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Who: IAN
A little bit of background: IAN began as a solo project for one Jillian Medford. After releasing an EP and futzing around solo, Medford sought out some fellow locals that makes up the IAN trio today. “A weird series of coincidences brought us together, we lucked out,” Medford says. Originally from Los Angeles, Medford swapped coasts to attend Berklee in 2012. It’s a short two years later and Medford is knee deep in the basement scene. The trio teamed up with the locals over at BUFU records earlier this year to release a brand new self-titled album. The charm of her bedroom pop tape recordings is still here, it’s just gotten the sonic boost it needed. Tracks are a perfectly dreamy and poppy with Medford’s diffident lyrics and vocals taking center stage. The trio recently went on nationwide tour with fellow local dream pop act Littlefoot and is one of the most active locals right now.
Sounds kinda like: fuzzy pop
Why you should care: I randomly (and fortunately) stumbled into an IAN show this summer and have never since heard Medford’s name without the words “is incredible” directly following. Her sincerity and sweetness translate seamlessly from tape to the stage. In poorly lit basements with a full band backing her, Medford shines through with her playful inflections drenched in reverb. With lyrical themes often revolving around heartbreak as she cries, “I’m sorry,” Medford somehow avoids the pitfalls of sounding whiny or patronizing and instead is…simply honest. This self-titled release is perfect for drizzly mornings and staring out of windows.
Fun fact: IAN really digs Taco Bell.
Press play: Check out a stage-view recording of IAN playing at Neverland earlier this year:
Like what you hear? If you need a little catharsis, get out to an IAN show.
IAN
w/Flat Swamp, Feral Jenny,Palm Sunday
Sunday, October 5 Church 69 Kilmarnock St. Boston, MA
8:00 p.m. – 21+ – $7
