That’s gorgeous. I can’t get enough of this song.
catfish jr is the new project from indie musician Jake Etheridge. His debut EP (as catfish jr) rats on wheels was released at the beginning of November, and he’s released two more songs since (including “because i’m high” above). Despite me including him in two separate Friday playlists leading up to that, I missed the release of this record. No matter.
Both the rats on wheels EP and the newer songs are flawless indie-Americana, reminding me at different times of The Rural Alberta Advantage, Conor Oberst, and Ryan Adams (without the bullshit). Some of the new songs released as catfish jr. had been previously released under his own name, including both of the above songs. I guess the new name signals a shift away from a solo, singer-songwriter sound to something more band-driven, which I think brings out depth and energy in the music.
If this works for you, he also released (as Jake Etheridge) a gorgeous, very folky three-song single last year with singer Amber Rubarth called Havasu, which is just stunning:
He’s married to a Canadian country star named Mackenzie Porter, and they’re teasing a duet as well, coming out this Friday, January 10. We might be hearing a lot from Jake in 2025, under both names.
