The Mardybums and Sutton Band
Royal Cab Co.
Honeyknife & When We’re Sober
Honeyknife is Atlanta, GA’s true, new, premier alternative rock band. The 4 piece was formed in late 2023 after lead singer & songwriter Luke Latimer spent the spring of that same year recording what is their self titled, debut record “Honeyknife”. Latimer brought the songs he’d been crafting and compiling over the years into Big Trouble Recording (Located in Little 5 Points, ATL) & with the help of Daniel Gleason (Producer, GROUPLOVE) and TJ Elias (Engineer, Mixer) the project was completed over the course of 2 months. Due to Latimer playing all the parts except for drums in the studio, (courtesy of session drummer Benjamin Homola, GROUPLOVE) the band had to be built subsequently. He recruited Gabe Sweeney (Guitar), Joe Dempsey (Bass), and Ira White (Drums) to fill their respected roles and make the project an actual band. The 4 members all share influences and love for the 90’s Seattle Sound (Nirvana, Soundgarden, Alice In Chains) as well as the early 2000’s rock they all grew up on (Queens of the Stone Age, Deftones). Latimer is a true songwriter at heart, but don’t let the heart on his sleeve fool you. Expect loud but captivating live performances that are steered by the untamed energy captured on stage between the band. Formed as a songwriting collaboration between Grey Hyatt & Erich McPhail, the Greensboro, NC duo quickly grew into a full band following the release of their debut EP The Bottle in July 2022. Backed by Luke Rettie on Drums, Tony Luz on Lead Guitar, and Kenny Damron on bass, the quintet set about playing live shows while fleshing out a collection of songs soon to be recorded as their debut studio album in early 2023. A few line-up changes soon followed as Kenny moved and was replaced by bassist Lucifer Josts, & Erich stepped away from playing live shows to focus on writing/recording with the band. Tony would also move away in late 2023, but not before tracking solos for the upcoming album. Currently playing live as a trio, the band recorded its new record as a quartet.
House Of Fools w/ Fancy Gap
House of Fools is an American rock band hailing from Greensboro, North Carolina. Formed in the early 2000s, the group blends elements of classic rock, indie, and Southern influences to create a sound that’s both nostalgic and fresh. Known for their rich harmonies, energetic live performances, and melodic songwriting, House of Fools released their debut full-length album, Live And Learn, in 2007 under Drive-Thru Records and their self released sophomore album, Versus The Beast in 2012. Over the years, they’ve gained a loyal regional following and continued to evolve musically while staying rooted in their North Carolina origins. Fancy Gap, the debut album by Stuart McLamb (The Love Language) and Charles Crossingham, captures life’s essence in a country-tinged, radio-ready sound. From poignant reflections on life, death, and love to celebrations of joy and triumph, each track delves into universal themes. Their heartfelt songwriting, honed through their experiences, takes center stage. During the pandemic, McLamb and Crossingham retreated to Crossingham’s cabin in Fancy Gap, Virginia, where they nurtured their musical collaboration. Inspired by ’90s radio rock and classic country, they crafted the album over two years, blending their influences into a cohesive sound.
Wheatus (acoustic) w/ Gabrielle Sterbenz
Born and bred on an island as densely populated as Montreal just without any of the culture, Brendan B Brown did what Andrew Carnegie did, he beat the odds. Taking the unprecedented decision of forming a band in New York City at the age of 22, Brendan took his father’s nickname of “wedus” and his mother’s penchant for rare fabrics and formed Wheatus. Wheatus became known in some circles as the greatest band to play the Mercury Lounge and eventually signed to Columbia Records who released the first two Wheatus records, kinda. After the major label life and the success of Wheatus’s debut single “Teenage Dirtbag,” Brown continued Wheatus and released five more records before the band’s renaissance would take place after “Teenage Dirtbag” was covered by One Direction. Since then, Wheatus, still led by Brown, has enjoyed a renewed interest with their songs covered by the likes of Phoebe Bridgers, Sza, Jax, Ruston Kelly and touring with such acts as Dashboard Confessional, Living Colour, Everclear, and many more. Brendan B Brown has taken the success in stride and wants you to join the ride. Get in. Join the Dirtbag. GABRIELLE’S BIO: Americana singer-songwriter (and longtime member of Wheatus), Gabrielle Sterbenz, was born into a house filled with Patsy Cline. At school, she sang in a Gospel Choir, hoping to sound like Aretha Franklin. In the evenings, Gabrielle would come home and drown her sorrows in Ella Fitzgerald. When this could sustain her no longer, she hatched a plan to graduate early, headed to New York City, and began working as a backing vocalist on late night television, for Robbie Dupree, Mike Doughty, Lorde, and most notably, Wheatus (of Teenage Dirtbag fame), a band she’s been a member of since 2011. Last year, Gabrielle performed her own music in every state in the lower 48, as direct support on Wheatus’ US acoustic tour, while also serving double-duty in the band. She is currently releasing music from her second record of original music.
