Hailing from Texas, semiwestern is an indie band consisting of Ty Bohrnstedt and Daniel Gonzalez. Their creative undertaking took root in their childhood, as they crossed paths as aspiring tennis players competing in national junior tournaments around the country. They would later reunite in their 20s, sparking a musical connection that would become the foundation of semiwestern.
With influences ranging from the visionary songcraft of Grandaddy, Pinback and R. Stevie Moore, to the moodiness and melodic brilliance of Lou Reed, Elliott Smith, The Fall, Built To Spill, and Sonic Youth, semiwestern weaves a charmingly unpolished and emotive sound that is heavily informed by DIY ethos.
Despite the distance between them, with Daniel residing in Houston and Ty in a small town outside of Dallas, the duo overcomes geographical obstacles by sharing their creative process through digital means. Iterations of songs are exchanged via email, while discussions and refining of their musical vision take place over countless phone calls.
Formerly known as The Vliets, semiwestern has garnered recognition in the vibrant music scene of Austin, Texas. They were once voted as the "Best Emerging Rock Band” in Austin by The Deli Magazine, and have opened for notable artists such as Ariel Pink, Alex G, DIIV, Zzzahara, Elvis Depressedly, Madi Diaz and Frankie Rose.
semiwestern’s 2022 saw the release of single ‘velvet sea’ on Spirit Goth Records and a cover of Charli XCX’s ‘constant repeat’
A full length album is due out in September 2023 on Spirit Goth Records.
“..sounds like if Elliott Smith made shoegaze”
- Stereogum
"semiwestern's dusty debut is a breathtaking indie rock record filled with raw reflection and intimate emotion"
- Atwood Magazine
“..consistently releasing stellar tracks that encompass a wide variety of sub-genres and influences”
- Earmilk
“..it’s easy to tell the excellent quality of Bohrnstedt’s songwriting and lovable showcasing of DIY concepts..”
-Obscure Sound
