After listening to John Craigie and his widespread discography, I can certainly say this is an artist to keep your eyes on this year.
Born and raised in California, this folk-rock n’ roots singer has a talent for using humor as a tool in his writing; he allows human emotion to surface without weighing the songs down, leaving you feeling light.
Craigie’s upcoming album, I Swam Here, set for release on February 6th, was recorded in New Orleans, and draws from the city’s rich musical culture.
The project is characterized by jazzy undertones and intimate instrumentals, creating an immersive listening experience. Most of the tracks on the album feature Craigie’s close friend and female vocalist Anna Moss. However, “Edna Strange,” his latest single, departs from this formula and instead, features a steel-string acoustic and a trio of male background vocalists – a nod to the classic storytelling style of Marty Robbins.
“Edna Strange” unfolds as a narrative-driven song centered on a mysterious and dangerous woman. It’s alluring lyrics and Western-tinged melody create a sense of intrigue. Throughout the track, Craigie stays attuned to his storytelling, layering, and emotions, reaffirming that folk-rock can be lighthearted yet passionate.
Craigie’s tunes carry an echoey quality, sounding almost ethereal, thanks to his nylon-string guitar, which lends a brighter touch to these delicate folk songs. He produces his music with ample care and thought so that every song, lyric, and beat aligns with how he imagined it, intentional and personal.
Whether drawing from jazz influences or Western balladry, Craigie remains firmly rooted in his unique voice. “Edna Strange”, out now, is a tantalizing final single leading into his latest collection, I Swam Here.
Upcoming Tour Dates
FEBRUARY
11 – Ridgway, CO – The Sherbino
12 – Buena Vista, CO – Ivy Ballroom at the Surf Hotel
13 – Basalt, CO – The Arts Campus At Willits
14 – Basalt, CO – The Arts Campus At Willits
15 – Steamboat Springs, CO – Strings Music Pavilion
28 – Kahului, HI – Maui Arts & Cultural Center
MARCH
6 – Honolulu, HI – Blue Note Hawaii
7 – Lihue, HI – Kauai Community College PAC
24 – Evanston, IL – SPACE
25 – Madison, WI – High Noon Saloon
25-29 – Boise, ID – Treefort Music Fest
26 – Minneapolis, MN – The Cedar Cultural Center
APRIL
1 – Savannah, GA – Lucas Theatre for the Arts @ Savannah Music Festival
2 – Decatur, GA – Eddie’s Attic (7:00 pm)
2 – Decatur, GA – Eddie’s Attic (9:00 pm)
3 – Asheville, NC – The Grey Eagle
4 – Nashville, TN – Exit/In
Photo Credit: Carly Montgomery