Emerging Artists Series: Will Hoge w/ Evan Blackerby
Will Hoge will release of Tenderhearted Boys, the Grammy-nominated artist’s 14th studio album on Friday, April 12. Unapologetically contrarian — an insurgent of authenticity — Hoge takes the helm on this new showcase where he breaks new ground by producing and playing every instrument himself. Each track unfolds as a chapter in Hoge’s sonic autobiography, exploring the beauty found in all the nuanced corners of modern life. Tenderhearted Boys is not just an album; it’s a journey into the uncharted territories of musical expression, where vulnerability meets rebellion, and every note carries the weight of the artist’s unfiltered soul. Will Hoge has a career whose milestones include Number One hits, Grammy nods, major-label record deals, and hard-won independence. Years before Americana music received its own category at the Grammy Awards, Hoge was on the frontlines, helping to pilot and popularize the genre’s blend of American roots music. In the current digital era dominated by influencers seeking shortcuts to stardom, Will Hoge proudly treads the scenic route, immersing himself in the journey rather than fixating on the destination. ** FEATURING LOCAL EMERGING ARTIST:Evan Blackerby has something to say. He’s been relentless in working to cultivate his own musical voice and sound – that can only be described as alt-bluesy Americana, folkish-rock-esque, singer-songwriter. Evan’s first concert was Paul McCartney and he leans on influences of Otis Redding, Ray LaMontagne, Avett Brothers , and Jack Johnson . He began crafting songs in 7th grade. That year, he found an old Yamaha guitar (that he named Junior) and began learning a few chords. He has, over the years, has become more comfortable in his unpolished honesty and ability to craft a song worth listening to. After turning 41 years old and losing his job in 2022, he declared himself to be a full-time musician and sought to fill his entire schedule with music. From solo shows to full-band shows (billed as Evan Blackerby & the Bandwagon), he has played in public over 600 times since 2022. The Bandwagon often includes the inimitably melodic Brett Morgan Thompson on guitar, the incessantly groovy Lelan James Estes on bass, the creatively percussive Ralph Butcher on drums, and the soulfully driven Michael Van Patter on keys.
The Coyotes, Housewife, and Transeúnte Errante
The Coyotes are a 4 piece rock band from Boone, NC. They began playing in the wake of the Pandemic in the growing Boone house show scene. Since then, they have expanded their following and developed their sound by playing all around the Eastern US.Their music, influenced by post-punk, dance punk, and garage rock, is aggressive and upbeat, expressing contempt for the systems of exploitation and oppression, as well as a longing for other possibilities.
