Introduction
Fences By Cash is an American indie pop duo that emerged from the Los Angeles music scene in the mid‑2010s. Comprised of vocalist‑guitarist Maya Ramirez and bassist‑producer Evan “Cash” Thompson, the group has developed a signature sound that blends bright melodic hooks with introspective lyricism. Their work, characterized by its lyrical depth and sonic experimentation, has garnered attention from independent radio stations, online music blogs, and a growing fanbase across North America. The duo has released three studio albums, multiple EPs, and a series of singles that showcase their evolving musical identity.
History
Formation and Early Years
Fences By Cash was formed in 2014 when Ramirez and Thompson met during a collaborative songwriting session at a community music workshop in West Hollywood. Ramirez, a classically trained vocalist with a background in jazz, and Thompson, a self‑taught guitarist with a penchant for lo‑fi production, discovered a shared interest in exploring the intersection of melodic pop and emotionally resonant storytelling. Their initial rehearsals took place in Ramirez’s apartment, where they recorded demos on a borrowed laptop and an inexpensive microphone setup. The name “Fences By Cash” originated from a playful nod to Thompson’s middle name, “Cash,” and the idea of creating musical fences that delineate personal emotional spaces.
Within a year, the duo began performing at local open‑mic nights and small club shows in downtown Los Angeles. Their early setlists featured a mixture of original compositions and covers of songs by artists such as The Smiths and Radiohead. Word of their distinctive sound spread through word‑of‑mouth and grassroots promotion on social media platforms like Tumblr and early‑stage Facebook pages dedicated to indie music. By late 2015, the duo had amassed a modest but dedicated following in the Los Angeles underground scene.
Debut Album
Their debut studio album, Between the Lines, was released in June 2016 through an independent label based in San Francisco. Recorded over a six‑month period at a converted warehouse studio, the album features ten tracks that combine Ramirez’s soaring vocal lines with Thompson’s layered guitar textures. Thematically, the album addresses themes of isolation, self‑discovery, and the search for meaning within the modern urban landscape. Critics praised the album for its authentic songwriting and the duo’s ability to fuse a nostalgic pop sensibility with contemporary production techniques.
Promotion of the album was largely driven by a DIY approach: the duo filmed music videos in their hometown, distributed promotional singles via Bandcamp, and leveraged online music forums to generate buzz. While the album did not achieve mainstream chart success, it cultivated a cult following and secured spots on several independent radio stations’ playlists, including KCRW and BBC Radio 6 Music.
Touring and Rise to Prominence
Following the release of Between the Lines, Fences By Cash embarked on an extensive touring schedule that covered the West Coast and Midwest. Their 2017 tour included performances at venues such as The Troubadour, The Roxy, and The Echo. The duo’s live shows were noted for their intimate atmosphere, with Ramirez often engaging directly with audiences, while Thompson’s minimalist arrangements allowed the emotional content of their songs to take center stage.
Their reputation for thoughtful, emotionally charged performances grew during a 2018 headlining tour across Canada and the United States. They partnered with local indie labels for in‑store performances, increasing their visibility within the alternative music community. The tour’s success was instrumental in securing a place on the lineup for the 2018 SXSW music festival, where their set was highlighted in festival reviews for its lyrical authenticity.
Subsequent Releases
In 2019, the duo released a self‑titled EP that signaled a shift toward a more experimental sonic palette. The EP incorporated electronic elements and found‑sound recordings, showcasing a willingness to evolve beyond their initial pop‑driven aesthetic. Critics noted the EP’s darker tonal shift and its exploration of themes related to digital isolation and mental health.
Their second full‑length album, Silent Echoes, was released in March 2021 after a three‑year hiatus that allowed the duo to reassess their artistic direction. The album features twelve tracks that blend stripped‑back acoustic arrangements with subtle electronic layers, a nod to the soundscape of contemporary life. Reviews highlighted the album’s mature songwriting and its exploration of resilience and hope amidst societal uncertainty.
Current Activities
Since the release of Silent Echoes, Fences By Cash has maintained a consistent presence in the independent music circuit. They released a single, “Woven Threads,” in 2022, which received positive attention from indie music blogs. The duo has also been involved in various collaborative projects, contributing to soundtracks for independent films and participating in benefit concerts for mental health charities.
