The only thing better than dating someone in your band is dating no one in your band. At least it sure sounds that way according to the recent output from Portland based Post-Yacht Rock outfit Fox and Bones, whose best work is coming directly following their split as a romantic duo. Or perhaps it was the addition of internationally acclaimed songwriter Greg Holden, who joined the project as a producer for their 2024 album “Long Time Honey” and upcoming fifth studio record “Are We Still Having Fun”, scheduled for release September of 2026.

Regardless of what has codified the group, the musical result is undeniable. “Are We Still Having Fun” is an expansive step forward for the band, both lyrically and sonically, as the duo tackles technology, the modern political climate, anxiety, party culture and mental health under a musical tapestry that ranges from their familiar retro folk rock to modern Bleachers-esque indi-pop. It is a plunge into the deep end after years of swimming on the surface. When combined with Holden’s surgical production and lyrical composition, “Are We Still Having Fun” is primed to be Fox and Bones best record yet.

And after ten years and 200,000 miles, it better be. Fox and Bones has toured tirelessly in their career, sharing stages with the likes of Rayland Baxter, The Dead South, ZZ Ward, Fantastic Cat, ALO and Glitterfox among others and have been awarded first place at the 2023 Tucson Folk Festival songwriting contest and second place in the International Acoustic Music Awards along with earning the Best Folk/Americana Album of 2024 by the PNW Music Awards. In their spare moments they’ve founded and run Portland’s Folk Festival, an annual celebration of folk and roots music hosted by the iconic Crystal Ballroom in their hometown of Portland, Oregon.

https://foxandbones.com/

From theater performer to full-time busker and wanderer, performing at festivals and cafes, Sam Ness has shared the stage with America, Styx, Night Ranger, Chris Barron (Spin Doctors), and many others. Mixing Traditional Folk/Americana roots with an Indie feel, Sam Ness finds inspiration in the ancient cobblestone streets across the globe. Sometimes wild and dance oriented, other moments raw, emotional, and punctuated by moments of silence, Sam’s show changes every night. His percussive playing paired with an assortment of special effects including a loop system, have built a sound larger than some full bands.

Sam has taken home a handful of MAMAs (Madison, Wisconsin Area Music Awards) including Male Vocalist of the Year (2019, 2020, 2021, 2023, 2024). He is the youngest person to enter the Madison Music Hall of Fame (in 2024 at age 26). In 2025, Sam was awarded the WAMIs (Wisconsin Area Music Industry) – Folk Performer of the Year and Folk Song of the Year “Walmart Parking Twilight”.

Other MAMAs include Alternative Album of the Year “Whispered on the Wind” – 2018, Madison Area Breakthrough Artist Second Runner up – 2017, Cover Song of the Year – Bonnie Raitt’s “I Can’t Make You Love Me” – 2020, Unique Performer of the Year – 2021. In 2022 Sam won Single of the Year “Slow It Down”, Alternative Album of the Year “City Lights and Smoke”, as well as Folk Song of the Year “She Is Love”. He was named Acoustic Guitar Player of the Year in 2023. Sam took top honors again for Folk Song of the Year “Slotty Road” in 2024.

His “City Lights and Smoke” album is a story of the road. That road has taken Sam to the UK many times, to a half dozen countries in Europe, to New Zealand, Thailand, and Cambodia. The unique collection of songs is the story of an introvert playing over a thousand shows across many countries, traveling to explore not only external places but the internal self. It’s sticking out your thumb in hope. It’s fumbling for a light switch in the dark. It’s the story of looking back at one’s self across the stage lights, back alley puddles, and rear view mirrors. It’s repair shop coffee. It’s “City Lights and Smoke”.

Sam has been a road warrior since a stranger he’d never had a full conversation with bought him a one way ticket anywhere he wanted to go. He found ways to keep playing music to keep the adventure going, and now a typical year means somewhere between 150 and 200 performances. He bought a house last year, where he’s continuously refining his recording studio, and where he’s spending time working on his newest project for a 2026 release, Of Heart and Home.

https://samness.us/