Some artists leave a legacy that stretches far beyond a great single or a number 1 album.

Artist Focus is a new series hosted by the extended Melodic Distraction family that deep dives into the life and times of the musicians that have defined the sound of modern music. From the stone cold classics to the unearthed gems and forgotten B-sides, our community tribute an hour of music by a single artist that has had a notable impact on their life.

Spanning a career that lasted nearly forty years, our story begins with The Screaming Trees, a band who helped shape a sound of things to come for the Pacific Northwest during the early '90s. Just don't call it grunge!

Like recently-deceased bandmate,Van Commer, Mark Lanegan died far too young. This Tuesday, we celebrate one of the greatest voices our generation - this host anyway - has ever known.

Lanegan's oeuvre wasn't defined simply by The Trees, however. The Washington-native went on to release eleven solo LPs and even teamed up with Isobell Campbell of Belle & Sebastian for a three album run that included the Mercury-nominated, 'Ballad of the Broken Seas'.
Some of you may recognise Lanegan's signature baritone from listening to QOTSA. For others, this may be your first introduction.
As well as proving an adept literary talent, Mark Lanegan traversed many styles. From electronica to blues, from folk to desert rock, Lanegan remained compelling right up until his death early last year...

Host of the show Ally is also taking part in a skydive soon to raise money for Youth Homelessness, be sure to check out HERE.