As an English major with a focus in creative writing and poetry, Heather Styka appreciates a good story or a poetic image -- and it shows in her songs. Styka's Midwestern background, urban identity, and rural roots are at the forefront of her latest release. There are albums that transform ordinary experiences into moments of cinematic eloquence; this is one of them.

At the youthful age of twenty-two, it’s fair to say that IJ Quinn is an old-soul at heart. Born and raised on a farm in the small eastern North Carolina town of Warsaw, IJ developed a musical style reverent of the R&B/Soul greats he grew up listening to – Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Earth Wind & Fire. IJ learned piano at age three, self taught himself the guitar at fourteen, and has been a student of pop music all of his life.

Born Lindsey Czechowicz, her stage name Liza Day is one half affectionate nickname and one half borrowed from social justice crusader Dorothy Day. Her music reflects this marriage, half diary-page-reflection and half public service announcement, with sounds appropriated from, well, wherever. From Appalachian folk she borrows rustic textures and deadpan storytelling. From the margins of pop she takes a disregard for tired conventions. From classic rock she borrows a dash of grit and recklessness. From old soul and gospel she borrows the secrets of voicing urgent conviction with the most human of all instruments. It's all there, it isn't particularly tidy, and ultimately it's nobody's but her own.

Cobalt & the Hired Guns is a boot-stompin', tambourine-shakin', irresistibly genuine good time. Seamlessly blending upbeat genres from Americana to Ska, this dynamic four piece puts on a rambunctious show filled with sharp musicianship and emotion. Cobalt & the Hired Guns is about love and guts, energy and enthusiasm - refusing to pretend they aren't having fun.