Above: Thrones (Joe Preston). Photog by Daniel Menche.
Geological motion. That is the sound and atmosphere of Thrones, a one-person combination of Joe Preston and technological wonder. Joe step. He strum. He gaze at infinity and the response is HUGE. Rolling bass thunder flattens. It is a guitar that Thrones is known for, and ver large amplifiers. It's not noise. Thrones create the sound of music through the ages.
Joe Preston currently resides in Winlock, a Southwest Washington town not too large, located not too close (to anything). Asked if he is a songwriter, if he writes "songs," Joe Preston responds, "I used to, but to be honest I haven't really been doing anything for years. During the pandemic I didn’t even pick up an instrument. Right when people were picking up instruments again I got into synthesizers. Daily I play electronic music. I’m also learning to play the banjo." Cool.
Thrones are scheduled to play Northern Sky Festival (September 6 & 7, 2024), an art and music happening occurring at Oyster Bay Farm located Northwest of Olympia, Washington. Purchase your FULL PASS or single day tickets HERE.
Thrones are thrilled at the prospect. "I miss being close to Puget Sound, it’s going to be pretty cool to play something like Northern Sky Festival. I was touched to have Lois ask Thrones to play, I’m looking forward to it. I don’t know if I have anything new to play - - I wont be playing any banjo music. I had a soft break up with Thrones because I wasn’t creating. Thrones is an oldies show." But not really. When considered geologically, all Thrones music is created in an ancient era to be listened to and appreciated in timeless fashion. Heard at any time Thrones makes sense in any context. What especially comes clear is Olympia's history of heavy and sexy sounds, Vexx, KARP, Lice, One Ton, Son Skull, Quayde LaHüe, Fitz of Depression, Christian Mistress, Unwound, all that. In fact, the last time Thrones played Olympia it was at the Capitol theater with Christian Mistress. What a bill. Joe is particularly fond of the combo, "I visit them fairly often in Olympia, if I visit anyone in Olympia."
For now it's coffee in Winlock, then a day spent keeping his cats cool and out of the sun. There are four of them living with him at present,"Steve is my old guy, he's 18 this year. Lee and Phaedra are kittens who are not kittens anymore. last year Dumpling showed up, she lives on the porch."