Day 17 - Judah & the Lion

General Info
Members: Judah Akers - Guitar, Lead Vocals // Nate Zuercher - Banjo, Badassery, Backing Vocals // Brian Macdonald - Mandolin, Backing Vocals // Spencer Cross - Drums
Biography: Formed at Belmont University in Nashville, TN, Judah & the Lion have spent most of their time as a three-piece with additional touring members. Judah, Nate, and Brian, all from very different backgrounds, first met because Judah was looking for banjo accompaniment to some of his original songs. The three would get together often to play, and found that it clicked beyond the scope of dorm room jam sessions. Since forming in 2011, the band now regularly records and tours and are set to release their second full-length album, "Folk-Hop N' Roll" in March. With a mix of pop, folk, bluegrass, and soul elements, Judah songs don't follow a specific formula, but also don't disappoint.
Major Discography: Sweet Tennessee (EP, but some of my favorite material from them is on there), Kids These Days


Sounds Like
Genre: Americana, Folk, Folk-Hop
Similar Artists: Avett Brothers, Mumford & Sons, Langhorne Slim, Dawes, Head & the Heart
Similar Bonnaroo Artists: Chris Stapleton, Jason Isbell, Nathaniel Rateliff & the Nightsweats, The Oh Hellos

Suggested Listening
I would start with their Sweet Tennessee EP - specifically, the tracks "Our Love" and "Hesitate" are favorites of mine. You may have heard the song "Kickin' the Leaves" off of their Kids These Days album on a commercial or on one of their late night show appearances.







Physical Reaction/Live Show
This show, if nothing else, will make you smile. You may have no idea why, but the nature of a Judah & the Lion show will spread happiness through the crowd, making them a perfect roo band. I've gotten to see them in a normal, small club venue setting as well as at a very special small barn show that my organization at school put on last year. While their music is great, the performance itself is carefree. They usually pull out a rap-song or two (random, I know) as well which is always fun. I'm personally extremely excited for their set, and encourage that others (unless there's a HUGE conflict) try and make it out to what will likely be a smaller crowd ready to witness a top performance. Also, if you're in Austin, come catch their show at The Parish in April! I'll likely be working merch!

Interesting Facts
The three core members of the band are from completely different parts of the country. Judah hails from TN, Nate is from Colorado, and Brian is from Chi.

Personal Notes
Again ... everyone should try to make it to this set. Sure to be the surprise set of the weekend for many.