Kelley has a new Deal with R. Ring.
After playing in '90s college radio/alternative rock faves The Breeders with sister Kim Deal of The Pixies and Tanya Donnelly of Belly, Kelley Deal is delving into a more stripped-down, yet visceral sound with her current project R. Ring, where she and Mike Montgomery of the Cincinnati post-punk act Ampline sing and play acoustic guitars.
"With this musical adventure, I wanted to explore what could be done with two people with two guitars,'' she said. ''Montgomery and I are rediscovering the intimacy of selecting and recording a song or two and releasing these songs on handmade CDs and packages.''
The origins of R. Ring began when Deal appeared with the Buffalo Killers on the 2011 compilation ''Sing For Your Meat: A Tribute To Guided By Voices.''
"I recorded the song 'Scalding Creek' with the Buffalo Killers and they were my backup band on that song,'' Deal said. ''The Buffalo Killers were friends with Mike Montgomery of Ampline and that's how I met Montgomery. We liked each other's musical perspective. Montgomery invited me to play alongside him when he was opening up for his friend's band, which was having a CD release party.''
The music connection of R. Ring worked as a cohesive and heartfelt music project of Deal and Montgomery. The band sells their music at shows with a perfect DIY approach, selling handmade CDs that include one or two tracks. Deal said she is not a fan of recording full-length albums.
Fact Box
WHO: R. Ring, Pictora, Katianne Timko and Lee Boyle of Third Class
WHEN: 8 p.m. Aug. 30
WHERE: Cedars Lounge, 23 N. Hazel St., Youngstown
HOW MUCH: $8
"The idea of putting together a full-length album is more stressful. I think there is this expectation when you are releasing a full-length album. I like going into the studio and recording a couple of songs. That sounds like fun," Deal said.
In October, R. Ring will release a 7-inch single on Misra Records, its first official release.
Along with her R. Ring material, Deal said they sing ''Scary'' and ''Trixie Delicious,'' songs she recorded with The Kelley Deal 6000, as well as covers like Shellac's ''Ghosts.''
"I thought that song would work well with acoustic guitars. Acoustic guitars are a good rhythm instrument and have a good percussive quality," Deal said.
Music isn't the only thing Deal produces these days. While touring with The Kelley Deal 6000, she started knitting. Since then, Deal has created her own artfully knitted bags, scarves and other items. In 2008, Deal released her own book about her knitted treasures called "Bags That Rock: Knitting On The Road With Kelley Deal."
"I always have been interested in knitting,'' she said. ''My mom and dad are from West Virginia and doing that kind of folk art has always been valued in my family. Maybe that's why I love making my own handmade CDs with art and packaging for R. Ring's music.''