Strange Pilgrim

About Strange Pilgrim

Led by multi-instrumentalist & songwriter Josh Barnhart, Portland, OR based indie-rock band Strange Pilgrim crafts a unique sound that balances introspective lyricism and restless musicality to create something both intimate and expansive. Their music captures a spirit of quiet exploration—thoughtful but never insular, wandering yet profoundly grounded. Thriving on collaboration, their collective experience and distinct musical perspectives shape Strange Pilgrim’s sound—a blend of driving rhythms, melodic bass lines, and textured guitars. "Too Bright Planet" is their new album releasing September 26th on Royal Oakie Records. Following up their critically acclaimed self-titled album (2022) and recently released "Embers" EP (2025), the new album finds the band fleshed out with a new lineup featuring Pat Spurgeon (Rogue Wave, Dandy Warhols, Federale) and Elliott Kay. Building on the kaleidoscopic dream pop and psych rock of their debut album, the band spreads their wings on "Too Bright Planet"–incorporating influences ranging from The Grateful Dead to Brian Eno and The Velvet Underground . Produced by Josh Barnhart, the basic tracks were recorded live at Bocce Recording in Vancouver, WA, engineered & mixed by Cory Gray (Lee Baggett, Califone), and mastered by David Glasebrook (Patti Smith, Michael Nau, Sugar Candy Mountain) in Oakland, CA. The album features contributions from Maggie Morris of Sunbathe, Cory Gray of Old Unconscious & The Delines, and labelmate Caleb Nichols.