Song of the Day: Cascadia '10 - The Secret Is Out

Song of the Day
06/28/2013
Jacob Webb

Every Monday through Friday, we deliver a different song as part of our Song of the Day podcast subscription. This podcast features exclusive KEXP in-studio performances, unreleased songs, and recordings from independent artists that our DJs think you should hear. Every Friday, we choose a song from a Northwestern artist. Today’s song, selected by Morning Show host John Richards, is “The Secret Is Out” by Cascadia '10 from the 2013 self-released self-titled EP.

Cascadia '10 - The Secret Is Out (MP3)

Well-versed in the music of western Africa, Cascadia '10's modern take on Afrobeat keeps the African tradition alive in the Pacific Northwest. Comprised of 10 musicians well-versed in the works of Fela, Femi, and Seun Keti (among other Afrobeat titans), the band's large and experience lineup creates a compelling, incredibly danceable version of the music Fela pioneered in Nigeria in the '70s. (The band's name is a reference to his backing band, Africa '70.) The group released their first set of original studio recordings this past March, a self-titled EP containing three songs, including "The Secret Is Out". The EP's opening track, stabbing horns and bustling percussion ignite the track as a rock-solid rhythm section holds down the beat. Each section of the song highlights different musicians, as the decatet take turns soloing and building the groove, giving reason to believe that in a group like this, there's strength in numbers. For those that can't afford tickets to the brilliant tribute musical Fela!, "The Secret Is Out" is a great Afrobeat alternative that, well, isn't really a secret anymore, which is a good thing.

In addition to appearing at this year's Bumbershoot, Cascadia '10 play their next show at the Nectar Lounge on July 25th and then later LIVE on KEXP on August 13th during Wo'Pop with Darek Mazzone. Get tickets and info about their Nectar show here, and keep up with the band on their Facebook and Bandcamp. Until then, watch the band play "Apophistry:

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