About The Crane Wives:

Born out of the 2010s folk boom and now comfortably settled into their rock-and-roll era, The Crane Wives embody the evolving landscape of indie folk. Known for high-energy live performances “charged with emotion and technical skill” (Blurred Culture LA), the band pairs harmony-dense melodies with deeply resonant lyrics that explore both the vulnerable and the uncomfortable sides of the human experience.

The Crane Wives have built a devoted global following, with over 1.3 million monthly listeners on Spotify and more than 150 million streams across their most popular songs. Their audience spans far beyond the U.S., reaching listeners in the U.K., Australia, Germany, Brazil, Poland, Mexico, and the Philippines. The band has been featured by Michigan Radio and NPR’s All Songs Considered.

In September 2024, The Crane Wives released their sixth full-length studio album, Beyond Beyond Beyond, to widespread acclaim. Glasse Factory praised the record as “a testament to the band’s ability to turn personal struggles into universally relatable anthems,” while Niner Times described it as “angsty, haunting, and gritty,” noting its departure from the band’s earlier, more traditional folk sound. Since its release, Beyond Beyond Beyond has accumulated over 24 million streams on Spotify.

The band’s driving pulse comes from Ben Zito (bass) and Dan Rickabus (drums), creating a dynamic foundation beneath co-leads Emilee Petersmark and Kate Pillsbury, whose electric guitars engage in expansive, gritty conversation. A web of three-part harmony softens the emotional weight of their songwriting, balancing intensity with warmth and cohesion.

With six full-length albums under their belts, The Crane Wives have performed more than 600 shows across the United States, sharing stages with artists such as The Avett Brothers, Lake Street Dive, Rusted Root, The Dead South, Joseph, and many more.