Tommy Prine
Tommy Prine's debut album "This Far South'' coming June 23, 2023 is not only a long awaited introduction but a testimony to Prine's 20's and the loss, love, and growth that has defined them. Co-produced by close friend and kindred musical spirit, Ruston Kelly, and beloved Nashville engineer and producer, Gena Johnson, the album is rich and dynamic from cathartic jams to nostalgic storytelling.
The son of late songwriting legend, John Prine, Tommy Prine grew up in Nashville surrounded by music, art and writing. As a child, he thought all parents were musicians, as his father "going to work" meant performing shows for adoring fans and writing songs. Tommy learned to play guitar by watching his father play, copying the ways his fingers moved and inadvertently developing his own singular style. Summers in Ireland lent their own inspiration, as did 10 straight years camping at Bonnaroo. Prine's musical tastes grew to become decidedly eclectic, spanning John Mayer, Outkast, Bon Iver, the Strokes and more.
It wasn't until Prine reached his mid-twenties, though, that he considered a career of his own in music and began to share with others the songs he wrote in private. His songs were quickly met with excitement and enthusiasm, which sonically brings together a colorful patchwork of musical influences and lyrically explores existential questions and emotional experiences.
The album's title track, "This Far South,'' marks a turning point in Prine's life as he found himself struggling to escape a dark, aimless period. He ultimately found the courage to act on choices that would see him to the other, brighter, side.
Jason Wilber
As John Prine's lead guitarist and musical director for 24 years, Jason Wilber gained a unique perspective on music and life. He worked closely with Mr Prine on stage and in the studio, collaborating on some truly timeless performances and recordings. Jason's own albums and performances feature humorous stories from his Prine years, contrasted with touching and insightful reflections on life's mysteries. On his most recent album Time Traveler, he explores how we will maintain our humanity in the face of our ever expanding technologies. Jason Wilber has been named an “Artist You Need To Know” by Rolling Stone.
Kiely Connell
Kiely Connell is a Nashville, Tennessee transplant with rustbelt roots. Hailing from Hammond, Indiana just four houses down from the Illinois state line, Kiely draws inspiration from the hardworking people of her native Midwest community. As one of her peers put it: "Kiely's songs walk a tightrope, planting each step equally with both the grace at the heart of folk music, and the steadfast confidence of an experienced rock and roll soul." Kiely's powerful four-octave range will take you on a journey that transcends the ordinary.
In a time when most country and Americana artists are forging a similar path, Kiely takes fans on a different journey to unknown places — sonically, and emotionally. She writes songs that have a gothic country aesthetic- a blend of somber poetry and western melodies delivered with her rich and brooding voice. Her voice merges gritty blues with an ethereal upper register, leaving audiences comparing her to the likes of Patsy Cline, Joan Baez, and Joni Mitchell. Kiely's incomparable voice, and her poetic storytelling truly make her an Americana artist to watch.
"Kiely Connell may be a newcomer now, but based on this striking recording, she won't be for long." – Holler
"Kiely Connell and Calumet Queen constitute a remarkable and auspicious debut that you can see initiating a strong musical legacy as it unfolds into the future." – Saving Country Music