For over two decades, Atmosphere has maintained a course of rigorous output, releasing over two dozen studio albums, EP’s and collaborative side projects in as many years. In that time, the venerated duo have built a legacy out of bringing honesty, humility and vulnerability to the forefront of their music, continually challenging themselves to evolve without straying too far from their roots. Slug has proven masterful at storytelling and writing compelling narratives, leaving a trail of his own influence while paying homage to the rappers and songwriters that helped shape him. Ant has skillfully molded the soundtracks with inspiration from soul, funk, rock, reggae, and the wizardry of hip-hop’s pioneering DJ’s and producers, creating his own trademark sounds while providing the pulse for songs about life, love, stress and setbacks. At its essence, Atmosphere has been a musical shepherd, and with each new album comes a new journey as they guide generations of listeners through this thing called life.

“Gallagher’s vocal power may remind you of the late Steve Marriot or a young Robert Plant” , wrote Relix magazine when describing the sound of Lee Gallagher and The Hallelujah’s eponymous debut release.  Relix praised the record and named the band “one of 5 artists you should know about”.  More critical acclaim for the record followed from outlets such as Shindig! and Classic Rock and drew more comparisons ranging from Neil Young to Tom Petty to The Band. 

Gallagher started his career as a teenager singing in the bars of Southern Ohio.  He learned the harmonica by listening to Little Walter records and soon picked up the guitar to begin crafting his own songs. Things took a turn musically when he moved to San Francisco and subsequently began spending time in Joshua Tree collaborating with artists such as Victoria Williams, Bobby Furgo (Leonard Cohen), and Wally Ingram (Sheryl Crow, Eric Burdon) which resulted in his solo EP, Valley of a Dying Breed.   With pockets full of more songs and the need for a permanent band, he returned to SF and put together a group of musicians he eventually dubbed  “the Hallelujah” to perform the songs live.  The band quickly entered the studio to record their aforementioned full length LP.  Following the release, the band toured the US both headlining and opening for legendary acts such as Leon Russell and were invited to perform for the Grateful Dead’s 50th anniversary Jambase special, Songs of Their Own.  Their sound swung from psychedelic Americana to southern tent revival and showcased Gallagher’s appreciation for and ability to write songs and move along the fabric and history of rock and roll. 

The new album L.A. Yesterday was recorded at Palomino Sound, a vintage 70’s studio near downtown Los Angeles.  Gallagher was joined by long time band members Kirby Hammel (keyboards) and Jimmy Dewald (bass).  The sonic palette was expanded with the addition of slide guitar, 12 string, mandolin, and searing lead guitar all provided by Jason Soda (Jakob Dylan, Everest, Gospelbeach) who also owns and operates Palomino.  Drummer Will Scott (Gospelbeach, Pink Mountaintops, the Mooney Suzuki) tied everything together providing a rock solid foundation for the new songs to flourish.  To be released in 2020, the album is comprised of 10 songs inspired by dusty stacks of vinyl, the never-ending search for a truer sound, and endless journeys along the back roads and highways of California.

Welcome to the Official Chris Webby Vault. Feel free to stream or download! Follow me on Twitter @ChrisWebby

Sarah Grain & the Billions of Stars is a five-piece band mixing folk, rock, jazz, bossa nova and country into a unique style rooted in songwriting and storytelling.  Musicians are Sarah Grain (guitar, vocals), Mina Keohane (piano, accordian, vocals), Doug Sauter (guitar, mandolin), Nate Gray (bass), and Ryan Koch (drums, vocals).

Sarah Grain's bio:  The songs I write are small prayers to the wind, beckoning sense and completion to all of the unanswered questions I have; they move forward personal relationships that seem to reach a standstill on their own; they are the physical forms of my wonder, my joy, my awe. 

I have been writing songs since the day I stumbled upon my mother’s Gibson small-bodied folk guitar in the back of the family attic. I learned three chords that day, and I started writing. There is this unexplainable yearning that pulls me towards songwriting. And since having children, it's more life-giving than ever.

My path as an Indianapolis-based musician truly began at the late-night improv sessions at United States of Mind, when the weekly open-mic night, Outspoken, would transform into winding melodies, and where incredible budding artists would take risks and collaborate. 

After playing with hip-hop artists and African drummers in the band Undefeatable Beats, I branched out again on my own in 2004, returning to my roots as a solo singer-songwriter. My other collaborations include singing with TJ Reynolds & the Freehand Orchestra, and with Beso Beso, a duo with jazz composer/songwriter Mina Keohane.




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