Kolby Knickerbocker

Kolby Knickerbocker2021-04-02T14:15:55+00:00

Project Description

Similar Artists: Ben Howard, Joshua Radin, James Blunt 

The music of Kolby Knickerbocker is simple yet powerful. Soulful folk would be a start but doesn’t quite capture the essence of Kolby’s music; there has to be heart, and lots of it.

The vulnerability of Knickerbocker’s music comes from the joy and pain of life experience, tracing back to his adolescence and the frequency of moving away from family and friends. These relocations took him from Miami to  Atlanta, highschool in San Diego, college in Santa Barbara,  London,  Poland, Sacramento, and finally Bend, Oregon which he currently calls home. The keen sting of loss early in his life propelled him toward music to soothe his wounds during these painful moments. He says, “The repeated loss of friends is heart-breaking. Through my songs, I’ve found that there is beauty in sadness and deep joy in discovering new friends and being at peace in being alone. My songs speak to love and loss, the beauty in life and in love; I think my fans recognize that and it’s why my songs speak to them. Everyone has experienced loss at some level; my music tries to put words and sound to that experience.”

From an early age, Knickerbocker was always drawn to music and soon recognized his unusual talent to “feel” how a song was going. He started playing guitar at the age of 10 but didn’t fully realize the capacity of his gift until he was in his mid-20s.

RELEASES

“Over and Over” (Single)
Release Date: February 10, 2021
Over an Over single cover art

“Stunning compositions…really great songwriting…really great stuff!” Valida Carroll, KCRW

A modern take on the 50’s doowop of Otis Redding and Ben King, the song is dedicated to his wife as a reminder that his love will not waiver. Mixed by Sean Moffitt (Mat Kearney, Josh Groban, Ingrid Michaelson), it’s the title track off the upcoming mixed EP due out April 2. 

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“Prayer”
Release Date: March 10, 2021

The song expresses tranquility in the present moment with a gentle flow of emotional texture. Each note twinkles in that pause of stillness –  an intimate reminder to cherish every moment of beauty and joy found in everyday life. Knickerbocker says, “Having kids has really brought time and what’s important to me into focus. Becoming a father has made me realize that my time with my family is so precious and that I don’t want to take any of it for granted. It truly goes by in a flash.”

“I’ve stopped everything I’m doing to listen to it again.” – Ear to the Ground

Over and Over EP
Release Date: April 2, 2021

While the title track is about coming back to love and relationship “Over and Over,” the EP’s title has a double meaning behind it. The EP is a nod to Knickerbocker’s feelings about being a musician. He says, “It can be draining, with long nights and lots of hard work, but I always come back to it because it is something that I love to do. It is endlessly challenging and endlessly fulfilling, so I will come back to writing songs and being a musician Over and Over, no matter how challenging.” 

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Bio

The music of Kolby Knickerbocker is simple yet powerful. Soulful folk would be a start but doesn’t quite capture the essence of Kolby’s music; there has to be heart, and lots of it.

The vulnerability of Knickerbocker’s music comes from the joy and pain of life experience, tracing back to his adolescence and the frequency of moving away from family and friends. These relocations took him from Miami to  Atlanta, highschool in San Diego, college in Santa Barbara,  London,  Poland, Sacramento, and finally Bend, Oregon which he currently calls home. The keen sting of loss early in his life propelled him toward music to soothe his wounds during these painful moments. He says, “The repeated loss of friends is heart-breaking. Through my songs, I’ve found that there is beauty in sadness and deep joy in discovering new friends and being at peace in being alone. My songs speak to love and loss, the beauty in life and in love; I think my fans recognize that and it's why my songs speak to them. Everyone has experienced loss at some level; my music tries to put words and sound to that experience.”

From an early age, Knickerbocker was always drawn to music and soon recognized his unusual talent to “feel” how a song was going. He started playing guitar at the age of 10 but didn’t fully realize the capacity of his gift until he was in his mid-20s.

“It took me a while to really start to own my abilities in music. I always thought people were just being nice with handy compliments. Then I started recording and putting music out there and total strangers were like ‘This music is really beautiful.’ I think that’s when I started to believe I was good; when people started to connect with my music and tell me how it helped them through a hard time in life.”

Knickerbocker started his professional musical career early on, releasing his first album with Kitty’s Musicbox (2004) as a sophomore in college. He has since released an additional full-length album Red Dust (2015) and two EPs, Rodello’s Machine (2012) and Animus (2016). Nate Donnis who’s received industry attention from the BBC's series “Skins” and the PBS series “Roadtrip Nation,” appeared on Rodello’s Machine. Knickerbocker has received critical acclaim from industry tastemakers. Indie Shuffle’s Jason Grishkof said, “Good lord, [it] had me hooked from the word go!” while KCRW’s Valida Carroll said, “Stunning compositions…really great songwriting…really great stuff!”

The emotional connection in Knickerbocker’s music has landed him spots in various TV and film placements across the globe. Most notably, his music has been featured in television shows like MTV’s Degrassi High, 90210, Heart Signal, Barely Breathing many independent films, and has been featured in Spotify’s “Top” editorial playlists, exposing millions of fans to his emotive vocals and powerful lyrics.

Growing into life has taught Knickerbocker that time, family, and love are what’s important. His debut solo EP Kindness Courage (2019) wove between timeless messages of kindness and strength left for his unborn daughter (“Kindness Courage”) and his dedication to his wife and family (“Promise”). Both of these tracks set the foundation for a strong fan base and fuel for his future releases.

His next set of singles shift the focus on his now growing daughter (“Alright with Me”) and the world he wishes for her, along with the ways he can make the world a better place for this growing generation of young souls.

 

“Stunning compositions…really great songwriting…really great stuff!”

Valida Carroll, KCRW

“Good lord, [it] had me hooked from the word go!”

Jason Grishkoff, Indie Shuffle

"If you want peace of mind, after a heavy Monday, Kolby gives you the reason to have it."

IndieCriollo
ear to the ground

"I’ve stopped everything I’m doing to listen to it again."

Greg Jones, Ear to the Ground