Hello Emerson was founded in Columbus, Ohio by Sam Emerson Bodary in 2015. Quickly joined by percussionist / musical director Daniel Seibert and keyboardist Jack Doran.
Hello Emerson’s midwestern songwriting now resonates internationally – particularly in Germany – with recognition from Rolling Stone Germany, DPA, and Deutschlandfunk Kultur. With comparisons to John Darnielle (The Mountain Goats), Andrew Bird, Conor Oberst (Bright Eyes), and Sufjan Stevens. Their debut record was heralded as “a find for the genre” and “the sublime intersection of the best American indie-folk bands.”
Their 2020 sophomore effort, How to Cook Everything, solidified their reputation as an earnest, humble, and insistent voice in indie-folk singer-songwriting. With contributions from 50 local musicians, Hello Emerson crystallized life in a big town / small city amidst personal and political tensions. Confirming, denying, and otherwise complicating midwestern stereotypes within song’s narrative.
DPA compared them to Andy Shauf, going “far beyond normal folk pop standards,” while MDR Kultur christened them, “among the best indie bands in the USA.” Stateside, they were humbled with a hometown award for the best local release of 2020.
We count Hello Emerson among the best indie bands in the USA. His greatest strength is finding the true depth of everyday stories without making a fuss. (MDR Kultur – Radio feature on 2/10/2020)
There’s no getting around the Americana indie folk rock band Hello Emerson. The comparisons with Conor Oberst or Ryan Adams are still justified, and Sam Bodary could hardly wish for better references. With ‘How To Cook Everything’ he once again succeeds in a varied and multi-layered Americana indie folk rock album. ‘How To Cook Everything’ has become a huge successor to ‘Above The Floorboards’, establishing Bodary as a brilliant songwriter. Sounds & Books
Amazingly mature debut of a young, literary American: Sam Bodary is just 23, but this sounds like the sublime intersection of the best American indie folk bands. Glitterhouse