PNW Surf Songs

Arthur C. Lee was born in the tropical island of Guam to a Korean father and a native mother who met on a farm that grew melons, mangos and avocados. Looking for better opportunities and to experience the four seasons, his family moved from the coconut trees of Guam to the tall Douglas-firs of Portland OR in the summer of 1989. It was a significant change for Lee that would forever shape him as he learned to assimilate in foreign land. Writing and performing since he was 13, his music is not unlike his move. It’s an exploration of different styles and genres he’s encountered all while trying to make it his own. From blues to folk, and from jazz to rock, you can still hear the coconut trees and sandy beaches of his island roots - a vibe that permeates and runs deep in his songs.

“… graceful indie rock… that blends serene guitar melodies, crisp piano notes and dreamy falsetto vocals.” - Oregon Public Broadcasting

"Arthur C. Lee meticulously finds the fringes of summertime pop... with trembling vocals backed by sugary harmonies, jangling guitars and tinkling pianos."  - East Oregonian

“An artist like Arthur C. Lee grabs my ear and confounds my attempts at guitar accompaniment. His defiance of standard progressions is liberating. Lee is both a student and teacher of music and his love of and immersion in jazz shows in his chord stylings.” - Ball of Wax Audio Quarterly

Discography

‘You’ll Hear About It In The Morning’ - Full-Length Released 2024

‘The Old Sycamore’ - Single Released 3/21/24

‘You’ve Been Looking Everywhere But Here - Single Released September 22, 2023

‘Moonglow’ - Single Released December 2, 2022

‘Natural Light’ LP - Released December 17, 2021

‘Pay Your Respects’ b/w ‘I’ll Take My Chances’ 7” - Single Released August 13,2021

‘The Burning Sun’ and ‘The Storm’ 7” - Single Released January 29, 2021

‘The Unknown Legend’ - Neil Young Cover - Released October 25, 2018

‘History Of’ - Released July 14, 2017

ABOUT ‘HISTORY OF’ -

Balancing expression with precision, articulating a feeling in a song without sounding trite or corny,  capturing a picture of a moment embedded in your subconscious. Arthur C. Lee is a soulful perfectionist. Someone so concerned with capturing balance and clarity rarely achieves magic in a recording studio.  Lee manages to take his songs meticulously to the point where they are a pure representation of his intention while retaining the heart with which they beat.

'History Of'... sounds like a record that took a long time to write and produce without sacrificing the alchemy that happens in between thought. It's the expression of a person who is looking back to find reasons why they are who they are.  Lee's clearly influenced by the music and culture of the Pacific Northwest, without sounding derivative or contrived. This is a record that could only be made by the man who created it.  -- Whit Walker

Released July 14, 2017

Arthur C. Lee with Whit Walker - 'Vital Signs'.  Released March 1, 2011.

ABOUT ‘VITAL SIGNS’ -

Sometimes words and music come together from disparate sources so perfectly that you wonder how and why they were created the way they were. Arthur Lee has been working these beautiful pieces of music as instrumentals for three or so years. Whit Walker has kept these lyrics in his memory bank, in some cases for more than ten years. Have you ever wondered what it was like when peanut butter discovered jelly, ham found cheese? If you have, then sit back and be taken to a place where flowers walk with the gods of sand. Vital Signs is just that, Arthur and Whit’s evolution as artists and friends in this journey through life, and a vital part of every great day. Thank you.

Other bands and records I've enjoyed playing in: