Pedalboard Break Down – Jamie Aaron – XVIII Eyes

Over the last year, I had a opportunity to sign on as guitarist in one of my favorite local bands – Magpies. We’ve gone on two tours, played a nice set of shows through the year, did some recording, etc. In that set of shows played, two of them was with the Seattle, WA based band XVIII Eyes. We played a show in our home town as well as a super fun one at the Comet in Seattle. Both times, I walked away inspired. Nothing like seeing a guitarist play tasty progressions. Nothing like seeing a guitarist build tension, melodies, noise that actually move you, but not in the way of an in-your-face lead, but in a way that elevates a song and the emotional message of that song. It’s subtle, but you focus on it, what’s happening there, is beautiful.

All the musicians in XVIII Eyes are top shelf, but I found myself focusing on Jamie Aaron. I can relate to what she’s trying to accomplish in that band, since that role is similar to mine (but watching her makes me want to quit guitar – jokes).  She has a great ear and understands her effects – easy concept, but you usually see people set-it-and-forget-it.  She has a great ability to change tones throughout the song as well as her choice in phrasing is inspirational for sure.

She was kind enough to send me a photo of her pedalboard, and thought some of you guys might be interested.

Here is the breakdown of pedals:

Boss TU-3 Tuner
Boss PS-5 Super Shifter
ZVex Fuzz Factory
Fulltone Full Drive 2
Fulltone OCD
SubDecay Starlight DLX
MXR M-234 Chorus
Moog MF-102 Moogerfooger Ring Modulator
Boss RE-20 Space Echo Delay
TC Electronic Hall of Fame Reverb

All of this on a Pedaltrain PT-2 board. I sent her a 15′ Rattlesnake Cable a while back.. nice to see it connected in the shot! Both times I saw this band, she was playing a Fender Jaguar loaded with humbuckers.

Here is a little taste of XVIII Eyes – Xylophone live at Columbia City Theater

Yesterday, they just released their new album I’ll Keep You, and is worth every penny they’re asking. I would pick it up at their bandcamp page. The song Volcano Surfing is a perfect example of what I’m talking about in regards to guitar play.