Ken Stringfellow: voice, guitar, piano
Ken Stringfellow—singer, guitarist, songwriter, arranger, multi-instrumentalist, and producer—is a multifaceted artist who has been a fixture in the indie music scene since forming The Posies, the band he co-founded with Jon Auer in the late '80s as part of the first wave of bands emerging internationally from the legendary Seattle scene. From the outset, The Posies stood out for their skillful songwriting and melodic, precise vocal harmonies, elements that set them apart from most of their heavier rock contemporaries and allowed their music to maintain a timeless appeal, continuing to win fans even decades later. Ken was also a member of one of the most venerated "cult" bands of all time, Big Star, the iconic '70s power-pop group from Memphis: when the group reformed in 1993 after nearly twenty years on hiatus, Ken took on the role of bassist until the untimely passing of lead singer Alex Chilton in 2010. Ken also spent a decade touring and recording with what is arguably the most influential indie band of all time—R.E.M.—playing multiple instruments and gracing legendary stages like Budokan, the Hollywood Bowl, and Glastonbury.
Ken’s numerous collaborations include luminaries like Neil Young, Ringo Starr, Patti Smith, Wilco, John Paul Jones, Damien Jurado, Thom Yorke, Nada Surf, Marky Ramone, Brendan Benson, Mercury Rev, Neuman, and many more. He has appeared on over 400 albums, representing millions of physical sales and countless streams, and has performed in 95 countries around the globe. As a solo artist, Ken has built a dedicated following with his intimate and intense live shows, often performed without amplification, as well as with his rich, orchestral, and imaginative albums. Ken’s audiences embrace this dichotomy—in fact, it’s the diversity, range, and mastery of his craft, combined with the raw emotional honesty of his performances, that continue to captivate listeners worldwide. It’s been more than a decade since Ken’s last solo album, and his new work, "Circuit Breaker" (released in October 2024), his fifth, is a bold leap from previous records: the raw moments are even rawer; the tender passages are even more touching; and his cosmopolitan sophistication is distilled to an almost cosmic purity. The album moves through episodes of chamber pop in the style of Jimmy Webb, the ecstatic eccentricity of Bowie, and a dark, sonic distillation of the human psyche’s shadowy side, featuring spoken word by New York underground queen Lydia Lunch, and more. The record includes contributions from Elvis Costello’s Attractions rhythm section (bassist Bruce Thomas and drummer Pete Thomas) and none other than glam rock legend Suzi Quatro on bass. Finding the strength to overcome any obstacle is a recurring theme in "Circuit Breaker", and Ken has experienced this journey himself, lending the album an intense emotional charge, a palpable urgency, and a sense of hard-earned wisdom. As Ken wraps up his fifth decade as a musician, performer, producer, writer, and more, "Circuit Breaker" showcases a clear vision, a committed heart, and undeniable mastery of his art. It’s the perfect moment to connect with this multidimensional, deeply dedicated, surprising, and captivating artist.
“An artist worthy of respect and a listen from any true fan of classic pop… uniformly flawless” (Pitchfork)
“Stringfellow is one of the most underrated songwriters of our generation” (Billboard)
“Stringfellow’s clear, composed croon forgives all sins” (Rolling Stone)
“Lush pop perfection” (Mojo)
