Blue Canopy's Mild Anxiety is the debut EP from Portland-based multi-instrumentalist, Alex Schiff. Under the Blue Canopy moniker, Alex combines versatile songwriting chops and timeless, exuberant melodies to comprise four distinct pieces that utilize nostalgia as a force to move forward.
Formerly the keyboardist and co-writer for indie band, Modern Rivals, Alex has shared the stage with bands such as Ra Ra Riot, Stars, and The Black Keys. The EP's lead single, "656" enlists the four other members of Modern Rivals (performing drums, guitar, bass, synth and backup vocals) as an official send-off to a relationship that was a formative part of Alex's youth and time living in New York City.
'Mild Anxiety' was produced by Alex Schiff & Patrick J Smith (A Beacon School/Modern Rivals).
PopMatters Blue Canopy Say Goodbye To New York, Hello To Portland With "656"
"Filled with childlike wonder and bright-eyed instrumentation that could just as easily be a symphony as a rock band, “656” sets the stage for the rest of the EP, suggesting that Schiff’s future as Blue Canopy is as bright as he could hope for"
Treblezine Blue Canopy's "Keys To The Garden" Is A Psychedelic Delight
"Taking on a psychedelic pop sound that blends contemporary indie psychedelia in the vein of Tame Impala with ’60s-era aesthetics similar to those of Zombies or early Pink Floyd"
The Wild Honey Pie Buzzing Daily: Blue Canopy - "656"
"'656' is high-energy, its full-bodied sound inspiring motivation in all of us. However, a closer listen reveals a somberness lurking behind the track's spirited instrumentation; its lyrics describing “crippling anxiety” and the defeat of an ending relationship"
All songs produced by Alex Schiff and Patrick J Smith
Mixed by Abe Seiferth
Mastered by Joe Lambert
"Keys to the Garden"
Alex Schiff - Producer, Lead Vocals, Synth, Keyboards, Baritone Ukulele, Saxophone
Patrick J Smith - Producer, Guitar, Bass
Deb Oh - Background Vocals
Alex Raderman - Drums
"656"
Alex Schiff - Producer, Lead Vocals, Synth, Keyboards, Baritone Ukulele
Patrick J Smith - Producer, Bass, Guitar, Backup Vocals
Mickey Novak - Guitar
Deb Oh - Backup Vocals
Erick Lee - Additional synths
Alex Raderman - Drums
"St. Albans"
Alex Schiff - Producer, Lead Vocals, Synth, Keyboards, Saxophone
Patrick J Smith - Producer, Guitar, Bass
Deb Oh - Background Vocals
Alex Raderman - Drums
"Always"
Alex Schiff - Producer, Lead Vocals, Synth, Keyboards, Baritone Ukulele, Guitar, Saxophone
Patrick J Smith - Producer, Guitar
Emile Mosseri - Bass
Deb Oh - Background Vocals
Alex Raderman - Drums
Artwork by Kyle Stetz
- Keys to the Garden (4:04)
- 656 (2:37)
- St. Albans (2:46)
- Always (5:19)