South For Winter

With a blend of dreamy acoustic duets, foot-stomping folk and bluesy murder ballads, New Zealand-formed and Nashville-based South for Winter’s sound is as eclectic as their origins. The band is composed of New Zealander Nick Stone, Coloradan Dani Cichon, and Michigander Alex Stradal, and together the three multi-instrumentalists and songwriters combine elements such as classically-trained cello, percussive guitar, suitcase stomp, mandolin, poetic lyricism, and haunting melodies into a genre-bending sound described by American Songwriter as “impeccable”. South for Winter has been nominated as a Finalist for “Best Group/Duo” in the 2023 International Acoustic Music Awards, Semi-Finalist in the 2023 and 2022 International Songwriting Competition, Official Showcase Artist at South by Southwest Music Festival in 2023, Official Showcase Artist at Folk Alliance International in 2024 and 2022, and “Most Wanted” emerging artist at Falcon Ridge Festival in 2019. Their music has been praised by sites such as American Songwriter (“laden with delicate harmonies, intricate guitar-work, and earthy vocals… impeccable sound”), No Depression (“must-see artist”), For the Love of Bands (“a wonderful mix of indie and folk rock”), Grateful Web (“eclectic in the best sense of the word”), and AmericanaUK (“an ethereal, dreamy, journey…a journey well-worth taking”). South for Winter recorded their new sophomore concept album, Of Sea and Sky, in Nashville TN alongside multi GRAMMY award-winning producer Matt Leigh (Willie Nelson, Sister Sadie). The album – out May 16, 2024 – has already received an outpouring of support, raising over $21,000 (>141% of its funding goal) for its upcoming independent release; shoutouts from sites like No Depression Magazine and Grateful Web; landing on three Spotify editorial playlists with album singles; and having airplay from AAA stations such as Lightning 100 Radio (Nashville TN), WFUV Radio (NYC), Radio New Zealand, KVMR Radio (Nevada City, CA), WMOT Roots Radio (Murfreesboro TN), and WFMT (Chicago IL). Between releases, the band has toured relentlessly both nationally and internationally, bringing audiences to their feet and selling out shows across Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Denmark, Poland, New Zealand, and the United States. Detroit-born singer-songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist Anthony Retka blends indie rock, folk, pop, and ambient influences into a distinctive, emotionally resonant sound. Known for his raw, captivating voice and evocative lyrics, Retka creates immersive soundscapes that explore both personal introspection and universal themes. Before launching his solo career, Anthony Retka was a founding member of the Michigan-based indie band Tone & Niche (2003–2013). The group blended rock, pop, and experimental influences. Alongside his bandmates Nicole Varga, Roger Dutcher, Nick White, Rick “Alan” Smith, and James Sterling Lees, Retka and his band Tone & Niche developed a unique sound that combined organic instrumentation with intricate arrangements, helping shape Retka’s musical direction. The band released several albums, including On the Streets of, Rust, and Everything is Good, as well as a collection of singles and EPs, each reflecting their evolving artistic vision. After Tone & Niche disbanded in 2013, Retka transitioned to a solo career, continuing to evolve his sound and storytelling. More about Tone & Niche can be found at toneandniche.com. Retka’s solo work includes full-length albums And So I Wish You Well, Anthony Retka’s Big Parade, and Fields & Fortresses, along with a wide array of singles and EPs. Each project showcases his ability to craft expansive, intimate music that speaks to the complexities of the human experience. These albums and releases reflect his gift for blending organic instrumentation with rich, atmospheric arrangements, resulting in music that is both innovative and deeply emotional.