Earthschool is the creative partnership of Jamie Aaron Aux (Missoula, MT) and Irene Barber (Seattle, WA), crafting immersive soundscapes that explore the complexity of human emotion and the beauty of interconnectedness. As solo artists and collaborators in projects like XVIII Eyes, Le Butcherettes, Erik Blood, and Dust Moth, they have earned recognition for their distinct voices and multi-instrumental talents. Ethereal vocals and textured compositions form the foundation of Earthschool, a band born from years of personal growth and shared creative evolution.

The seeds of Earthschool were planted during their earlier project, XVIII Eyes (2008–2014), where Irene and Jamie first came together through a shared passion for angular rock. Their introspective, art-rock compositions cultivated a loyal following, but as their personal and artistic visions diverged, the project came to an end. A decade later, the duo reunited to form Earthschool, channeling their renewed collective creative energy into a project that celebrates their story through sound.

Earthschool’s debut album, Original Aches, is a deeply personal yet metaphysical exploration of love, loss, and rediscovery. Themes of spiritual connection and timelessness run subtly through the album, reflecting the band’s belief in a shared cosmic resonance. Through their music, Earthschool invites listeners into a space for reflection, healing, and expansion.

The album’s creation captures the raw intimacy of their collaboration. Initially shaped by long-distance exchanges beginning in the fall of 2023, Original Aches was recorded in Jamie’s home studio over three months mid-2024. Its lush, layered sound bridges soaring harmonies, intricate guitar work, and atmospheric textures, offering a dynamic and emotive listening experience.

Original Aches is slated to release on March 21, 2025.

Written and performed by Jamie Aaron Aux and Irene Barber

Lotus Trombone by Naomi Moon Siegel

Fast Power Saxophone by Lhanna Writesel

Starlight Channeled by Ashley-Delphine of The Grove Apothica

Starlight Spoken Narration by Khalid Taylor

Recorded by Jamie Aaron Aux 

Mixed by Erik Blood

Mastered by Chris Common

Original Aches Tracklist

1. Eternal Love 

2. The Ghost 

3. Immediacy 

4. The Send 

5. Lotus 

6. Fast Power 

7. Glide 

8. The Wall 

9. Starlight 

10. House of Spirals

11. Smiling Back