Cass McCombs

Born in 1977 in Concord, California, Cass McCombs belongs to the tradition of American singer-songwriters that blend indie rock, folk and country inflections. Living at various times in California, New York and Baltimore, he built a quiet but steady presence on the indie scene from the early 2000s, first with the EP “Not the Way” and the album “A” (2003). He followed with “PREfection” (2005) and “Dropping the Writ” (2007), which established a taste for loosely structured songs ranging from spare folk ballads to more electric rock numbers. With “Catacombs” (2009), “Wit’s End” and “Humor Risk” (both 2011), and “Big Wheel and Others” (2013), McCombs explored broader arrangements that weave psychedelic influences, touches of country soul and often introspective lyrics. The album “Mangy Love” (2016) confirmed this hybrid direction, continued by “Tip of the Sphere” (2019) and “Heartmind” (2022), released on the ANTI- label. Alongside his solo records, he takes part in collective projects such as the group The Skiffle Players and regularly tours North America and Europe, in formats ranging from solo acoustic shows to fuller band lineups.