|
“Modesty has always been a cornerstone of acoustic folk music, but
these local folkies definitely undersell themselves in their band name. Far
from musical also-rans, Consolation Champ has an everyman earnestness that
is endearing.” – City Pages, Minneapolis
Singer-songwriter John Richards has been writing and
performing original music for ten years, and since 2006 he has released two
records and toured clubs, cafes and colleges throughout the USA under the
name Consolation Champ. Many Consolation Champ shows are intimate
solo acoustic performances. Others are lively, full-band rock shows where
Richards is joined by Matt Mitchell on bass, Chris Mitchell on lead guitar,
and Rick Nordquist on drums.
John, Matt, Chris and Rick all grew up in the same Twin
Cities suburb and attended the same schools all the way from Kindergarten
through college at the University of Minnesota. They span three graduating
classes, and, while some members collaborated together in various bands
during school, it wasn’t until after they had all finished college that they
first played together as a quartet.
Champ self-released the debut album “The Invitational”
in the fall of 2006, then followed it up in March of 2008 with “Lobos
Pattern,” a 5-song EP recorded mostly live in the studio after John and
Chris had just returned from a duo-acoustic tour of the Rocky Mountains and
Southwestern US. Both can be found on iTunes and most digital music
services. Tracking for the next album has recently begun, with the release
date to be determined.
Whether on stage or around a fire, Consolation Champ
loves playing music and roasting marshmallows. Hope to see you at a show
sometime, and hope you don’t mind if the marshmallow is a little burnt.
|
