Last Friday we hosted an energetic set on the PlayLive stage by the fantastic indie pop duo, Mates of State. Not only have the Mates of State released seven excellent full-length albums over the course of their fourteen year career, a large majority of their creative output was done as a husband/wife team.
The couple, Kori and Jason met in Lawrence, Kansas where they both grew up. Originally playing together in a four-piece rock band, they soon left and headed for California, where they devoted their time to making music as a duo, and creating what would become the Mates of State. Eventually in 2001 the couple got married and had two daughters, Magnolia and June. Since having children, the Mates of States tours have become family affairs, and you can follow their life as family on the road, in Kori’s very entertaining blog titled “Band on the ‘Diaper’ Run”
In addition to being on the road with artists such as Death Cab For Cutie, Spoon, Jimmy Eat World, and Taking Back Sunday, the group has also had multiple Film and Television placements, including Ugly Betty, One Tree Hill, Chuck, Yo Gabba Gabba, 90210, and the Wicker Park (soundtrack).
Their most recent album, 2011’s bright and hook-filled release “Mountain Tops”, as well as their past three original full-length albums have all been released on local (Seattle) label, and personal favorite of mine, Barsuk Records. Check below for a video of the band performing “Palomino” a song from their latest Barsuk release, as well as a video for “True Love” (a Daniel Johnston Cover).
[youtube http://youtu.be/3g5Oyl2rALc]
For more info on the Mates of State and their current tour, you can visit their official site, as well as follow them on Facebook and Twitter.
Blake Kirpes, Music Supervisor
PlayNetwork
