Bartees Strange

Born Bartees Leon Cox Jr. in Ipswich, England to a military father and opera-singer mother, Bartees had a peripatetic early childhood before eventually settling in Mustang, Oklahoma. Later, he cut his teeth playing in hardcore bands in Washington D.C. and Brooklyn whilst working in the Barack Obama administration and (eventually) the environmental movement. After charting a path as a solo artist, Bartees Strange released two records in quick succession: an EP reimagining songs by The National (Say Goodbye To Pretty Boy, 2020) and his debut album proper Live Forever (2020), which was featured as Best New Music on Pitchfork and earned Strange a loyal cult following.

Where his 2020 debut record Live Forever introduced the experiences and places that shaped Strange (Flagey Brussels, Mustang Oklahoma), Farm to Table zeroed in on the people—specifically his family and those closest to him—on his journey so far. The album secured Strange’s status as one of the most buzzed-about artists of the year, earning best-of nods from the likes of The New York Times, Rolling Stone, NPR Music, and many more. In the time since, he has supported Boygenius, Clairo, and The National on tour, and been featured on multiple popular TV and film soundtracks including Apple TV’s The New Look and A24’s I Saw the TV Glow alongside Caroline Polachek, Sloppy Jane ft Phoebe Bridgers, and yeule.

In June 2024 Bartees returned with a new single ‘Lie 95’, produced by himself alongside collaborator Graham Richman and featuring additional vocals from Kacy Hill . From its explosive chorus and soaring vocals centering on all consuming passion, “Lie 95” heralds a new era for the uniquely genre-defying artist.

“One of the fastest-rising rock stars in the country” – Rolling Stone

“Bartees Strange belongs to a genre of one”– New York Times 

“Exploding genre into musical fireworks, he is here to rewrite the rulebook”- The Guardian