Born of a twelve-year labor of heartache and love, Soft Reeds is the brainchild of Ben Grimes (formerly of Astralwerks’ The Golden Republic), a Chicago native whose roots grip firmly in the ’77 Berlin sounds of Brian Eno, David Bowie and Iggy Pop, while embracing the ethos and attack of early American and English indie rock.
The band features a diverse group of players, anchored by the rhythm section of drummer Josh Wiedenfeld, an Austin, TX native who also moonlights as a producer and arranger, and bassist Beckie Trost, a fellow Chicagoan and childhood friend of Grimes. Filling out their sound on guitar, saxophone, keys and whatever else needs playing is Kansas City native John Mitchell. Together, they fashion a wall of sound that resonates behind Grimes’ signature vocals, which are often compared to the likes of Bryan Ferry (Roxy Music) and David Bowie, yet manage to stand uniquely apart.
In April 2013, Soft Reeds released their sophomore album, Blank City through Kansas City label, The Record Machine.
Albums
Soft Reeds
Blank City
Soft Reeds - Blank City
April 23, 2013
1. 17
2. Pregnant Actress
3. Nothing Changes
4. Funky Friends Breathe, Ok?
5. Supper + Knives
6. Hospitality
7. Moving in Time
8. Stranded
9. Funny Patterns
10. A Casual Waste of Time
11. A Hysterical Woman
Soft Reeds
Minden
Soft Reeds - Minden Split 7"
October 2011
1. Soft Reeds – Magic
2. Minden – Get Clean
October 2011
Soft Reeds – Magic
Minden – Get Clean
Soft Reeds
Soft Reeds Are Bastards
Soft Reeds - Soft Reeds Are Bastards
July 20, 2010
1. Brave New World
2. This Affair
3. The City & the Stars
4. Hemel Dalingen
5. The Sirens of Titan
6. Bleeding Hearts
7. Thick of Thin Things
8. Wasted Time
9. Bastards
10. Despite Straight Lines
VIdeos
Band: Soft Reeds Song: Pregnant Actress Album: Blank City Label: The Record Machine Recorded: Joel Nanos Studio: Element Recording Studios Itunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/blank-city/id592488138
Band: Soft Reeds Song: Supper + Knives Album: Blank City Label: The Record Machine Recorded: Joel Nanos Studio: Element Recording Studios Itunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/blank-city/id592488138
From their debut Soft Reeds Are Bastards
Indie band Soft Reeds performs "Funky Friends Breathe, OK?" live at The Record Bar in Kansas City as part of The Chevy Music Showcase. The Chevy Music Showcase Kansas City is made possible by the generous support of Kansas City Area Chevy Dealers, who have really gone the distance to support artistic efforts in their community.