Friday, December 4, 2020

 Hello, it’s the last Bandcamp Day of the year. and it’s a loaded one! I released two new tunes called Room & Taste (album art by my friend and roommate Griffin Trapp)

My new band Patter (with Wilson and Joe) has our first song out in the world, on a comp called Warm Violet that is benefitting Chicago Community Jail Support.

Also on the comp is a brand new Options demo from an album I’m recording now, plus music from Floatie (which I recorded/mixed), Jeraf (which I recorded), and 40-something others!!

The Deals (Joe’s band, who also plays in Patter and Options Band) have dropped a single and pre-order for their absolutely 10/10 album coming out 1/5. I tracked this album with them, and it was one of my all-time favorite recording sessions!

Griffin released a new EP that I mastered… it’s awesome, really fun adventurous stuff.

Cee Dertz (Options alumni from the 2019 Q4 band, and RHCP Enthusiast) dropped his new LP which we recorded in 2019!!! It’s dope, his arrangements are bananas, and yes there are bongos!

There’s so much great music to buy today, hop to it. 

Peace,
Seth

Monday, October 19, 2020

A new song called Bound (To) is premiering over at Flood Magazine today. Have a listen right here: https://floodmagazine.com/81946/options-bound-to-premiere/

My new full-length album, Window's Open, will be out this Friday 10/23

Friday, October 9, 2020

 Hello, I'm releasing a new full-length album called “Window's Open”

I recorded it from 2018-2020, tracking sporadically at several locations. The album is mostly centered around ambient guitar loops, and uses digital recording technology to imagine a more freeform way of making songs.


art by Morgan Paije (http://www.morganpaije.com)

 You can hear the first track "Warm,” which is premiering on Post-Trash today:
http://post-trash.com/news/2020/10/9/options-warm-post-trash-premiere

The album will be out 10/23 digitally on Bandcamp, and on all major streaming services as well. You can pre-order it on my Bandcamp page, if that's your thing: https://optionsmusic.bandcamp.com/album/windows-open

Peace
- Seth

Thursday, August 13, 2020

 Hello hello - I'm going to be playing some music on the internet tonight (8/13), over at @indiebasketball Instagram channel. My set will start at 8:30pm CST/9:30pm EST.

Friday, May 22, 2020

Today I released my new album, Wind's Gonna Blow! These songs were realized during a period of significant personal growth. I had more fun recording this than anything I've done before, and I was able to learn a lot from this particular journey as well. I feel both relief and gratitude to be able to finally share this album. I hope it finds a way to resonate with you.

Love,
Seth

Friday, May 1, 2020

Happy to announce the release of my sixth full length album, Wind's Gonna Blow. I recorded it throughout 2019 with help from some friends, and I played all of the instruments, etc as I've done in the past. The album was tracked and mixed primarily at my studio, Pallet Sound, and mastered by Nate Amos. Mary Clemens made the cover art.



Here are alternate versions of two songs, in advance of the release:
Loaner (Pallet Session)
Let It Go (live at Empty Bliss)

The album will be released 5/22, and will be available as a digital download & streaming on all major platforms. If you're interested in pre-ordering it digitally on Bandcamp, today is a great day to do it.

Lastly - tonight, I'll be playing some new songs on Instagram Live at 6pm CST/7pm EST. My handle over there is @options.music

Thank you for listening!

- Seth

Thursday, April 16, 2020

Pleased to share a new track today, premiering exclusively right here on sethengel.org. It’s an updated arrangement of “Wandering” from 2018’s VIVID TRACE, and it’ll be out on Bandcamp and streaming services tomorrow, 4/17.
Listen HERE

Monday, March 23, 2020

COVID-19 Update:

Hello all - 
As the future is uncertain for me as a freelance music-guy working directly with human beings, I’m trying to figure out how to make my life continue to work.

I’ve never done this before, but I’d like to try offering virtual instrument lessons! I have 18 years of experience including international touring and playing on more than 70 records. Here’s what I can do:
Drums (beginner thru advanced)
Guitar (beginner thru intermediate)
and introductory lessons on Bass, Keys, and Vocals!

Ideally, I’d like to ask for $30 per lesson, which generally run for 45 mins-1 hour. If you’re interested but this is above your budget, get in touch and we can work something out!

Additionally I’m still offering mixing, mastering, and editing (like, I can clean up your ProTools sessions) services! I’ve accrued over 150 recording/mixing/mastering credits over the last decade, and am grateful & fortunate to’ve worked with some truly amazing artists

If you're interested in any of this (or just wanna say hey), email me at optionstheband at gmail. Ok that's it for now, wash your hands, be kind, listen well.


❤️❤️❤️,
 Seth

Monday, March 2, 2020



Hello there - a second tune from Options' Pallet Session is out today! This one is a total reimagining of 'Wandering' from Vivid Trace, in rock band format. Been playing this arrangement for the last year and glad to've documented it with this particular version of the band.

Options 2019 Q4 band was:
Cee Dertz (Cee Dertz) - Guitar/Singing
David Algrim (Stuck, Gentle Heat) - Bass/Singing
James Ringness (Retirement Party) - Drums
Thank you! And uh, I guess there might be a show or two in the future... will post accordingly once I get my shit together. Is that one of those announcements that I'll be making an announcement in the future? Ok ok, I hope you get outside and go for a walk today, it's real beautiful out there.
- Seth


Friday, February 28, 2020



In December 2019, I brought the latest iteration of the Options live band into Pallet Sound for a video session. This version of ‘Hold Out’ features an alternate arrangement, realized after Vivid Trace was released. Another video will be dropping next week, featuring an even-more-alternate arrangement of another tune. No shows coming up, but I’ve been working on new music that I’m looking forward to sharing this year. Thanks for listening.

- Seth


Monday, February 17, 2020


Hey, I'm playing a stripped-down Options duo set (featuring Joe Suihkonen from the Deals and Gentle Heat) for this very special show. RSVP on Facebook, if you'd like.