Ancient Waves Share ‘Mississippi Song’ From Debut Album ‘Dreams I Fly In, Dreams I Die In’
Minneapolis indie-rock band Ancient Waves have released their debut album, ‘Dreams I Fly In, Dreams I Die In,’ via Featherbed Records.
The band is led by singer-songwriter Jarad Miles, who grew up on a farm near Colman, South Dakota, before moving west to Portland, Oregon, and later returning to the Midwest after a difficult period of financial and personal upheaval. Those experiences sit at the centre of the album, which deals with getting lost, starting over, and finding a sense of place again.
Formed in 2019, Ancient Waves were slowed by the pandemic before reemerging in 2021. Their sound blends Americana-flavored indie rock with the country and roots music Miles heard growing up, as well as the alternative music that shaped him later. The band’s lineup features Miles on vocals and rhythm guitar, Andy Nail on bass, Ed Draper on drums, and Andrew Berg on lead guitar.
‘Dreams I Fly In, Dreams I Die In’ was co-produced by Miles and Jason Orris at Terrarium Studios in Minneapolis. The album was recorded with a live-band feel, using minimal overdubs and leaving room for the lyrics to stay in focus. Multi-instrumentalist Noah Klemp also contributed backing vocals, synth, and keys during the sessions.
The single ‘Mississippi Song’ reflects one of the album’s most personal moments. Built around chiming guitars, a mellotron line, and a loose groove, the song recalls Miles sharing a quiet place by the Mississippi River with his daughter. Years after the song began, his now sixteen-year-old daughter helped shoot the video, bringing the story back to its source.
Across its 11 songs, ‘Dreams I Fly In, Dreams I Die In’ presents Ancient Waves as a band rooted in memory, family, landscape, and second chances.
Across its 11 songs, ‘Dreams I Fly In, Dreams I Die In’ presents Ancient Waves as a band rooted in memory, family, landscape, and second chances.
Headline photo: Molly Miles
Ancient Waves Website / Facebook / Instagram
