The Comettes are like human marijuana. I’ve been sitting with the band, comprised of Tim Sunshine, Jettie Wilce, and Sager Small, for about 9 seconds and we’re already laughing and giving each other shit like old friends. There’s an energy amongst these three that is absolutely inspiring, resulting in a quick interview turning into myself and The Comettes sitting around Cafe Petirosso like high school buddies.

They came together from unlikely areas. Tim from Bellingham, Jettie also from Bellingham (but via DC), and Sager from the far flung lands of hill songs and old folk. “Playing together is such a sacred thing to us,” says Jettie, “We were all on the same page almost right away. It’s a great creative environment with tons of support and we are all VERY dedicated to making great music.”

This dedication has paid off in a big way. Shorty after forming, the trio took off on a Midwest tour with The Lumineers. It was a great, they said, learning experience for the fledgling band. “We were able to watch The Lumineers and see what being a part of ‘corporate music’ actually meant,” Tim says. “It really sharpens our focus as to what we want The Comettes to be and exactly how we want to get there.”

They don’t want to be a group that’s beholden to an external itinerary, and they don’t want to answer to anyone about their creative choices. Noble. And a very Seattle attitude. Luckily for The Comettes the options come fast and with integrity. “It’s almost like our ability to write songs depends on our being able to share them with each other,” says Sager. “We write little pieces of songs and show them to each other at practice. By the end of the session we’re all so excited about each other’s stuff. It’s electric!”

Their in-studio at Seattle’s KEXP and January release of The Comettes’ self-titled album paid off in a big way. “KEXP’s promotion ended up helping us in selling out every show since,” says Jettie. “It’s allowed us to be selective of shows we play. We get to give ourselves the best chance of success.”

Despite the vast comradery, the band is level. Even with the incredible luxury of being able to pick and choose which shows to play, The Comettes are looking forward to growing. Tim refers to their most recent EP, Golden Blue, as a transitional work between their self-titled debut and their sophomore effort, which is expected early next year. “We’ve stopped playing the songs off of the first album,” says Sager. “We’re really not even playing stuff off of Golden Blue that often. We’re so ready to keep pressing forward.”

It’s that constant state of creative overdrive, combined with the undeniable chemistry present within the group, that will keep the Comettes around for the foreseeable future. Keep a lookout. And enjoy the high.

Catch The Comettes at Bumbershoot at 5PM on Sunday and see our full coverage daily during the festival at www.themonarchreview.org! Watch a video of The Comettes here: