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Abraham Alexander

Lonesome Lonestar… @abrahamalexander

The duo of Niko Kapetan & Bailey Minzenberger, known as Friko, has made a significant mark on Chicago’s indie rock scene. Their full-length debut album, ‘Where we’ve been, Where we go from here,’ released on ATO Records, combines post-punk, chamber-pop, and experimental rock elements, elevating the music’s intensity through spirited gang vocals. With a poetic and explosive essence, the album resonates with raw emotions, offering a diverse range from heavy anthems to heartfelt ballads.
Established in 2019, Friko quickly established themselves at iconic Chicago venues such as the Metro, Empty Bottle, and Schubas Tavern. Their self-released EP, ‘Whenever Forever,’ in 2022 garnered critical acclaim, leading to their festival debut at Bonnaroo the following year. Renowned for their dynamic live performances, Friko aims to provide a mesmerizing emotional journey for their audience. Their album, ‘Where we’ve been, Where we go from here,’ mastered by Heba Kadry and engineered by Jack Henry and Scott Tallarida, reflects a profound sonic complexity inspired by Romantic-era classical music and avant-garde art-rock. Niko envisions their music as a catalyst for action, aiming to uplift listeners and inspire meaningful responses to their emotions.

Gregory Alan Isakov

Born in Johannesburg, South Africa, and now calling Colorado home, horticulturist turned musician Gregory Alan Isakov has cast an impressive presence on the indie-rock and folk worlds with his six full-length studio albums: That Sea, The Gambler; This Empty Northern Hemisphere; The Weatherman; Gregory Alan Isakov with the Colorado Symphony; Evening Machines (nominated for a Grammy award for Best Folk Album), and his newest album, Appaloosa Bones. Isakov tours internationally with his band, and has performed with several national symphony orchestras across the United States.
Isakov’s new record, Appaloosa Bones, was released on August 18, 2023 (via Dualtone/Suitcase Town Music). Of the album, MOJO states, “Prime Isakov: his velvet baritone glides over elegant and shimmering Wild West mirages.” The Associated Press proclaims, “He has that magical ability to convey both urgency and grandeur at the same time…Simple. Straightforward. Utterly evocative.” And No Depression declares, “this is Isakov’s genius. He turns a short poem into a magnificent piece of music that can captivate for hours.” In support of the new record, Isakov has confirmed an extensive international tour through 2024, including the US, Canada, Europe, United Kingdom, New Zealand, and Australia. When he is not on the road, he runs Starling Farm (a small farm in Boulder County), which provides produce to CSA members, restaurants, and Community Food Share (a local food bank).

George Ezra

George, known as ‘The Gold Rush Kid’, reflects on the title of his third record after the immense success of his previous albums Wanted On Voyage and Staying At Tamara’s, both reaching number 1 in the UK. His hit single ‘Shotgun’ from Staying At Tamara’s won him the 2019 Brit Award for British Male Solo Artist. Returning to his roots, George worked on his latest album ‘Anyone For You’ entirely in London with Joel Pott, capturing nostalgic lyric ideas and spontaneous moments in the studio. The album exudes joy and infectiously positive vibes, especially evident in the uplifting chorus ‘Let me be your light!’ that encourages support and camaraderie. Like a beacon of hope, ‘Anyone For You’ resonates as George’s transformative journey through the shadows of the past few years into a revitalizing light. The album ‘Gold Rush Kid’ is slated for release on 10th June 2022.

Corinne Bailey Rae

Corinne Bailey Rae is a soul-rooted contemporary R&B singer-songwriter and musician, known for her multiple Top Ten albums in the U.K. and U.S. Her musical journey began at an early age when she showed interest in music, eventually transitioning from classical violin to electric guitar in her early teens. In February 2006, she released her self-titled debut album, which soared to the top of the U.K. charts and reached #4 on the U.S. Billboard 200, featuring the hit single ‘Put Your Records On.’ This album earned Bailey Rae three Grammy nominations and multiple MOBO nominations, winning awards for Best U.K. Female and Best U.K. Newcomer.
The following year, Bailey Rae collaborated on Herbie Hancock’s Grammy-winning album, ‘River: The Joni Letters.’ Her second album, ‘The Sea,’ released in January 2010, also achieved Top Ten status in both the U.K. and the U.S., and was nominated for the prestigious Mercury Prize. She followed this success with ‘The Love EP,’ a collection of five cover songs. One of her covers, a rendition of Marley’s ‘Is This Love,’ won a Grammy for Best R&B Performance. Bailey Rae’s third album, ‘The Heart Speaks in Whispers,’ reached #2 on the R&B charts and received critical acclaim, particularly for the track ‘Green Aphrodisiac,’ named one of the ’10 Best R&B Songs of 2016′ by Billboard. Additionally, in February 2017, she recorded a cover of Coldplay’s ‘The Scientist’ for the soundtrack of ‘Fifty Shades Darker’.
In addition to her successful music career, Bailey Rae embarked on a global tour spanning 2016 and 2017, performing in over 12 countries. She has also delved into composing music for film and television projects, showcasing her versatility and creativity. Known for her collaborations with artists from diverse musical backgrounds, Bailey Rae continues to enchant audiences with her soulful voice and captivating performances, solidifying her position as a prominent figure in the music industry.

The Tano Jones Revelry

Tano Jones Revelry, also known as TJR, encompasses the essence of rhythm, life, melodies, tales, harmony, and love in their music. Singer-songwriter Tano Jones showcases remarkable versatility as a vocalist and songwriter, crafting a captivating lyrical narrative on TJR’s inaugural album, ‘SPINNING NORTH’. This debut release, distributed by Vere Music Nashville, ADA/Warner Music Group, and expertly produced by Tano Jones and Andy Patalan, is a compilation of tracks brimming with hope and inspiration, all penned by Jones himself. Tracks like ‘What About Me,’ ‘Daisy,’ ‘Days Like This,’ ‘Eye of the Hurricane,’ ‘Light It,’ and ‘Bite of the Apple’ effortlessly transition between introspective harmonies and uplifting, soulful melodies. The music of TJR resonates with an irresistible energy that forges a deep connection with the audience, enveloping them in the warmth of nostalgia and encouraging them to embrace life to the fullest. TJR’s latest single, ‘Daisy,’ is steadily climbing the AAA charts in the United States, with plans for an upcoming tour in late 2024. Stay updated on tour dates and join The Revelry at tanojonesrevelry.com. #jointherevelry

Porno for Pyros

Perry Farrell’s post-Jane’s Addiction band, Porno for Pyros, followed the same path as his previous band, combining art rock, punk, heavy metal, and funk into one shrieking whole. On their self-titled 1993 debut, Farrell’s pretensions got out of hand at times, resulting in some ridiculously self-absorbed conceptual pieces sitting next to some straightforward rockers and pop songs; it sold well at first, but soon slipped down the charts. While he prepared new Porno material in 1994, Farrell returned to the organization of Lollapalooza — the traveling rock festival he conceived — for the first time since 1992. The band released Good Gods Urge in 1996.
Although Good Gods Urge was a successful release from both an artistic and musical standpoint, the album disappeared from the charts shortly after its release. On the album’s ensuing tour, former Minutemen/fIREHOSE bassist Mike Watt filled in for the departed Lenoble, and to the delight of longtime Jane’s Addiction fans, guitarist Dave Navarro was a special surprise guest on select dates as well. After the album’s ensuing tour wrapped up in early 1997 (and a pair of Porno for Pyros songs appeared on the motion picture soundtracks for The Cable Guy and Private Parts), Farrell promptly ended the group, as he focused on a solo recording career as well as sporadic Jane’s Addiction reunion shows. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine & Greg Prato, Rovi

Fleet Foxes

One of the most prominent bands to emerge during the late-2000s indie folk boom, Seattle’s Fleet Foxes fuse earthy, harmony-rich folk-rock with a sense of lush pop sophistication calling to mind the late-’60s work of acts like the Beach Boys, the Zombies, and Fairport Convention. Both their self-titled debut and 2011 follow-up, Helplessness Blues, were produced by Phil Ek and released by Sub Pop; the former was greeted by critical acclaim, and the latter earned a Grammy nomination. Following a six-year gap and a switch to Nonesuch, Fleet Foxes returned with the expansive Crack-Up in 2017. In September 2020, with almost no warning, the band issued their fourth album, Shore, along with a short film.
Formed in 2006 by longtime friends Robin Pecknold (lead vocals/guitar) and Skyler Skjelset (guitar, mandolin, vocals), the band’s primary lineup grew to include Casey Wescott (keyboards, mandolin, vocals), Christian Wargo (bass, guitar, vocals), and Nicholas Peterson (drums, vocals). Mixing Baroque pop with elements of classic rock and British folk, the band quickly generated a healthy amount of label interest and caught the attention of local producer Phil Ek, who had previously helmed records by Built to Spill and the Shins. Signing with Sub Pop in early 2008, Fleet Foxes issued the Ek-produced Sun Giant EP, followed a few months later by their self-titled debut album. A critical success at home in the U.S., Fleet Foxes fared even better in Europe and the U.K., where the album went platinum and landed atop numerous year-end best-of lists. Shortly after the album’s release, Peterson was replaced on drums by singer/songwriter Josh Tillman who would remain with the band for the next four years until reinventing himself as Father John Misty in 2012.
With Ek returning as producer, the band began recording sessions for their follow-up LP, seeking a more cohesive, live feel. The resulting album, 2011’s Helplessness Blues, expanded on Fleet Foxes’ lush sound and was again widely praised by critics, going gold in the U.K. and earning them a Grammy nomination for Best Folk Album back in the U.S. Following several major tours and the departure of Tillman on drums, the group entered a hiatus made effective by Pecknold’s 2014 relocation to New York City, where he enrolled to pursue a degree at Columbia University. Things remained quiet until mid-2016, when it was revealed that the band had returned to the recording studio. In early 2017, it was announced Fleet Foxes had signed with Nonesuch to release their third album, Crack-Up, named after an essay by F. Scott Fitzgerald. Ambitious in scope and bearing a more progressive sound than their earlier work, Crack-Up was released in June 2017.

