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.