Eyes Like Lanterns: Indie Folk Americana
By Julie Horner
“As an artist, I find inspiration in many places,” Eyes Like Lantern’s founder Josh Cremer said. Just coming off the stage at The Sawmill Restaurant & Ale House 3rd Anniversary celebration in Boulder Creek, the local songwriter and guitar player continued, “It could be something that happens at work or something going on in the social landscape. More often than not I write about problems I see in the world that don’t have a simple solution.”
Josh started playing music as a youth growing up in Yuba City. “My school had an after-school program when I was 12, and that’s when I formed my first band.” Fast forward to the Santa Cruz music scene and the name “Eyes Like Lanterns.” As the story goes, Josh was looking for a new band name, and one night he and his bandmates were enjoying a little R&R, and he said, “someone looked at our eyes and said, ‘damn your guys eyes are like little lanterns!’ And we all thought that sounded cool, so that was the name from then on.”
Eyes Like Lantern’s founder Josh Cremer | Photo: Julie Horner
Eyes Like Lanterns has released four albums of original music, and all are available on your favorite streaming platforms. The latest two, “Plague Spells” and “All The Way Down,” are also available on vinyl at his shows and at your local record shop. You might also notice the unique folk art album covers and the expressive vibe of the Eyes Like Lanterns collectible swag. Josh said that all his band art is done by Kai Adam-Chinn, co-owner of Milestone Tattoo in The Old Sash Mill in Santa Cruz. “Because I am an Americana artist,” Josh said, “it is only fitting that all my art is Americana traditional tattoo art!”
After three years playing mostly solo or with a guest or two, Josh has just rounded out his full band sound with Billy Reese on guitar, George Marquez on drums, and Jesse Williams on bass. “I’ve been playing solo for a long time and it’s so good to have some buds again to rip gigs with!” Their next gig together is on Saturday, November 9 at The Blue Lagoon.
Josh enjoys an enthusiastic following wherever he plays: Joe’s Bar, Felton Music Hall, Sevy’s in Capitola, wherever people appreciate local music, he said. “I think what my fans love most about my music is how honest I am; all the stories I tell are true.” Eyes Like Lanterns makes music for real life. “If there is something you are going through or something you are happy about or maybe thinking about or sad about, I guarantee we have a song for that. We are fun for the whole family and just trying to make good honest music that people can enjoy and feel.”
Look for updoming Eyes Like Lanterns shows on October 9 at Chaminade Resort & Spa; second Fridays at Davenport Roadhouse; November 1st at Treehouse Dispensary in Soquel; and November 5th at Sevy’s in Aptos. Instagram @eyeslikelanterns | Email: eyeslikelanterns@gmail.com
***
Have a story to share? The San Lorenzo Valley Post welcomes your Santa Cruz Mountains news, story ideas, photos, and letters. Send us an email.
Sign up for our newsletter to stay connected to news and events in the Santa Cruz Mountains.
Julie Horner is Co-Founder and Editor for the San Lorenzo Valley Post. Julie lives and works in Boulder Creek and is an active participant in the county's vibrant music scene. She loves the outdoors and is the go-to expert on Santa Cruz Mountains hiking trails.
