High On Stress, Matt Derda & The High Watts

High on Stress has released 5 studio albums including their critically acclaimed new album "Hold Me In." HoS's collection of songs could easily be subtitled "Nick Leet's Huge Heart" because that's what's been at the center of the foursome throughout the band's entire run. All those chunky guitar riffs, pedal steel nirvana moments, two-part harmonies and snare drum synergy push Leet's plaintive cry and yearning songwriter soul to beautiful heights that shouldn't be missed or forgotten by lovers of heartfelt classic alt-country. Supporters of the band include Peter Jesperson, the Manager of the Replacements, who deemed their latest "exceptional work." Minneapolis commercial radio station "Cities 97" proclaimed "This terrific band recalls a different era of Minnesota music." HoS has shared the stage with Jackson Browne, Tommy Stinson & Slim Dunlap (the Replacements), Golden Smog, Dave Pirner (Soul Asylum), Billy Pilgrim, Craig Finn (the Hold Steady/Lifter Puller), Matthew Ryan, Jesse Malin, the Gear Daddies and more.

Matt Derda & The High Watts, a Folk Rock group from the Chicago area, combines storytelling with resonant melodies. Blending Rock N Roll riffs with Eastern Kentucky roots, they've created a unique sound that captures the essence of Johnny Cash's Nashville and the grit of rock acts like The Replacements.