Friend Dog Album Release w/ Collapsing Stars + The Spine Stealers at Icehouse
If "The National” and “Big Thief” had a puppy, it would rightfully be named, Friend Dog. Friend Dog was born in the rusted out cage of the rural midwest and is currently residing in Minneapolis, MN. This salt of the earth trio is comprised of lead singer and guitar player, Vincenzio Donatelle, on bass and harmonies, Lauren Anderson, and on drums, Nate LeBrun. Their unique Americana sound combines soulfully rugged vocals with a heavy-hitting rhythm section and incredibly vulnerable lyrics. All that paired with catchy melodies and an honest high-energy delivery will trick you into smiling and crying all at once.
Named a top 100 SXSW Artist by NPR Music, Twin Cities based Collapsing Stars have been steadily making a name for themselves throughout the American west. Blending folk, blues and Americana sounds with beautifully interlaced cello and vocal harmonies, comparisons range from Iron & Wine and the Lumineers, to the Black Keys and Ben Harper.
The Spine Stealers are a two-gal duo, making spooky folk that is heavily influenced by the northwood pines, 24/7 truck stop diners, heartbreak and dark lakes. Music started by learning guitar together around bonfires in their shared hometown of Sun Prairie, WI during the height of the 2020 pandemic. Songwriting came out through the seasons; Wisconsin winter an especially enduring friend for their deep dive into telling stories of themselves and of the midwest. The duo wants to write songs that crawl under your skin, to make you feel the winter that rusts your bones, the heartaches of nostalgia and broken ideas of love – to prove that we all may share a melancholy of sorts.