Hi Crime

Hi Crime is a Seattle-based indie band led by songwriter/producer, Mitch Etter. The band originated as a recording project between Mitch and vocalist Brielle Rutledge. The two collaborated between 2015-2023, releasing two albums, one EP, and various singles before Brielle exited the band to focus on a visual art career. Hi Crime's third album, 'Spirit & Candor' released in October 2024 is the first taste of a new era, where traditional band arrangements are swapped out for the stylings of an obsessive bedroom producer.

This experimental new era begins with the "Spirit Suite." Over tracks 1-5, Hi Crime plays with the notion of a concept album, by having songs flow musically into each other, and tell a continuous story. The “Spirit Suite” story is told out of sequence, and though lyrically abstract; details a modern age folktale about greed and paranoia. The rest of the album maintains a similar musical style, while swapping character-driven lyrics for more personal delivery with songs about loss, hope, ambition, & a dog.

Being a predominately solo endeavor, 'Spirit & Candor' was demo'd as it was being written. As a result, much of the album is comprised of first takes and relaxed performances. It’s different than past Hi Crime releases, and stands unique in the growing sea of indie music.

Over their career, Hi Crime has received national attention from NPR Music, and from NW media including: KEXP, 107.7 The End, Sub Pop, KING 5, KOMO News, and the NW Film Forum.