Water Tower

“These guys aren’t your average string-pluckin’ banjo nerds—they’re like the bastard love child of Bill Monroe and a crust punk squat" -- Bangerville (2025)

Water Tower is a Los Angeles-based bluegrass, old-time, and punk rock band that was founded in 2005 by multi-instrumentalist & vocalist Kenny Feinstein. Formerly known as The Water Tower Bucket Boys, the name was changed to Water Tower in 2012.

While their lineup has evolved over time, Water Tower has maintained an ongoing reputation as a force to be reckoned with, with a viral social media presence & a growing horde of loyal fans known as "The Owls." Water Tower is fueled by masterful song-crafting, a fiercely DIY approach, and a genre-bending sonic identity that fuses bluegrass/old-time revivalism with a distinctly punk rock edge. Their influences range from Bill Monroe & Foghorn Stringband to Rancid & Black Flag.

The band's current lineup consists of Kenny Feinstein (lead vocals, guitar, fiddle), Tommy Drinkard (vocals, banjo, guitar), Jesse Blue Eads (vocals, banjo), Taylor Estes (vocals, bass), and John Seltzer (backing vocals, mandolin). The group divides their time between working on new material, playing shows & festivals, and busking at local freeway off-ramps.

Their debut album as Water Tower, 'Fly Around' was released in 2020. It was co-produced by Don Bolles (The Germs, 45 Grave) & Ariel Pink and features guests including Willie Watson (Old Crow Medicine Show) & Ron Reyes (Black Flag). The band has released several singles ("Take Me Back", "Lose Everything") & bootleg albums ('For the Owls,' 'Live From Los Angeles') since then, with a second studio album due to be released next year.

In 2025 Water Tower performed at the Telluride Bluegrass Festival and the Vans Warped Tour (DC & Long Beach). Most recently they finished a tour supporting & backing up Nick Hexum (311).