In addition to their musical endeavors, both Ramirez and Thompson have engaged in community outreach programs aimed at fostering music education in under‑resourced schools. Their efforts emphasize the role of music as a vehicle for emotional expression and community building, aligning with the thematic undercurrents present in their own work.
Musical Style and Influences
Genre Classification
Fences By Cash is commonly categorized within the indie pop and indie folk genres. Their music frequently employs melodic hooks, harmonized vocal lines, and gentle acoustic instrumentation. However, the duo’s integration of electronic textures and experimental production techniques places them at the intersection of traditional pop structures and avant‑garde sonic exploration.
Lyrical Themes
Lyrical content throughout the duo’s discography often delves into personal introspection, social critique, and the navigation of emotional landscapes. Ramirez’s vocal delivery conveys vulnerability, while Thompson’s arrangements serve to underscore the lyrical narrative. Themes of alienation, self‑reflection, and the search for authenticity recur across multiple releases, providing a cohesive thread throughout their body of work.
Instrumentation and Production
Instrumentation is a key aspect of Fences By Cash’s signature sound. Ramirez’s primary instrument is the acoustic guitar, often accompanied by a loop pedal that layers vocal and harmonic content. Thompson contributes bass lines that are both rhythmic and melodic, complemented by subtle synthesizer pads. The duo’s production style favors a raw, unpolished aesthetic, often utilizing lo‑fi recording techniques to evoke an intimate listening experience.
The duo has employed a variety of production tools over the years, ranging from analog tape machines to digital audio workstations. Their 2021 album, Silent Echoes, incorporates field recordings and found sounds, further diversifying the sonic palette and reflecting contemporary themes related to technology and surveillance.
Band Members
Current Members
- Maya Ramirez – lead vocalist, acoustic guitarist, songwriter (2014–present)
- Evan “Cash” Thompson – bassist, producer, synthesizer (2014–present)
Past Members
Fences By Cash has operated as a duo throughout its career; therefore, there are no former members to list. However, the duo frequently collaborates with session musicians and touring performers for live shows and studio recordings.
Discography
Studio Albums
- Between the Lines (2016)
- Silent Echoes (2021)
EPs
- Fences By Cash EP (2019)
- Woven Threads EP (2023)
Singles
- “First Light” (2015)
- “Ghosts” (2017)
- “Echoes” (2019)
- “Woven Threads” (2022)
Guest Appearances
The duo has contributed to various collaborative projects, including a guest vocal feature on the indie band Starfield’s track “Midnight Drive” (2018) and a songwriting credit on the indie artist Jade’s album City Lights (2020).
Live Performances
Notable Tours
Key tours include the 2017 West Coast/ Midwest Tour, the 2018 Canadian Headlining Tour, and the 2021 “Echoes Tour,” which promoted the release of Silent Echoes. Each tour emphasized the duo’s penchant for intimate venues, allowing audiences to engage directly with their performances.
Festival Appearances
Fences By Cash’s festival appearances include performances at SXSW (2018), CMJ Music Marathon (2019), and the Indie Music Festival in Seattle (2022). Festival sets were frequently highlighted for their emotive delivery and cohesive thematic presentation.
Critical Reception and Legacy
Reviews
Critical reception of Fences By Cash has generally been positive, with reviewers praising the duo’s songwriting craftsmanship and their ability to convey complex emotional states through simple melodic structures. The debut album, Between the Lines, was noted for its “heartfelt authenticity” and “memorable melodies.” Subsequent releases have been recognized for their artistic growth and thematic depth.
Awards and Nominations
While the duo has not received mainstream awards, they have earned recognition within independent circles. Notable accolades include a nomination for Best Independent Pop Artist at the Los Angeles Indie Music Awards (2018) and a win for Best Collaborative Track for “Ghosts” (2019) at the National Indie Music Awards.
Influence on Other Artists
Fences By Cash’s blend of acoustic pop and experimental production has influenced a generation of emerging indie artists in the Los Angeles area. Their approach to intimate storytelling has been cited by several up‑and‑coming musicians in interviews and is evident in the works of artists such as Nova Skies and Blue Moon.
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