Karl Blau

Karl Blau

Karl Blau is a musician from Anacortes, United States, based in Anacortes, Washington. He is associated with the Knw-Yr-Own/K Records collective and releases music through a monthly subscription service called Kelp Monthly, which he describes as an album-a-month club and a documentary label tracing his work and the music around him.

Career

Blau begins recording and playing with friends at an early age, moving from piano to classical guitar after studying music in childhood. He has a long background in local bands and community-based music-making, including a lengthy period with the dance band Captain Fathom while he is at college in Bellingham. He also plays flute, saxophone and drums on various K Records releases.

His debut K Records release is Beneath Waves. He has recorded with Mirah, Wolf Colonel, the Microphones and Little Wings, and he works extensively with Phil Elverum, of The Microphones and Mount Eerie. He also tours and records with Laura Veirs.

Groups and collaborations

Blau plays in D+, a group that also includes Phil Elverum and Bret Lunsford. He has also been part of Brothers Blau, Captain Fathom and Your Heart Breaks. He is currently a member of Earth, the drone and doom band.

Musical style

His music draws on a wide range of styles, including folk, dub, R&B, bossa nova, grunge, hip hop, drone and worldbeat. He is described as prolific and works across albums, field recordings, compilations and ambient art records through Kelp Monthly.