paul wozniak: (aka The Woz) Percussion, Drum Set, voice, sunglasses
nic cole: Bass, beard, more homeschool points, demographic
you gals and guys: claps, toe tapping, dancing, siting, singing along, and make believing.
Special thanks to Barney and the Basement Band!
(our amazingly talented guest performers: jack j, tim dz, charlie c, craig, emily 2.0, josh b, (p)josh, dave, reed, todd, dan V, jason e, chris, andrew, nate, eric n, elle, ben, and catbob.)
Nick Drake, The Beatles, John Prine, Sufjan Stevens, Paul Simon, Kings Of Convenience, Wilco, Ben Gibbard, Bob Dylan, Radiohead, Dave Matthews, Brian Wilson, Ida, Cake, Tool, Pete Yorn, Elliott Smith, Steve Goodman, and Art School Girl.
Thank you for supporting us as we make this change!
The Northern Skies Biography
Whether their playing at a brewery pub, a coffee shop, or on a street corner, the Michigan-based band The Northern Skies play "acoustic, bluegrass-tinged folk that perks up your ears with an infectious, indie-rock sheen" (The Grand Rapids Free Press, Grand Rapids MI). Ask the band and they will tell you that their music is acoustic folk-rock with teeth!
Frontman and songwriter Eric Engblade with his "clear, strong vocals [that] give power to his lyrics" (Ludington Daily News, Ludington MI) is also an accomplished guitarist. Along with guitarist, vocalist and co-songwriter Nathan Schleicher, they round out their performances with mandolins, banjos, and more in any given set. They are sure to get your toes tapping and your feet dancing with Emily Carlson on violin, Nic Cole on bass, and Paul Wozniak on percussion and drums.
With ties to Grand Rapids and Detroit, the band (formally known as "Drake") has performed under the Northen Skies of the Midwest at a pace of over 60 shows a year and they show no sign of stopping. In fall of 2007, they were selected to open for comedian Mike Birbiglia on his Comedy Central Tour at City Opera House in Traverse City Michigan. In the summer of 2009, they were selected as Pontiac Arts, Beats, and Eats Festival performers.
Hailed as a "beautiful", "up-north, front porch masterpiece" (Recoil Magazine, Grand Rapids MI) their fourth and most recent album, "Northern Skies," was recorded at River City Studios by Roy Wallace of "Sweet Japonic" in Grand Rapids, MI. The 2009 album reflects each season of their home state of Michigan, a journey that begins in haunting January, and continues through a changing landscape "awash in Americana instrumentation and modern songwriting" (Recoil Magazine, Grand Rapids MI). The spirit of each month is captured with eclectic style and diverse instrumentation, an American sound with incorruptible independence.
A better burden can no man bear on the way than his mother wit; 'tis the refuge of the poor, and richer it seems than wealth in a world untried. ~ the Hávamál
Hex Magazine Issue 5 with Compilation CD available now!
hey guys i miss you!! i introduced your music to a friend of mine and he absolutely loves you and has been dying to set up a show with you. let me know when you'll be around again!
cant wait to see you guys at arts beats and eats. heck ill probly buy another drake t-shirt. Matt from camp might come with me to see you guys too. Good luck!
I'm a Lansing native who now resides in Phoenix. I can't tell you enough how your song Michigan has touched my heart and brought tears to my eyes. I love it and I too miss Michigan. I am sad to have had no other option but to leave her but I plan to return someday, hopefully to more than a ghost state. Thanks for everything
I like that American Sound you have! Thanks for the add from the band that Believes in, Lives for, and Plays nothing but American Rock, The Brian Conway Band. Long Live American Rock!
a few months ago I think you guys did a craigslist posting for a bass player. My husband plays bass and was one of the people who responded to the ad. (Joe is his name) Anyway, its just good to know there's still people out there making good music and doing it well! I hope I'll see you guys play soon.