By BOB HOWARD // Portland songwriting duo find international recognition
Portland Americana duo Brightwell and Moran have had a landmark year in 2023. Their latest record, Land of Plenty, was released March 2023, and their award winning song, "Bare Boards,” was recorded at Abbey Road studios in London, England and released in February 2023. Land of Plenty opens with “River Flow” that takes us on a journey through the heartland of our lives. Each song on the record encourages us to find our places of inspiration and growth.
“Bare Boards” is a bonus single that reminds us that love is work. Who says it’s never too late? They entered the Talent Is Timeless 2022 Songwriting Competition with this song on a whim. To their surprise, months later, they found out they were the Global Winners! Talent is Timeless is an age positive, international songwriting contest for 50+ songwriters. “By shining a light on a 50+ years only stage, we are focusing on promoting acoustic music makers, pairing you with one in a lifetime prizes, world-renowned celebrity judges, and unlocking industry opportunities that may have felt a past lifetime away.”
Kelly was recently quoted saying, “success is a long game. And perfectionism is not your friend. It’s important to continue to show up, do the work, and keep dreaming. In the end, the road of creating art is worth the trip no matter where you end up!”
Their harmonies are closely woven in well-crafted songs. David Wilcox said, “You two have such great harmonies, and you have the ability to really lock in rhythmically with each other. You got pocket.”
They released their first EP under the project name Radio Stranger in 2016. Their follow up release, Crosstalk won high praise from Music Connection Magazine. They were named the “Top Prospect of 2017.”
The best place to find them is at Artichoke Music. They are leading monthly song circles on Sunday afternoons starting January 21, 2024.
Website: www.brightwellandmoran.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/brightwellandmoran
Instagram: www.instagram.com/brightwellandmoran
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCt28uYE5A6Ap4HFqER37UMQ