Musikanto
While calling to mind the vast and oftentimes desolate American landscape, the folk tales of MUSIKANTO hold their own within the rich tradition of American music. The Chicago-based songwriter grew up listening to his father’s obscure Roots Rock and Folk records and the music of Fraser & Debolt and Jerry Hahn. His backwood sound is a fervent mix of old and new approaches, from broken-down orchestral and experimental folk to simply arranged indie-blues. While a poetic propensity for classic country heartbreak and melodic melodramas are grounds for the music’s steadfast warmth, Musikanto’s open narratives capture the depths of the human spirit with gripping power; his soulful voice always balanced on the verge of collapse.
With 2009’s debut, Ghost Pain, Musikanto’s songs would find home as he traversed through the country. Musikanto’s travels emanate through his music with songs that feel well-travelled — or, better yet, songs that feel road-ready. And if there’s anything apparent from Ghost Pain’s handsome country tones, articulate lyrical insights and understated vocal deliveries, Musikanto makes songs to delve into like a good book.
For his sophomore release, Sky Dresses, Musikanto continues his songwriting repertoire with stripped down arrangements and succinct, thoughtful lyrics. Making countless late-night drives from Chicago to Milwaukee to record the new songs at a friend’s home studio, he listened to the demos and slowly developed their personalities as he drove back and forth, reworking lyrics and adding instrumentation where he heard fit. The album is Musikanto’s first release with Chicago’s Grape Juice Records and stands as a collection of the artist’s most evocative folk stories to date, delivered in his signature vocal ache.
These are the radio stations showing “Sky of Dresses” some love:
WEVL (89.9 FM – Memphis, TN)
Requests: (901) 528-1990
Through The Cracks
Saturday 1-3 pm
Contemporary folk, alternative country, adult rock, and everything in between. Presented by Ed.
CKUW (95.9FM – University Of Winnipeg – Winnipeg, Manitoba)
Requests: (204) 774-6877
KRSC (91.3 FM – Rogers State University – Claremore, OK)
Requests:
918-343-7913
requestline@rsu.edu
KOTO (89.3 FM/91.7 FM Telluride, CO – 89.5 Norwood, CO – 105.5 Down Valley, CO)
Requests:
970-728-4333
KBCS (Bellevue Community College – 91.3 FM – Bellevue/Seattle, WA)
Requests:
425-564-2424
dj@kbcs.fm
KDHX (88.1 FM – St. Louis, MO)
Requests:
314-664-3688
KOPN (89.5 FM – Columbia, MO)
Requests:
(573) 874-5676
KPFT (90.1 FM – Houston, TX)
Lonestar Jukebox
Saturdays, 9am-11am
lonestarjukebox@kpft.org
KYRS (92.3 FM/89.9 FM Spokane, WA)
Requests: 509-747-3807
WERU (89.9 FM Blue Hill, ME – 99.9 FM Bangor, ME)
WFDU (Farleigh Dickinson University – 89.1 FM – Teaneck, NJ)
Request Line 201-692-2012
WMLB AM 1690 (Atlanta, GA)
Requests: 404-741-1690
listeners@1690wmlb.com
WOJB (89.9 FM Hayward, WI)
Requests: 715-634-2100
wojbfm@wojb.org
WQSI The Eagle (95.9 FM – Auburn, AL)
Requests: 334-321-0939
KDNK (88.1 FM Carbondale/Glenwood, CO – 88.3 FM Aspen, CO – 88.5 FM Basalt/Redstone, CO – 93.5 Leadville, CO)
Requests: 970-963-2976
Online stations/podcasts:
RADIO FREE AMERICANA
WILDMAN STEVE
INDIESF
AMERICANA ROCK MIX
CountryBear
Bill Frater’s Freight Train Boogie
Legal: Allen Bargfrede
allen@cabatty.com For Grape Juice Records: Ian Tsan ian@grapejuicerecords.com
