Human Culture

Human Culture is the musical namesake of Portland-based songwriter Gabe Blair. Inspired by his parents’ collection of 60s and 70s records, Gabe’s journey into music began in the Chicago suburbs, where he started playing in bands at the age of 12. By 16, he and his friends were experimenting with raw, eclectic sounds, drawing influence from iconic artists like Joni Mitchell, Led Zeppelin, Nirvana, Leonard Cohen, Pink Floyd, the Grateful Dead, and Bob Dylan.

In 2000, Gabe relocated to Brooklyn, where a chance phone call in response to a “looking for bandmates” flyer led to the formation of The Pages. The rock quartet quickly gained recognition for their infectious songwriting and rich vocal harmonies. Gabe also founded Unsound Records in 2004 to release Creatures of the Earth, the band’s sole album. The label became an outlet for other artists, releasing multiple records between 2004 and 2012.

After moving to the Pacific Northwest in 2006, Gabe formed the psych-rock trio Eaglekin, known for their dynamic live performances and immersive soundscapes. Eaglekin released their debut album in 2009, further solidifying Gabe’s reputation as a creative force. In 2012, he collaborated with his brother on Animal Touch, an intimate project under the moniker “Gabe & Willie.”

Following a decade-long hiatus to focus on his engineering career and raising his two children, Gabe returned to songwriting in 2024 with a renewed sense of purpose. Encouraged by a barter-style mentorship with acclaimed songwriter Laura Veirs, Gabe crafted 25 new songs over the course of the year. These compositions were refined into Human Culture, a 12-track album that marks a fresh chapter in his artistic journey.

With this debut album, Human Culture delivers music steeped in rich storytelling and timeless influences, solidifying its place as a distinct voice in the indie music landscape.