“Also Going Nowhere” A new album by Luke Callen and Produced by Erik Koskinen.

In an age of quick fixes, flashing screens, and pop ‘songs’ that are more formula than art, an album that takes its sweet time is a radical act. “Also Going Nowhere”, Luke Callen’s third full-length effort is just that – a collection of songs that spread out through time and space, dripping with honest Midwest charm and a mischievous glint. It’s music that you can relax into, paired with lyrics you’ll want to chew on and savor, that ask something of their listener. These songs are proof and reminder: you don’t actually have to go anywhere at all to, you know, get somewhere. 

That’s not to say the subject matters within this work are by any means easy or expected. Clementine follows a gun-totting mother up near the Taconite mines of Northern Minnesota. Deals go horribly wrong on the street corner in Lake Street Hustle. The cosmic, primordial soup mixes with wildflower seeds in Some Reason. These epic tales swirl alongside summertime swimming holes, interstate drives, fishing trips with Dad, and unlikely marriage proposals. All of it, grounded and cohesive in the hands of a locked-in rhythm section (Chris Grey on drums and Lauren Anderson on bass) playful lead guitar (producer Erik Koskinen) the warm hum of an organ (Frankie Moscow), and of course, Luke Callen’s confident finger-picking and weathered vocal delivery. 

This no-frills arrangement style is like a drink of water for those of us who crave something real and honest to listen to. The sonic palette pays homage to a whole plethora of elements endemic to the American music tradition without feeling derivative or landing too hard on any one side of the genre question. Sure, fans of John Prine, The Band, or Randy Newman will undoubtedly hear traces of Callen’s biggest influences, but there’s a modern assessment within the music that is the distinct voice of an artist coming into his own and sharing stages with fellow pickers and balladeers like Charlie Parr and Margo Cilker. 

This album is Callen’s strongest recorded work yet – but even so, his work isn’t the type to get puffed up or ahead of itself. “The highway begins where it always ends/on the same goddamned street” he sings, a throwback to the title of the thing, which seems to be said with a wink and wiley understanding of the world in which we live today. Ultimately, Callen never strays from this central theme: our ordinary lives are noteworthy, and that miraculous, strange, beautiful things are happening around us all the time. We just need to take a seat, stay a while, and insist on using our attention for good. The album lands in the streams on February 2nd, 2024.

“Also Going Nowhere” A new album by Luke Callen and Produced by Erik Koskinen.

In an age of quick fixes, flashing screens, and pop ‘songs’ that are more formula than art, an album that takes its sweet time is a radical act. “Also Going Nowhere”, Luke Callen’s third full-length effort is just that – a collection of songs that spread out through time and space, dripping with honest Midwest charm and a mischievous glint. It’s music that you can relax into, paired with lyrics you’ll want to chew on and savor, that ask something of their listener. These songs are proof and reminder: you don’t actually have to go anywhere at all to, you know, get somewhere. 

That’s not to say the subject matters within this work are by any means easy or expected. Clementine follows a gun-totting mother up near the Taconite mines of Northern Minnesota. Deals go horribly wrong on the street corner in Lake Street Hustle. The cosmic, primordial soup mixes with wildflower seeds in Some Reason. These epic tales swirl alongside summertime swimming holes, interstate drives, fishing trips with Dad, and unlikely marriage proposals. All of it, grounded and cohesive in the hands of a locked-in rhythm section (Chris Grey on drums and Lauren Anderson on bass) playful lead guitar (producer Erik Koskinen) the warm hum of an organ (Frankie Moscow), and of course, Luke Callen’s confident finger-picking and weathered vocal delivery. 

This no-frills arrangement style is like a drink of water for those of us who crave something real and honest to listen to. The sonic palette pays homage to a whole plethora of elements endemic to the American music tradition without feeling derivative or landing too hard on any one side of the genre question. Sure, fans of John Prine, The Band, or Randy Newman will undoubtedly hear traces of Callen’s biggest influences, but there’s a modern assessment within the music that is the distinct voice of an artist coming into his own and sharing stages with fellow pickers and balladeers like Charlie Parr and Margo Cilker. 

This album is Callen’s strongest recorded work yet – but even so, his work isn’t the type to get puffed up or ahead of itself. “The highway begins where it always ends/on the same goddamned street” he sings, a throwback to the title of the thing, which seems to be said with a wink and wiley understanding of the world in which we live today. Ultimately, Callen never strays from this central theme: our ordinary lives are noteworthy, and that miraculous, strange, beautiful things are happening around us all the time. We just need to take a seat, stay a while, and insist on using our attention for good. The album lands in the streams on February 2nd, 2024.

Local singer/songwriter Tim Case returns to The Lakely to celebrate the release of “Rock River Song,” the first single from his upcoming album “Hall of Mirrors,” recorded at Pine Hollow in Eau Claire with producer Evan Middlesworth. Tim will be joined by special guests throughout the evening to play songs from the new album, more folk and country originals, and select Americana covers.

Bio
Tim Case is a folk-inspired, country-adjacent singer/songwriter from Wisconsin. Born and raised in Beloit to a public school teacher mother and factory foreman by day/Pentecostal minister by night father, his original songs – whether tender personal narrative, classic story-song, or good old fashioned barroom lament – are rooted in that unique perspective. His artful lyrics probe heavy topics – family, fatherhood, faith, love, and loss – with a light, often humorous touch.

His musical development began in Madison, where he was a co-founding guitarist and songwriter for alt-country outfit Ghost Town Council. Love and graduate school brought him to the Chippewa Valley, where after a decade away from music he released the “Great Big Moon” EP, praised by Aldora Britain Records as, “A prime example of colorful and extraordinary Americana music in the modern world.” He spent the ensuing years honing his craft on stages across western Wisconsin, from historic theaters to friends’ barns, approaching every performance, song swap, and open mic as an opportunity to refine his songs.

The result of this effort is his debut full-length album “Hall of Mirrors,” set to be released in April of 2025. “Hall of Mirrors” was recorded at Pine Hollow in Eau Claire with producer Evan Middlesworth and a backing band including guitarist Middlesworth, bassist Jeremy Boettcher, drummer Matt Haapala, and Mario and Sherry Friedel of local folk duo Songa.

Tim has been honored to share the stage with Erik Koskinen, Martha Scanlan & Jon Neufeld, The Lone Canary, Michael Gay, Andie Wyne, and many other artists from around the upper Midwest and beyond. Featuring finger-picked acoustic guitar, heartfelt vocals, and a down-to-earth stage presence, he has earned a reputation as a charming storyteller and compelling live performer. He lives in Eau Claire with his wife and daughter.

Evan Walton, a singer-songwriter, originally hailing from Minneapolis, and a recent graduate of the illustrious Berklee College of Music, brings a rich blend of skills to the stage. With roots as a multi-instrumentalist and a performance history that spans the nation, Evan’s musical prowess finds himself as a notable figure in the Eau Claire based group Once More, Autumn, adding a layer of indie charm to his vibrant musical persona.