Whitney formed in Chicago in 2014, when Julien Ehrlich (drums, vocals) and Max Kakacek (guitar) regrouped after Smith Westerns dissolved. Ehrlich's falsetto over gentle guitar and horns gives their indie folk a sun-dappled, country-soul warmth — Light Upon the Lake (2016) is the beloved debut and the obvious first buy. Explore Whitney vinyl, CDs, and reissues at Wax Trax Records.
Whitney formed in Chicago, Illinois in 2014, founded by Julien Ehrlich and Max Kakacek after the dissolution of their previous band, Smith Westerns. Ehrlich (drums and lead vocals) and Kakacek (guitar) write collaboratively, and the band, expanded with additional musicians live, debuted with the warmly received Light Upon the Lake in 2016. They have become a respected presence in indie folk and soft rock.
Whitney play indie folk, soft rock, and indie rock characterized by Ehrlich's high falsetto, gentle guitar, horns, and a warm, nostalgic, sun-dappled sound. Their music draws on 1970s soft rock and country-soul influences, emphasizing melody, intimacy, and a relaxed, golden-hued atmosphere.
Whitney's Secretly Canadian releases have appeared in colored-vinyl variants of interest to indie folk collectors. Light Upon the Lake is a popular collector title as the band's beloved debut.
Listeners new to Whitney almost always start with Light Upon the Lake (2016). For related listening, see and .
