Where They’re From: Anacortes, WA

Who They Are: A multi-instrumentalist, singer, and DIY-er from Anacortes, Washington, Karl Blau has released more than 40 records in 20 or so years, many self-released in handmade packaging and mailed to subscribers, and others on iconic indie Northwest record labels like K and KNW-YR-OWN label. Blau has also toured solo and recorded for years with Laura Veirs and other bands. Blau’s 2016 record Introducing Karl Blau caught our attention, and we named him an Artist to Watch that June. It’s a collection of cover tunes – forgotten hits and deep cuts – written in the late 60s and 70s by songwriters Tom T. Hall, Waylon Jennings, Don Gibson, Barry Gibb, Townes Van Zandt, Tom Rush, and others. The album was produced by Tucker Martine, with backing vocals by Jim James of My Morning Jacket and Laura Veirs. In the pandemic lockdown of 2021, Karl Blau played the final episode of Unprecedented Sessions from True Hand Society tattoo and design studio.

Years Active: 1996 – present

Essential Albums: Introducing Karl Blau (2016), Out Her Space (2017)