Benji Hughes (Merge/New West Records) is a singular talent, celebrated for his eclectic blend of rock, pop, and lyrical wit. Hailing from Charlotte, North Carolina, Hughes gained widespread recognition with his ambitious 2008 double album, A Love Extreme, a 25-track masterpiece praised by Rolling Stone as “a cult classic” and by The New York Times for its emotional depth and quirky charm. Often compared to Beck for his eclecticism and The Flaming Lips for his pop experimentation, Hughes has carved a reputation as an eccentric yet brilliant and highly accessible artist. His music has reached millions through features in shows like Beverly Hills, 90210, How I Met Your Mother, and Eastbound & Down, and he co-wrote songs for the 2007 comedy Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story. Hughes’ collaborative spirit has led him to diverse projects, including a 2011 appearance on Jeff Bridges’ self-titled country album and Meshell Ndegeocello’s Weather. He’s written for artists like Priscilla Ahn, who performed one of his songs on her debut album; he’s made tracks with Kesha and Dirty Nasty, and toured with Jenny Lewis and Jason Isbell.     His work reflects a unique mix of Southern roots and California creative polish, having recorded A Love Extreme in Silverlake, California, with producer Keefus Ciancia and songwriter Gus Seyffert. With subsequent release Songs in the Key of Animals (2016), and 2020’s 3-album release blitz of A Lover’s Extreme, Spirit Guide and Another Extreme, Hughes reaffirmed his place as a beloved figure in indie music.  Whether as a songwriter, performer, or collaborator, Benji Hughes continues to defy conventions, inviting listeners into his world of humor, heart, and melodic genius.   

Jon Lindsay, based in Savannah Georgia and New York, is a solo artist, producer, and long-time member of the band Benji Hughes (Merge/New West Records). He is also the founder of the arts collective, NC Music Love Army. He has collaborated and released music with Rhiannon Giddens, American Aquarium, Hiss Golden Messenger, Chris Stamey, The Love Language, Caitlin Cary and others. He has released 3 albums and 3 EPs and toured internationally. His new album, “Big Stage”, arrives on May 16, 2025.    “Big Stage” is the fourth full-length album from Jon Lindsay, made mostly in Hollywood, CA, at Eric Valentine’s Barefoot Studios. It was produced and performed by Lindsay, mixed by Mike Pepe, and features horn arrangements and performances by Matt Douglas of The Mountain Goats, and drums from Chris Walldorf (of Moa) and Jonathan Erickson (of the Noises 10).