Bio
Band bio
The Switchlings are a trio based in Portland, Oregon. They perform a repertoire of Celtic folk tunes, infused with influences from other European ethnic music. They incorporate elements of formal art music such as counterpoint, classical voice-leading, and unusual meter changes which add complex undertones without overwhelming the folk traditions they borrow from.
The Switchlings are:
Meredith Griffith grew up in the woods north of Spokane, Washington. From a young age, he was drawn to North American and European folk music. Meredith has a light voice that is well-suited for ballads and airs. He also plays the Irish harp, mountain dulcimer, and whistle.
Megan Tapley has an extensive background in flute performance. She plays a variety of instruments, including whistle, a pvc transverse flute, an alto flute, and a silver flute fitted with a wood mouthpiece for a darker, woodsy timbre. Megan also brings lead and harmony vocals to the ensemble, as well as bodhran. Having grown up in Texas, she is a recent transplant to the Pacific Northwest.
Joshua Bennett has a background in rock and folk music. He plays guitar, acoustic bass guitar, and a unique guitar-bouzouki hybrid. He brings rich baritone vocals to the group, along with well-crafted original songs. Josh is a native of the Portland area.
Shawn Orpinela is a composer and arranger who serves as a creative collaborator and mentor to the Switchlings. He draws on his long history with, and deep love of, folk music, as well as his training in classical composition. He also writes folk-music rooted tunes, often with his own twist on the rhythms and harmonies, creating pieces that may surprise the ear. Shawn was the co-creator and music director of Kendálin, a 9-member fusion folk ensemble, for ten years.