Bonnaroo Band of the Day: Hiss Golden Messenger

Bonnaroo Artist | Hiss Golden Messenger
Bonnaroo History | Newbie
Stage & Time | TBA

As we’ve been doing for the past several years now, we’re making it our mission to help you get acquainted with as many bands as we can from Bonnaroo‘s impressive 2015 lineup. We’ll start from the bottom and work our way up, paying special attention to the smaller and lesser known acts on this year’s bill. Keep reading for your Bonnaroo Band of the Day…

LEARN

Formed in 2007 by MC 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). Largely viewed as a musical vehicle primarily for Taylor, who resides in North Carolina and is typically the only member featured in promotional materials, Hirsch, a resident of Brooklyn, has seemingly remained an integral part of the writing and recording process, which also regularly boasts a plethora of collaborators, including Nashville’s own William Tyler.

Prolific in their output, Hiss Golden Messenger have released five full-lengths and two EPs in the span of six years, recently inking a deal with Merge for their latest, Lateness of Dancers (and even more recent EP, Southern Grammar). Known for deeply personal, literary-referencing, emotionally vulnerable, and story-based lyricism, enhanced by raw and personal musicianship, Hiss Golden Messenger are an exciting and timeless project, deserving of even more recognition then they’ve amassed.

LISTEN | “Saturday’s Song”