Spokane, WA-based artist Cedar Compher has taken a truly unique approach to his music-making with his debut EP, Coming Home. The four-track collection, crafted over a 15-month cross-country journey, is the result of a longtime dream: to create and produce music entirely from a mobile recording studio in a converted van. Each song captures an authentic snapshot of Cedar’s journey as he explores themes of healing, loneliness, spirituality, and growth, all within the framework of his rich, folk-inspired sound.
Kicking off with the title track, “Coming Home,” Cedar explores the universal theme of going back to one’s origins. With calming vocals and sincere lyrics, the song creates a feeling of nostalgia and yearning, while highlighting that returning home is more about inner peace than the actual place. The soft layering of guitar chords and melodies intertwines with Cedar’s honest, contemplative voice, creating an atmosphere that is simultaneously personal and vast.
The second track, “Root Beer,” brings a playful yet introspective sound that is a testament to Cedar’s talent for storytelling. The title is quirky, but the song’s core message, about cherishing simple joys and grounding moments on a journey resonates deeply. Here, Cedar showcases his knack for creating melodies that linger, using vibrant instrumentation and a thoughtful arrangement to weave together light-heartedness with more profound insights.
“My Special Friend,” the third track, is a tender ode to companionship. This piece, with its delicate guitar work and soulful lyrics, captures the vulnerability of human connection. Cedar’s voice shines through with unguarded warmth, transforming the song into a comforting, acoustic embrace. The track’s arrangement feels effortlessly organic, reflecting Cedar’s approach to music as something that should feel lived-in, like a moment captured spontaneously and authentically on the road.
The EP closes with “Avery,” a song that ventures into the emotional territory of personal growth and self-acceptance. Cedar’s lyrics gently remind us that growth often requires embracing vulnerability and shedding old layers. The song’s instrumentation is lush and contemplative, accentuated by Cedar’s multi-instrumental talent and expressive arrangement, and it brings a fitting close to the EP’s journey.
With Coming Home, Cedar Compher has crafted an EP that feels deeply personal and yet universally relatable. His mobile recording studio allowed him to capture his journey's essence through the music and the locations where it was created, each song representing a piece of his experience on the road. By writing, producing, and performing nearly every part of this project, Cedar offers listeners a window into his soul, combining a passion for freedom, exploration, and introspection. For those looking to lose themselves in honest storytelling paired with raw, evocative soundscapes, Coming Home is a truly moving experience.
Follow Cedar Compher for more amazing updates and performances:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cedarcomphermusic/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cedarcompher/?hl=en
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cedarmusic?_t=8r8JBbYY5UZ&_r=1
Bandcamp: https://cedarcompher.bandcamp.com/album/coming-home
Website: https://www.cedarcompher.com/