Written by Shea Roney | Photo Courtesy of Westelaken

Every Wednesday, the ugly hug shares a playlist personally curated by an artist/band that we have been enjoying. This week we have a collection of songs put together by Jordan Seccareccia of the Ontario-based project Westlaken. 

Prose etched with keys into park benches and stall doors, the stories embedded within a Westelaken song animate the lines between the humdrum, the overlooked and the unrequited of our day-to-days. Like budding beds of flowers passing the collection bucket to fund the altar, each bandmate builds upon their purpose in the name of the gathered spirit. Releasing music for almost a decade, Alex Baigent (bass), Rob McLay (drums), Lucas Temor (piano), and Jordan (guitar/vocals) break away from any sort of structural dependence as they build out from the grandiose. While their melodies pull straws from folkloric wisdom and false prophets, Westelaken lean into the thoughtfully layered textures and striking dynamic displays that have continuously set them on their own path. 

About the playlist Jordan shares;

My favourite radio show is called Barking Dog. It’s a college radio program on CKUW in Winnipeg. It’s researched and presented with such care and curiosity. I love listening to old episodes from their archive (explore it at julianacyoung.com). There’s all sorts of songs here but it can all be roughly categorized as traditional folk and roots music. I put a ton in this playlist. A ton of songs I heard first because I listened to Barking Dog, and some songs I don’t think they’ve played, but that I think fit right in.

Listen to Jordan’s playlist HERE!

Check out Westelaken’s extensive catalog now on their bandcamp. While you’re at it, purchase Eliza Niemi & Westelaken Cover Each Other and Their Friends to raise money for Palestinian Mutual Aid.