Frank Viele’s brand of New England blues rock tugs at the heartstrings, pulling the listener on a surprise journey that transcends genre. The Silo EP, being released on Frank’s own Bigger Beast records (a label started to support and highlight some of Frank’s favorite artists, collaborators, and friends), serves as the next step in this artist’s journey. Over the past decade, Frank has racked up accolades — including New England Music Awards for Independent Artist of the Year, Album of the Year, Song of the Year, Male Performer of the Year, Songwriter of The Year (twice), and Live Act of The Year for gutsy, gritty tracks like “Broken Love Song” and “‘Til The Bourbon’s All Gone” — and he has rarely paused to savor the moment before moving on to yet another tour, album, or collaboration. It wasn’t until the pandemic hit in early 2020 and he was forced to hunker down that Viele realized that time itself was the world’s most precarious, yet precious, resource.

Viele’s music is characterized not only by his powerful vocals, soulful guitar playing, and poignant lyrics, but also its deep honesty, and this EP is no different. "After opening for Lee DeWyze on over 100 shows across 10 years, I had the opportunity to collaborate with him and his long-time producer Nico on this project, bringing a deep connection and understanding to the production process,” Viele says.

This project was intentionally produced to be a sonic departure and to be more cinematic and less rock-driven than Frank’s previous work. The Silo aims to showcase a different artistic side from the brand of heartland rock for which he is traditionally known, and the freedom and support of being in the studio with a friend and collaborator allowed Frank to try some new things. "I took full control of building the sound, playing most of the instruments, writing every song except the Bob Seger cover, and shaping the overall sonic direction,” he explains. “It was my first time layering instruments in the studio and doing things like playing slide guitar on my own record, singing lots of my own backing vocals, and moving away from the live band recording setting I’ve been used to in the past."

Viele is an artist who is not afraid of wearing his heart on his sleeve, and he digs deep into the joys and struggles of life. He has been praised for his ability to blend elements of folk, blues, and rock into a unique sound that is both timeless and contemporary, and yet The Silo brings a new perspective to his music. "While this is my darkest release sonically, it carries a lot of hope,” Viele says. “The songs were captured during a six-month period of personal change and unexpected realities. After releasing a full-length album with a long cycle, I often write more experimental music in a condensed timeframe—this EP feels like that kind of special, introspective project, born from creative weariness after nonstop touring and recording.” The Silo serves as a timestamp of that period, and even while it is darker than his normal songwriting, this five-song package still comes brimming with the hope that underpins so much of Frank's songwriting.

Over the years, Viele has built a dedicated fanbase thanks to his dynamic live performances and his ability to connect with his audience on a deeply personal level. With The Silo and several albums under his belt, along with a growing reputation as one of the most exciting voices in folk/Americana music, Frank Viele continues to push the boundaries of what it means to be a modern singer-songwriter. Whether he’s performing on stage or in the studio, he approaches his music with a passion and intensity that is infectious, making more and more folks take notice… one stage at a time.

Emily Barnes is a contemporary folk singer-songwriter whose music breathes life into the characters and stories of everyday people. With a voice that cuts straight to the bone and lyrics that linger long after the last note, she crafts songs that feel both intimately personal and universally human. Born and raised in Johnsonburg, New Jersey—a town so small it doesn’t appear on most maps—Barnes began writing songs on the steps of her 200-year-old house. From those quiet beginnings, she’s built a grassroots following the old-fashioned way: one room, one story, and one listener at a time. Armed with her acoustic guitar and a raw, haunting voice, Barnes has crisscrossed cities and small towns alike, captivating audiences across the country. Her latest album, Mint Condition, took her on a sold-out tour throughout the Northeast and marked her most accomplished work to date. A recognized talent in the songwriting community, Emily has been a finalist in several major festivals, including the Kerrville Folk Festival, Red Lodge Songwriters Festival, Blast on the Bay, and The Acorn Songwriting Contest. With four albums under her belt and a growing reputation as a storyteller of uncommon depth, Emily Barnes continues to carve out a space that is wholly her own in the modern folk landscape.

Frank Viele w/s/g Emily Barnes

Frank Viele w/s/g Emily Barnes