Listener

Listener is a group from Fayetteville, United States, active since 2002. It is known for combining emo, hip hop, indie rock and spoken word, and is often described in relation to talk music and experimental approaches.

Line-up and development

The group begins as a very stripped-back project built around two people, a guitar, a MacBook and a washing machine. It later develops into a full rock trio. Dan Smith is the vocalist and also plays bass and brass, Christin Nelson plays guitar and shapes the musical arrangements, and Kris Rochelle plays drums.

Style and performance

Listener is associated with spoken-word delivery and a style that keeps the listener's attention through detailed arrangements and stage banter. The group combines words and music in a way that places emphasis on both lyrical content and instrumental force.