J.S. Ondara’s debut LP Tales of America (Verve Forecast) has been nominated for Best Americana Album at the 62nd Grammy Awards.The nomination culminates a breakout year for the singer-songwriter. His completely acoustic debut album, produced by Grammy-nominated Mike Viola, was released in February to widespread critical acclaim. He made his television debut on “CBS This Morning: Saturday” performing “Saying Goodbye,” “Torch Song” and “Lebanon” accompanied by Taylor and Griffin Goldsmith from Dawes (who are also featured on the album). And he also performed on the “Today Show, ” Live from Here with Chris Thile, appeared on NPR’s “All Things Considered” and “World Cafe” and was featured as a Rolling Stone “Artist You Need To Know.” Additionally, Ondara earned a nomination for Best Emerging Act at the 2019 Americana Awards.
On November 29, Ondara will have an official Record Store Day Black Friday release, Tales of America B Sides. The recording features bonus tracks from the deluxe album, Tales of America: The Second Coming, and is only available on vinyl. Furthermore, watch the newly released video for “Days Of Insanity,” directed the Academy Award-winner Jessica Yu (“13 Reasons Why,” “Billions), HERE and read Ondara’s essay written about the song HERE.
Ondara is currently touring in support of Jack Savoretti in the U.K. and will round out the month with headlining dates in France. This run follows Ondara’s sold out headlining U.S. tour, which included standout performances at Xponential Festival, Newport Folk Festival and Edmonton Folk Festival this summer.
J.S. Ondara grew up in Nairobi, Kenya listening to American alt-rock and making up his own songs for as long as he can remember. At an early age he fell in love with the music of Bob Dylan and moved to Minneapolis in 2013 to pursue a career as a singer and songwriter. He began making his way in the local music scene, continually writing songs about what he saw, felt and experienced in a place far different from home. Since then, he has toured as a headliner nationwide as well as opening for the likes of Neil Young, Lindsey Buckingham, Anderson East, First Aid Kit, The Milk Carton Kids, Mt. Joy and The Head & The Heart.
Critical praise for Tales of America:
“singing songs about America through his unique perspective and stunning voice”
“…a clear-eyed acoustic newcomer’s tale of American promise and calamity that
establishes him as an invigorating new voice in American folk music.”
“It’s that sense of searching combined with Ondara’s spellbinding and, well, haunting
voice that makes this an early contender for one of the finest and most moving
Americana albums of the year.”
“Bringing his fresh take on Americana and the American experience, Ondara’s
voice is a welcome and refreshing sound and perspective for the genre.”
voice is a welcome and refreshing sound and perspective for the genre.”
“Ondara owns a striking singing voice, which ranges from a velvety croon to an immaculate
upper-register. Really, you’ve just got to hear it yourself.”
“Who knew that the next Great American Novel, as it were, would come
from a soulful Kenya-born acoustic musician and lyricist…”
from a soulful Kenya-born acoustic musician and lyricist…”
“…leverages his unease as an outsider into an album full of romantic storytelling—Ondara counts Bob Dylan as a major influence—but with a sound all his own.”
“Tales Of America contains sweet and austere musings on love, loss and the elusory American dream, set within simple melodies, all driven by Ondara’s velvety voice.”
J.S. ONDARA LIVE
November 21—Newcastle upon Tyne, UK—O2 City Hall*
November 22—Hull, UK—Bonus Arena* [SOLD OUT]
November 26—Orleans, France—L’Astrolabe
November 27—Paris, France—Élysée Montmartre
November 28—Dijon, France—La Vapeur
November 29—Mulhouse, France—Noumatrouff
December 7—Minneapolis, MN—First Avenue [SOLD OUT]
*supporting Jack Savoretti
Sacks & Co.