Dear Indugu is an acoustic/electric indie-rock band from Oakland, California noted for powerful instrumentation, potent lyrics, and rich vocal harmony. What began as a solo project of singer-songwriter Jesse Strickman, grew into a permanent four-piece, with an occasional live horn section. The name, Dear Indugu, is inspired by the film ‘About Schmidt’ and is a metaphor for the communication of one’s innermost feelings to complete strangers.
The group performs regularly in the San Francisco Bay Area and has toured California, Oregon, Utah, Nevada, Idaho and Washington playing everywhere from coffee shops to outdoor amphitheaters. They have opened for national and world acts, such as Minipop, Cake, Jay Brannan, Judgement Day and more.
Dear Indugu’s music ranges from intimate folk solo songs to driving full band indie rock. With thoughtful lyrics, versatile instrumentation, and a firm commitment to originality and musicianship, the Bay Area based band delivers a unique and powerful sound. They are currently recording their debut studio release.
Jesse Strickman – Acoustic guitar, lead vocals
Joshua Owings – Electric guitar, vocals
Chris Nishimoto – Drums, vocals, percussion
Van Jackson-Weaver – Bass, vocals
Inside every human is a natural compulsion to the honest and the real. Oakland-based folk-rock band Dear Indugu embodies these primal desires in their lyrics and sound.
-Alameda Sun (Full article)
The band’s name comes from the movie ‘About Schmidt’ where Jack Nicholson’s character starts up a pen-pal relationship with his foster son in Africa and pours his heart out. The music that Dear Indugu produces on stage embodies just that. Heart-felt songs and personal experiences amplified, with loads of instrumental breaks and well-laid song lyrics.
-Monterey County Weekly (Full article)
The lyrics are really personal, which is good. You don’t get that enough these days. Everything’s flash and complaining about stuff, rather than talking about what really matters in life.
-Larry Kelp, Host of “Sing Out” KPFA 94.1FM Berkeley
The songs on the band’s new EP are raw and unadorned, but well-crafted.
-East Bay Express
