After a decade of prolific output, constant touring, festival appearances, and co-signs from some gigantic acts, North Carolina based, M.C. Taylor fronted eclectic indie folk project Hiss Golden Messenger has without a doubt become a beloved staple of the scene. While Taylor’s Nashville appearances are fairly frequent, Hiss Golden Messenger’s constant musical output keeps it fresh each and every time, and with a honed and engaging live show, we suggest you never pass up a chance to see him in action. You can do so tonight, March 8 at Exit/In, which Hiss Golden Messenger returns in support of last year’s stellar Hallelujah Anyhow. Tickets are still available here, so grab yours now and read on for more about the show!
Formed in 2007 by M.C. Taylor and Scott Hirsch, longtime collaborators who had previously played together for decades in various bands, including hardcore punk outfit Ex-Ignota and indie rock act The Court & Spark, Hiss Golden Messenger are a definite musical departure, adopting a country rock, alt-country, and folk vibe, with elements of blues, soul, jazz, funk, gospel, pop, and dub (needless to say, they’re eclectic, and also prolific). Over the past decade, the project has effectively transformed into a musical vehicle primarily for Taylor, who resides in North Carolina and is typically considered to be Hiss Golden Messenger, much how Justin Vernon is Bon Iver, though Hirsch, a resident of Brooklyn, has seemingly remained an recurring part of the writing and recording process, which also regularly boasts a plethora of collaborators, including Nashville’s own William Tyler. Prolific in his output, Hiss Golden Messenger has released seven full-lengths (at least, depending on how you count) and multiple EPs, live albums, collaborations, and collections of bonus material in the span of ten years, most recently a third effort through Merge, last year’s earnest and well-received Hallelujah Anyhow. Known for deeply personal, literary-referencing, emotionally vulnerable, and story-based lyricism, enhanced by raw and personal musicianship, Hiss Golden Messenger is an exciting and timeless project, and though he makes it to Nashville at least annually, it’s never anything short of a spectacular show.
Hiss Golden Messenger will perform tonight, March 8 at Exit/In. The show is 18+, begins at 9 p.m. (doors at 8 p.m.), and tickets are available to purchase for $18.