Despite negative degree windchills and multiple inches of snow, brotherkenzie, a Minnesota based multi-hyphenated artist, joined rock band Why? on a mini tour throughout the Midwest United States. The mind behind brotherkenzie, Nathan Stocker, took the stage at the Lucky Wolf in Paw Paw, Michigan excited to share a mix of songs (new and old), a few personal favorite covers, as well as asking the audience for suggestions.

Stocker, also known for his work in Hippo Campus, presents a different side of himself with brotherkenzie’s artisty. With Hippo Campus, he often sticks to stage left and supports the rest of his bandmates through buzzing guitar riffs and vocal solos that remain memorable months after you see them live. In brotherkenzie, the aforementioned remains the same, expect Stocker becomes the star of the show. Surrounded by the instruments of his accompanying headliner, Why?, all Stocker truly needed was a microphone, his guitar, and an attached harmonica in order to steal the show. Stocker mentioned that his various sets across this run did not have a strict setlist and he was planning to play whatever felt right. Many musicians, especially those in an opening slot, would stray far from this method of performance. Stocker shined.

His setlist and banter in between opened the audience up to a softer side of the alt-indie guitarist many of them know Stocker to be. The authenticity of his solo discography was infectious, proving Stocker’s ability to write across genres and reach in and out of an emotional state when it comes to writing and performing. About half way through the set, Stocker asked for song suggestions. A fan shouted “Paper Cut”, a track from 2018 that isn’t even streaming on Spotify or Apple Music. Stocker, whether he was prepared or not, treated the crowd to an incredibly rare deep cut adding to the overall genuineness of what to expect from a brotherkenzie show. It was intimate and friendly. The entire set was like watching your close friend in awe play music that truly means something to them, sans the headaches of streaming numbers or social media likes.

While brotherkenzie does not have any upcoming tour dates to share, Hippo Campus will be performing at First Avenue in Minneapolis, MN, for an I.C.E. OUT! Mutual Aid Benefit show hosted by Twin Cities United Performers (TCUP) alongside papa mbye, and 26 BATS!. Stocker did let the audience know that brotherkenzie won’t be gone for long as there may be new music and new dates to look out for. Follow along on his Instagram or website for more information as it becomes available.