Lutalo

Lutalo Jones, a Minneapolis native, first absorbed an array of musical approaches from their father before discovering neo-psychedelic bands such as Tame Impala and Unknown Mortal Orchestra, an encounter that prompted them to begin self-producing. Related by marriage to Big Thief frontwoman Adrianne Lenker, Lutalo opened for the group in 2021 and refined their intimate, energetic material—songs that directly confront racism, economic inequality, and existence under capitalism—before receptive crowds. After leaving New York City for Vermont and constructing a home there, the Vermont-based singer/songwriter recorded the EPs Once Now, Then Again and Again in tandem. The self-realized, lo-fi indie rock on Once Now, Then Again surfaced in 2022, drawing spoken admiration from Fleet Foxes frontman Robin Pecknold while tracks including “For Now,” “Call It In,” and “Little Chance” attracted notice from listeners and critics alike. Mid-2023 brought the non-album single “Familiar Face,” and that autumn the second EP, Again, arrived with a louder, more upbeat sonic palette that nevertheless retained indie character on songs such as “Push Back Baby” and “PLPH,” the latter addressing America’s shortage of affordable housing. Early 2024 saw the collaborative single “Running,” recorded with tourmate Claud. Lutalo continued preparing for a debut album by issuing singles such as “The Bed” and “Ocean Swallows Him Whole.” Winspear released the full-length The Academy in September 2024, following earlier live appearances opening for Big Thief and Claud.