The band Certain Seas (Katharine Whalen, Austin Riopel, and Danny Grewen) stopped by Live and Local last week, following the release of their new album “Ordinary Hopes.”
Follow Certain Seas on Instagram.
Certain Seas has been a prolific band in recent years – this is their third album since 2022 – but “Ordinary Hopes” represents a musical jump forward for the band, which had already established itself as a major player in the Triangle music scene. For this one, the band drove up to Richmond, Virginia, to lay down the final tracks with producer Lance Kohler at Minimum Wage Studio.
“Some buddies of mine from Virginia had been going there for a long time, I think since (Kohler) started up,” says Riopel. “He moved up from New Orleans, sometime (in the early) early aughts, I believe – and (he’s) now relocated to Stanton, (so) this record was recorded in one of the last weekends at the Richmond location. It was cool to send it off in that way.”
Listen to the album and purchase it on Bandcamp.
Now that the album is out, Certain Seas is marking the occasion with a busy lineup of shows – beginning Friday, October 24, when they officially celebrate the album’s release with an 8 p.m. show at Volume Records in Hillsborough. Other upcoming shows include Sunday, October 26, at Raleigh’s Berkeley Cafe; Friday, October 31, at the Thomas Stevens Gallery during Hillsborough’s Last Fridays Art Walk; and Sunday, November 2, at Yonder in downtown Hillsborough.
Katharine Whalen, Austin Riopel, and Danny Grewen stopped by Live & Local to discuss “Ordinary Hopes” and their upcoming shows. They also performed three of the album’s songs: “Wished It,” “Ordinary Hopes,” and “Horsefly.” Listen:
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe:
Related Stories
‹
Noir at the Bar Returns to Hillsborough’s Yonder on April 9On Wednesday, April 9 at 7:00 p.m., Yonder: Southern Cocktails and Brew (114 W King Street) will host its next installment of Noir at the Bar, a quarterly literary event that brings together crime writers for an evening of live readings, storytelling, and atmosphere.
Hillsborough’s Noir at the Bar Returns to Yonder with Star-Studded Lineup of Literary Talent – Oct. 16Founded in 2019, Noir at the Bar has become a cornerstone of Hillsborough’s thriving arts scene—and a compelling reason for Chapel Hill and Carrboro residents to explore the vibrant cultural offerings just up the road. This free event regularly draws packed crowds and has hosted talent from across the country, all reading original or published work in quick-hit, electrifying performances.
![]()
On Air Today: Author Eryk Pruitt on 'Noir at the Bar' at Yonder in HillsboroughAuthor, Owner of Yonder Southern Cocktails and Brew, and co-host of "Howdy Hillsborough" on 97.9 The Hill spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Tuesday, December 12. He discussed his recent novel, his upcoming novel, and the "Noir at the Bar" event coming to Yonder on Thursday. That event will feature readings from an all-star cast of writers, including S.A. Cosby.
Howdy Hillsborough: Episode 40 - Certain Seas!This week on "Howdy Hillsborough," Alexis and Eryk are joined by local musician Austin Riopel! Alongside Katharine Whalen and Danny Grewen, Austin is the singer and guitarist for Certain Seas,
Orange County Sheriff: Paula Floyd Murder Suspect in Local Custody After Extradition to N.C.UPDATE: The Orange County Sheriff's Office shared an alert on the morning of Apr. 10 saying Matthew Vukmer was now in its office's custody.
![]()
On Air Today: Moorefields Executive Director Cecily Nisbet and Colonial Inn General Manager Kaity FarthingMoorefields Executive Director Cecily Nisbet and Colonial Inn General Manager Kaity Farthing spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Thursday, April 9, discussing upcoming events in Hillsborough. Nisbet discussed the history of Moorefields, the upcoming Hillsborough Jazz Festival, and other events at Moorefield's. Farthing discussed her experience in Hillsborough so far, the revamped menu at Spencer's Tavern, and more.
Hillsborough Woman Wins Jackpot of More Than $200,000 from $1 Lottery TicketSara Brewer of Hillsborough won a $215,051 jackpot off a $1 Cash 5 lottery ticket. Brewer bought the lucky ticket online for the lottery’s March 31 drawing. The odds of winning the jackpot were 1 in 962,598. Brewer claimed her prize Wednesday at lottery headquarters in Raleigh. After required federal and state tax withholdings, she […]
![]()
Hillsborough: America 250 Celebration, Police Academy, Upcoming Board MeetingHillsborough Mayor Mark Bell spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Tuesday, April 7 discussing town news and events. He talked about the upcoming July 4 celebration for the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. He also discussed sign ups for an upcoming Police Academy from the town of Hillsborough. He also previewed the upcoming meeting of the Hillsborough Board of Commissioners, and more.
Local Municipal Offices to Close for Observance of Good FridayLocal government offices and services around the community will be closed to observe Good Friday on April 3. Here’s a rundown of what residents can expect: Town of Chapel Hill The Town of Chapel Hill’s government offices will be closed Friday, and some facilities will also be closed Easter Sunday, April 5. Residential trash collection […]
‘Mind Your Business’: Local Openings, Closings and Updates in January-March 2026The start of 2026 featured some early closures, openings and plenty of returns to business in Chapel Hill, Carrboro and beyond.
›
