Early Riser

Early Riser is a cello-driven pop-punk band from Brooklyn, NY. They originally formed as an acoustic duo of Kiri Oliver (vocals/guitar) and Heidi Vanderlee (cello/vocals), who released their debut album Currents in 2017. They found their permanent lineup and evolved their sound with the addition of rhythm section Nicole Nussbaum (bass/vocals) and Mikey Erg (drums/vocals), resulting in 2021’s Vocations.

Inspired by the songwriting of The Mountain Goats, Against Me!, AJJ, and The Front Bottoms, Kiri writes clever, relatable lyrics about mental health, relationships, and figuring out what’s important to you. She has a knack for capturing life’s challenges with a sense of humor and a focus on positivity and growth. Her words are elevated by the band’s soaring cello riffs, driving rhythms, and tight vocal harmonies.

Early Riser’s forthcoming third album was helmed by legendary indie rock producer John Agnello (Sonic Youth, The Hold Steady, Waxahatchee) and packs their biggest punch yet with a set of fun and fierce sing-along anthems that explore themes of isolation and connection.

They've played The Fest and Montreal’s Pouzza Fest and shared stages with some of their favorite artists including The Hold Steady, Spanish Love Songs, Onelinedrawing, War on Women, The Homeless Gospel Choir, Chris Farren, and Jay Gonzalez. (Photo credit: Jeanette Moses)