstage. We've been doing it for as long as we can remember. We've been fortunate to play a lot of festivals around the country, but Pickathon takes the cake.
November 2012: Portland
Many of us have grown up going to shows at the Crystal Ballroom, so playing a show there ourselves was a humbling and exhilarating experience. It's pretty wild to step onto the same stage you've seen your favorite musicians perform on and see a crowd of people waiting. That was a real milestone for us.
March 2014: New York
From the first time we played at the Mercury Lounge in 2011 to this gig at Webster Hall, playing shows in New York has always been a thrill. Seeing this crowd packed into such a beautiful theater, this was one we won't forget.
SEE IT: Typhoon plays Revolution Hall, 1300 SE Stark St., on Sunday, Dec. 20. 8 pm. Sold out. All ages.
Willamette Week