Dickie

On Dickie’s self-titled release, singer-songwriter Dick Prall took a succession of personal losses and nestled them inside a beautifully-layered soundtrack. The intimate and moody testimonial was cited as “Best Indie Rock Release of 2015” by Music Existence, also making its way onto several “top ten” lists that same year. By the time 2019 rolled around, it found Prall in a nostalgic headspace, leading to a reunion with friends and co-producers Pat Sansone (Wilco) and Joshua Shapera. The result is a stripped-back mix of reflective and pulsating tunes stamped into the 10-track sing-along Minus Thieves.

The simplified effort was tracked at The Magic Barn, a rural studio outside the small town of Solon, Iowa. Its notoriety comes from housing the original recording equipment of New York’s now-defunct The Magic Shop. Iconic artists like David Bowie, Lou Reed, and Blondie have all made records at the renowned space, but it’s within the Iowa incarnation that Sansone and Shapera reached even further into the archives of recording history. Applying a formula of straightforward guitars fused seamlessly with tight, no-frills rhythms, the minimal production of Minus Thieves impeccably highlights the core of Prall’s hook-laden songwriting.

With the pandemic halting touring shortly after the release of Minus, Prall’s anxious to get back onto the stages he’s shared with such great artists as Wilco, Young the Giant, Blind Pilot, Allen Stone, and the late Justin Towns Earle. And equal to his songwriting, it’s never certain what Prall will offer up for a live performance, but it’s guaranteed to leave you with the reminder that music can make a beautiful lasting impression, and will continue to bring you back.

Fox Hill Troubadours

In an age where simplicity can cut through the noise, the Fox Hill Troubadours are the perfect antidote to life’s many complexities. With a mission to unite people through the universal language of music, this band of melodic misfits has made it their goal to bring joy, escape, and a sense of camaraderie to their listeners. Whether it’s to justify the occasional drink or to remind themselves that there’s more to life than the daily grind, these troubadours know how to strike a chord with their audiences. Founded on the principle that people flock to live music to hear familiar tunes, the Fox Hill Troubadours have crafted a repertoire brimming with feel-good country classics, many of which celebrate life’s simple pleasures (such as drinking). But their musical prowess doesn’t end there. The band seamlessly weaves in elements of ’90s grunge, classic rock, and modern indie/americana, all while sprinkling in their original compositions to showcase their songwriting and collaborative talents.

At the helm of the Fox Hill Troubadours is Scott Bogard, a seasoned performer who realized that the stage can be a lonely place without some fellow conspirators to share a drink with. Alongside him, Mark Nolte, the small-town Iowa native who rediscovered his passion for music after realizing that adulthood isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Rounding out the trio is Bill Shannon, the New York City-born musician who has played with a who’s who of the industry and now calls Iowa home.

The Fox Hill Troubadours keep their sound stripped-down and intimate, making them feel right at home in a backyard gathering or on a grand stage. If you’re looking for a band that can transport you back to a simpler time, evoke memories of the past, and bring a smile to your face, look no further than the Fox Hill Troubadours. For more information or to connect with the band, check out their videos or give them a shout.