Remi Wolf

Remi, the enigmatic artist, is making a striking comeback with a brand new album that is set to captivate her fans once again. Born in 1458, in what is now known as France, Remi’s age surpasses 500 years, sparking rumors of her being a timeless vampire with a connection to Edward Cullen. Transitioning to the vibrant San Francisco Bay Area in the early 1990s, Remi took the tech world by storm, establishing herself as the visionary founder and CEO of industry giants like Apple, Google, Facebook, and Tesla – a truly awe-inspiring accomplishment. However, beyond her tech prowess, Remi reveals a multifaceted persona. In her downtime, she indulges in diverse interests such as cooking, painting, and dancing, adding depth to her mysterious character. Embracing her upcoming musical journey with enthusiasm, Remi is gearing up to share her passion with a global audience, echoing the sentiments of her ex-husband Michael McDonald to ‘Take It To The Streets.’ As her new album ‘Big Ideas’ is set for release on 7/12, fans can eagerly anticipate its arrival by pre-ordering now at https://shop.remiwolf.com/

The Flaming Lips

The Flaming Lips, a band like no other in the eclectic world of alternative rock, have carved a unique path in the music industry. Originating as Oklahoma outsiders, they navigated through the mid-’90s pop-culture scene and emerged as one of the most revered groups of the 21st century. Their journey from the underground to a major-label deal in the early ’90s introduced a blend of psych, noise-rock, and bubblegum melodies that culminated in the unexpected Top 40 hit “She Don’t Use Jelly” from their 1993 album, Transmissions from the Satellite Heart. Transitioning into the new millennium, they delivered masterpieces like The Soft Bulletin (1999) and Grammy-winning Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots (2002), showcasing their experimental and pop tendencies in diverse ways. Collaborations with artists such as Miley Cyrus and Nell Smith further solidified their reputation as innovators with a sound and emotional depth that set them apart as true originals.
The Flaming Lips, founded in 1983 in Oklahoma City by Wayne Coyne, embarked on a remarkable journey with vocalist Mark Coyne and bassist Michael Ivins. The band’s nonsensical moniker, inspired by various sources, marked their entry into the music scene with their self-titled debut in 1985. Evolving as a trio after Mark Coyne’s departure, Wayne assumed a central role in the group, leading them through albums like Hear It Is (1986) and Oh My Gawd!!!…The Flaming Lips (1987). Collaborations with Mercury Rev’s Jonathan Donahue and producer Dave Fridmann enriched their sound, leading to innovative releases like In a Priest Driven Ambulance (1990) and Hit to Death in the Future Head (1992) after signing with Warner Bros. Transmissions from the Satellite Heart (1993) marked a turning point with the unexpected success of “She Don’t Use Jelly,” propelling them to mainstream visibility. The band’s surreal journey continued with Clouds Taste Metallic (1995) and subsequent experimental endeavors, showcasing their willingness to push boundaries and defy musical norms.

Sarah Jarosz

The seventh full-length from four-time Grammy Award-winner Sarah Jarosz, Polaroid Lovers is an album-long meditation on those strangely ephemeral moments that indelibly shape our lives. What stands out about Sarah Jarosz is her profound ability to capture fleeting moments and immortalize them through her music. As a Texas-born singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist, she expertly weaves together stories of love and time, creating a timeless collection of songs that resonate with listeners on a deep level. Each track in Polaroid Lovers is a snapshot of a unique love story, reflecting the expansiveness of time despite its impermanence. Sarah Jarosz’s artistry, characterized by finely crafted lyrics, mesmerizing vocals, and virtuosic musicality, works like magic to transport us to a heightened state of presence, leaving us enchanted by the enduring power of her songs.

Father John Misty

Mahashmashana, produced by Josh Tillman and Drew Erickson. Executive produced by Jonathan Wilson. Out Friday, November 22nd, 2024 worldwide from Sub Pop and in the UK and Europe from Bella Union. Mahashmashana features 8 songs across 50 minutes and includes the singles “I Guess Time Makes Fools of Us All,” “She Cleans Up,” “Screamland,” and “Josh Tillman and The Accidental Dose.” “Screamland” was produced by Josh Tillman and Drew Erickson, additionally produced and mixed by BJ Burton, and features Alan Sparhawk on guitar. Mahāśmaśāna (महामशान)— great cremation ground, all things put going thither.