Oshima Brothers will play the Opera House at Boothbay Harbor in their only Lincoln County Show on Saturday, June 15. The duo will play a special acoustic only set with vintage instruments. (Courtesy photo)
Oshima Brothers will highlight their soulful melodies and folk sounds in an acoustic show on Saturday, June 15 at the Opera House at Boothbay Harbor.
“Folks may have heard the songs before, but not like this,” Sean Oshima said in a Wednesday, June 5 telephone interview to talk about the special concert.
Sean and Jamie Oshima collaboratively write, sing, play multiple instruments, and produce their own videos.
Normally accompanied by electric guitars, keyboards, and slick production effects, at this unique show, the brothers will play vintage instruments, including a Wurlitzer keyboard and their favorite guitars.
“We’re very excited to return with this more intimate, striped back show. Something we do not get to do much. This is a guilty pleasure show for us,” Sean Oshima said.
Oshima Brothers grew within the rich music landscape of Lincoln County. The “DIY boy band,” as Sean Oshima referred to it, grew up at the end of a very long dirt road in Whitefield in a house with many, many instruments and not so many neighbors.
Since releasing their 2019 debut album, “Oshima Brothers,” they have released a visual album, a second full music album, and two EPs. The Oshima Brothers independently produce all their albums and music videos.
Despite the heartbreak themes through “Oshima Brothers,” the 2019 album is more up tempo and poppier than 2022’s “Dark Nights Golden Days.”
“Those were the golden days/But look the gold is gray/The shadows and the shade/Won’t be erased,” lyrics from the title track, foretell the album’s darker mood.
“Origami” was released in 2023. Oshima Brothers brought back even more synth effects and faster beats from their eponymous debut album.
The duo has been on tour for the past year, rocking out as a trio with a variety of guests.
But the recordings and concerts are only half the art the brothers create – they also self-direct and edit videos. “Dance with Me,” which has over 11,000 views on YouTube, is a meta take on the process of producing the video. A troupe of Sean and Jamie Oshima clones produce the song, dance in formation and film the music video that is being watched.
“Music is the universal language and it has to capacity to change the world, which always needs change,” said Sean Oshima.
During this time in his home state, Sean Oshima has still been steeped in music, traveling all over to attend shows.
“I’ve spent the last month in Maine. It feels great to be in Maine, off the road a bit. It’s nice to feel the sun on my skin,” he said. “I am so inspired by community that a concert creates. There is so much cool art around the state. That’s the energy we’re bringing with us to Boothbay.”
At least one surprise local guest will join them on stage for a song or two. A few new songs they have been working on will be in the mix.
“We bounce ideas off each other, back and forth,” Sean Oshima said. “It’s a rewarding experience. We get to edit each other’s work and build momentum.”
Oshima Brothers kicked off their summer tour with an appearance at Portland’s Resurgam Festival on Sunday, June 9. The last week of June, they have a whirlwind seven dates in seven days across five states.
When they go back out on the road, they will be accompanied by another local, Louisa Stancioff.
Oshima Brothers will return to Maine in August for shows in Biddeford, Liberty, Deer Isle, and Farmington.
Tickets for the June 15 acoustic show at the Opera House at Boothbay Harbor, at 86 Townsend Ave. in Boothbay Harbor, are available now. Advance discount tickets are $20 and available only from the box office, which is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday through Friday. Regular tickets are $25 and available online at boothbayoperahouse.com and on the day of show if available.
For more information, call 633-5159.
