A self-titled statement piece, Hovvdy’s fifth album fits with the comfortable confidence of faded blue jeans. Underlining years of hyper-reflective, deeply-fan-beloved songwriting, the 19-track sequence draws together swirling piano lines and vivid production under the cohesive vision of longtime friends Charlie Martin and Will Taylor. Hovvdy boldly broadens the scope of the Texas duo’s songwriting in a new partnership with Toronto-based outlet Arts & Crafts. The expansive double album presents a true co-production between Hovvdy and their frequent collaborators, Andrew Sarlo (Bon Iver, Big Thief) and Bennett Littlejohn (bassist, multi-instrumentalist). An unprecedented focus on live takes further peels the band’s early slowcore layers to show dazzling dynamic range, from the country feel of “Portrait” to the bombastic drums of “Meant.” Never staying still too long, Hovvdy easily folds introspection into their big, fearless choruses. Always guided with a gentle hand, the listener lands right there in the room, to witness the spontaneous synchronicity of Charlie and Will’s shared songcraft.

runo plum is an indie folk-rock artist born and raised in rural Minnesota. Nestled in the quiet woods, runo finds inspiration in everything — deep reflections from the past, love, health, relationships, art, or even just the mundane things of everyday life.

The majority of runo’s songs are written at home in Minnesota and recorded at fellow artist Philip Brooks’ home studio in southern Germany. The songs capture the same authenticity as when they were written, brought to life with wind chimes, rustling trees, and the distant sound of birds singing.

Music has been a constant companion of runo’s throughout her life , but the art of songwriting began to blossom at the age of 14. Fast forward to 2020, amidst the quietude of the pandemic, runo began immersing herself in the world of music production. She spent the year transforming as an artist and writing music more than ever. That year she wrote two EPs, piano songs, etc and earlier from ‘20, which she only released to Bandcamp and Soundcloud.

At the beginning of 2021, runo began sharing videos of her songs on social media. She gathered a small but dedicated audience, eager to experience the music on streaming platforms. Responding to their requests, yin to yang made its debut on Spotify, marking the beginning of a musical journey. Since then, she has independently released a variety of songs and projects, including a 6-track EP titled jupiter and a joint EP mountain songs with Philip Brooks.

Her latest EP softer was released in February 2024.