Certainly So
Hailing from Birmingham, AL, childhood friends Tanner Gray and Colby Wilson have beenwriting music together for over ten years. The pair have drawn inspiration from different genresand eras – The Beatles, The Beach Boys, The Grateful Dead, Vampire Weekend, and John Mayerto name a few. The music that comes from Gray and Wilson has always boasted bloodharmonies as well as thoughtful, invoking lyrics.Post high school, Gray and Wilson took different paths. Gray attended Mississippi StateUniversity; Wilson stayed in Birmingham. While at MSU, Gray became acquainted with ChasePorter (bass) and Zach Corder (drums). Porter, Corder, and Gray would form and play inmultiple groups during their time in Starkville, MS. Wilson, all the while, was writing music ofhis own with his group Smoking With the Bandit. After graduating in 2015, Porter made his wayto Nashville to begin a career in Marketing. A year later, Gray and Corder made their post-graduate home in the panhandle of Florida, where they eventually formed The Graytones.In the Spring of 2019, Gray and Wilson were reunited when Gray moved back to Birmingham inpursuit of a new job. Corder headed to Music City, catching up with Porter. Gray and Wilsonpicked up right where they left off in Alabama, and they soon felt a new project starting to takeform.As the duo recorded acoustic demos, they reached out to their Mississippi-born rhythm section.The demos were shared north to Nashville, and once Porter and Corder heard what Gray andWilson were doing, they were all in. In September of 2019, Certainly So was formed. Severalmonths later, in January 2020, the group was introduced to producer/engineer Toby Hulbert.Hulbert had spent the last 8 years at Abbey Road in his hometown of London, England, and wascurrently in Nashville working alongside hitmaker Dave Cobb. Upon hearing the ‘Certainly So’demos, he felt a similar sentiment as Porter and Corder did- he must be involved. Hulbert joinedthe team as producer. Certainly So and Hulbert gained access to East Avalon Recording Studioin Muscle Shoals through RCA’s Colin Lott during April 2020. Over the next two months,Hulbert and Lott teamed up to produce and engineer four weekend sessions, recording whatwould be the band’s debut album Future Self Only Dreams.Following the Future Self Only Dreams release, Certainly So released Dreams of Green. Therecord is a combination of the songs that did not sonically make the cut for Future Self OnlyDreams, but still deserved to be produced and recorded in their own style, and the new writesthat fit the same vibe. Dreams of Green was recorded in the bands basement in the Inglewoodarea of Nashville and is intended it to be an extension of Future Self Only Dreams. Similarly toFuture Self Only Dreams, Dreams of Green was engineered by Colin Lott and mixed by TobyHulbert in 2021, but was self produced by the members of Certainly So. Dreams of Green wasreleased in July 2022.
One Night Live Presents: Ellie Williams, Sofia Lafuente, Farayi Malek, + Ashley Virginia
ELLIE WILLIAMS (she/her) Ellie Williams (she/her) is a 23-year-old singer/songwriter based in Los Angeles, known for her evocative blend of sounds inspired by Fleet Foxes, Maggie Rogers, and Norah Jones. With introspective lyrics, lush atmospheric production, and haunting melodies, Ellie’s music explores themes of self-reflection, queer identity, and personal growth. Her honest narratives not only shape inventive pop sounds but also create space for queer stories and voices to resonate and connect. With over 14 million streams across four singles and her debut EP Warning Signs, Ellie has cultivated a loyal fanbase and is set to release her highly anticipated sophomore EP in 2025. @ellie1williams SOFIA LAFUENTE (she/her) Sofia Lafuente (she/her) is a Spanish-American artist and songwriter whose bicultural, bilingual upbringing lies at the heart of her introspective and emotionally charged music. Split between Miami and Madrid, Sofia has quickly made a name for herself in the Latin alternative music scene. Her ethereal vocals and evocative storytelling have earned her a dedicated following. Drawing inspiration from artists like Lana Del Rey, early Shakira, and Lizzie McAlpine, Sofia’s music resonates with listeners who connect to her vulnerability and emotional depth. Beyond her solo work, Sofia is also a sought-after songwriter, lending her distinctive voice and introspective lyrics to a variety of creative projects. With a growing presence in the industry, she continues to captivate audiences, solidifying her status as an artist to watch. @sofialafuentemusic FARAYI MALEK (she/her) Farayi Malek (she/her) is a Grammy-nominated vocalist, world traveler, and solo artist returning to her musical roots. Raised in Southern Idaho by a Zimbabwean immigrant father and a white American mother, she grew up playing the fiddle and embracing diverse cultures. Farayi blends childhood gospel with blues and jazz, creating resonant songs that showcase her effortless vocals. Her debut roots project, produced by Alain Mallet, highlights her unique songwriting, with tracks like “Tonight” demonstrating her accessibility. A Salt Lick Incubator award-winner, she’s mentored by artists like T-Bone Burnett and Jon Batiste. Farayi also teaches at Berklee and New England Conservatory, inspired by her students to pursue her artistic career. Driven by a desire to help others feel seen, she connects with audiences through her soulful voice. @farayi.malek
Kill The Buddha, Them Pants, Cameron Stenger, And Ins Kino
Kill the Buddha is an indie rock group led by vocalist/guitarist Lenwood Edwards Jr. The music is progressive, weaving odd time signatures, polyrhythms, and obscured glimpses of personal reflections into a sound that breathes. Lenwood desperately clings to melodies while inviting listeners to get lost in drones and delay. He is joined by Nick Van Buskirk (bass, horns), Greer Gehrken (shruti box, keys, vocals), Daniel Sheffield (drums), and Gabi Walden (guitar). Based out of Greensboro, NC, the band looks to release its first full-length album this summer.
