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David Skirving began California Snow Story in 2001 after leaving the Scottish band Camera Obscura. David was a founding member and original guitarist of Camera Obscura and he gave the band their name. He wrote four songs on their debut album, Rare UK Bird, and guitar parts for their album Biggest Bluest Hi-Fi.
California Snow Story first released music on Shelflife Records in the US in 2002 (One Good Summer EP) and released their first album, Close to the Ocean, in the UK and the Philippines in 2007. This album was the first release to feature vocalist Sandra Belda Martãnez from Spain and keyboard player Madoka Fukushima from Japan. Except for the occasional live show, the band went on hiatus due to other commitments and living in different countries. California Snow Story continued to attract a following and gradually began working on a follow up album.
The new album, Some Other Places, features the same core members but also has guest vocals from occasional collaborator Melanie Whittle from the Hermit Crabs. Mel originally played drums and percussion for the band’s live appearances. Additionally, vocalist Lupe Núñez-Fernández from Pipas / Amor De Diaz sings on the song “Outliers”. Making the line up more international still, Kristoffer Solvang from Norwegian band The Loch Ness Mouse plays drums on two songs. This album (as with the other releases) was mastered by Jon Chaikin, who has worked with bands such as The Pains of Being Pure at Heart and Black Tambourine.
