Ken Yates and Brian Dunne, two longtime friends and standout voices in the indie music scene, are teaming up for a series of exclusive shows previewing the new songs on their respective upcoming albums. Learn more about them below:
Known for his laugh-to-keep-from-crying, darkly humorous lyrics, Brian Dunne has toured the world over, releasing records at a furious clip. His most recent solo album “Loser On The Ropes” saw Dunne is bending the sounds of American rock into masterfully composed, existentially poignant, wildly catchy renderings of being alive. He made his network TV debut on CBS Saturday Morning and Rolling Stone called the LP “one of the sleeper albums of the year.” He is currently touring the deluxe edition of the record, and he is also a full time member of folk-rock supergroup, Fantastic Cat and his new LP is due out in September 2025. Ken is his best friend.
Ken Yates is an award-winning singer-songwriter known for his introspective storytelling and his signature blend of folk, indie, and rock influences. His 2022 album, Cerulean, earned him a Contemporary Album of the Year nomination at the Canadian Folk Music Awards and critical praise. Recently selected as an Official Showcasing Artist at SXSW and Americanafest 2024, Yates continues to grow his audience, opening for artists including Madison Cunningham, Passenger, and Kathleen Edwards, and collaborating with respected songwriters Katie Pruitt, Lori McKenna, and Tiny Habits. His new music is already garnering attention, with NPR's Ann Powers declaring, "I'm obsessed with this song by Canadian troubadour Ken Yates, 'Cataclysmic End.'"
Yates' forthcoming album "Total Cinema" marks a defining evolution in his sound—an immersive, dynamic collection that builds upon the atmospheric foundation of Cerulean. Working with producer Dan Ledwell in Halifax, Yates expands his sonic palette with rich textures and versatile arrangements while exploring themes of gratitude and self-awareness with characteristic precision and emotional depth. "Total Cinema" showcases an artist who has found clarity in making "the exact record I wanted to make," embracing both the shadows and light of human experience through eleven tracks that celebrate his artistic journey in real-time.