:: Hollow Earth Radio ::

Tune in to the Corner Pocket Program on Thursday 2-4pm or Saturday 5-7pm to hear a live set and “interview” with our good buddies Go Slowpoke!

Here is an article on Go Slowpoke written by Jordan Rain in What’s Up! Magazine (a Bellingham music magazine):

Have you ever been told you were “special”? If the answer is yes to this question, chances are you eventually realized you were different than most people around . (missing text) “At some point you realize it’s not true,” said Peter Woiwood, the key figure behind Go Slowpoke. In explaining the name Go Slowpoke, Peter said for him it represents a message to self. Even though at times Peter has considered himself a “‘nobody,’ you still have to be on your own side.” Woiwood continued, “You have to be your own cheerleader, even though you know you’re not going to win.”

Peter grew up in a Conservative Christian family, which I realize after meeting him and hearing his songs, must have been difficult, being the liberated soul he currently embodies. However, Go Slowpoke initially came by way of Peter catching in earshot, a guy sarcastically yelling back at his girlfriend, “Hey Speedy, Hurry Up!”

I met with Peter and Norah (Go Slowpoke’s current drummer and glockenspielist) at her apartment for a cup of tea and a chat. I found them to be quite happy about their friendship and being able to play music with each other. Norah, hailing from North Carolina, used to leave strange items outside Peters door before they actually met. I found Norah to be quirky, catlike, oddly charismatic and very creative in a rainy day sort of way. For instance, she sewed together two blue T-shirts to make one uber large shirt with two neck holes, one for each her and Peter to wear. The Two-Shirt displaying the band’s name in hand sewn green letters is ready for their busking duo set, soon to hit the streets of Bellingham. As I’m writing this Peter and Norah are on a tour of western U.S.A. as a two-piece version of Go Slowpoke. Hopefully they will do some shows on the road exhibiting their endearing Two-Shirt.

As for Joel Myrene, the third member and current Bass player of Go Slowpoke (absent from our tea party), I can say that he is a loveable fellow who’s helped Bellingham through its musical legacy in this decade. For those unaware, Joel booked exceptional shows during the last stint at the now deceased 3B tavern and Chiribins. Recently, Myrene said he has thrown in the booking towel. Joel started playing with Go Slowpoke right after their first show when Rob from the Love Lights was playing drums in the band. For the public record, Peter stated that Rob (Love Lights) encouraged him to get out there and play, for which he was quite thankful. Norah asked me to print “I Love Joel Myrene,” and what’s not to love? During their set at the show on Saturday Night at the WhAAM space, I found myself edged out of the way by Joel Myrene’s fan club who proceeded to take pictures on their cell phones of themselves with Joel in the background playing bass with a shit eating grin. That was funny.

As I could hear on All My Friends Are Good People (their new release) but didn’t realize completely until seeing them live, Go Slowpoke makes you feel good. Go Slowpoke is fearless nerd pop with jangly guitar backed by minimalist bass and drums. Like Buddy Holly, Go Slowpoke just knocks out the tunes with no frills and much heart. Slowpoke delivers a straight up beat you can dance to, which I took the liberty to do at their most recent all-ages WhAAM show at the Foundry (100 E. Maple Street). The talented local songstress Ana Arvin joined me for a dance and then Go Slowpoke on stage to sing some sweet harmonies with Peter for one song. When I asked Peter and Norah what they liked most about the Bellingham music scene, Peter mentioned the quality of hearing someone like Anna, whos music you admire at a show or on the radio and then being able to meet and even be friends with them. Norah mentioned the supportive element within the Bellingham music culture and how it is reminiscent of her hometown Chapel Hill, North Carolina in a similar sense.

With their debut release, Go Slowpoke has produced a set of well-recorded and wonderfully written anthems that works well as a soundtrack for northwest living. All My Friends is chalk full of tales and scenarios brimming in the consciousness of many people of our time, and of years long past. Peter is an ally for souls and tales unheard but ready to be liberated. I love the talking interludes on this album that combat the ominous northwest loneliness by giving you the sense that Go Slowpoke is with you. While washing the dishes to All My Friends, I’ve caught myself shouting back to the talking interludes, thinking someone was talking to me in the other room (I’m also hard of hearing). In conclusion, whether or not Norah and Peter invited me over to charm the pants off me, or grease this articles wheel in their favor, I can’t find my pants and I’m ready to hear more Go Slowpoke. Flattery aside, All My Friends Are Good People is an indie-pop classic everyone needs to hear.