J.S. ONDARA PREMIERES “TORCH SONG” VIDEO INSPIRED BY BOB DYLAN

DEBUT ALBUM TALES OF AMERICA COMING FEBRUARY 15 ON VERVE FORECAST

TOURING NORTH AMERICA THIS SPRING

"Singing songs about America through his unique perspective and stunning voice.”

“… a collection of experiences born out of the aspirations, dreams and difficulties of a changing country from the perspective of an immigrant, with optimism leading the way.”

The video for “Torch Song,” the latest to be released from J.S. Ondara’s forthcoming debut album Tales of America, premieres today. The video was self-directed and inspired by Bob Dylan’s first television performance. Watch/share the clip HERE.

Tales of America, out February 15 on Verve Forecast, is a completely acoustic album produced by Grammy-nominated Mike Viola (Ryan Adams, Jenny Lewis). The LP was recorded at Boulevard Recording and East West Studios in Los Angeles, with all lyrics written by Ondara and featuring collaborations withAndrew Bird, Taylor and Griffin Goldsmith of Dawes and Joey Ryan of The Milk Carton Kids.

“It is essentially a documentation of my time in America,” Kenyan native Ondara explains. “A deliberation on the times, and a search for wisdom and the American dream.” Watch the previously released videos for “American Dream” HERE and “Saying Goodbye” HERE.

In anticipation of the release, Ondara has been featured amongst NPR Music’s “Slingshot Artists,” Billboard’s “Artists to Watch: 17 Alternative & Indie Breakouts For 2019,” RollingStone’s “Artists You Need To Know,” Folk Alley’s “2019 Album Preview: Upcoming Releases We Can't Wait To Hear,” Minneapolis Star Tribune’s “Nine Twin Cities artists primed for greatness in 2019” as well as Pandora’s “2019 Artists to Watch.”

To further celebrate Tales of America, Ondara has confirmed a North American headline tour next March. The tour follows his recent dates supporting Lindsey Buckingham and will make stops in Washington DC, Brooklyn, Boston, Denver, Minneapolis, San Francisco, Los Angeles and more. See below for details.

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 nationwide, opening for Anderson East, First Aid Kit, The Milk Carton Kids, Mt. Joy and The Head & The Heart.

J.S. ONDARA LIVE

April 9—Los Angeles, CA—Moroccan Lounge

April 10—San Diego, CA—Casbah

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