For fans of Radiohead, Mazzy Star, Beach House and Elliot Smith, Mod Kiddo is a rising talent for Louisville to fall in love with. Born Michaela McKiernan, the singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist’s first foray into the music-industry was at 14, designing tour merchandise for rock band (and fellow Kentucky natives) Cage the Elephant. From there, she started experimenting with claymation, making music videos with burgeoning bands like Big Sun, and trying out her hand at making music of her own through songwriting and guitar.
Her eerie, ethereal debut album Scintillation was created with producer Craig Pfunder and blends desolate highway dream pop with washed-out lo-fi rock, resulting in the perfect hint of nostalgia propelled by melodic tension and fresh energy. “Every turn I take with this record I encounter something from a dream,” says McKiernan. “Musicians I’ve looked up to for a long time were kind enough to play on it and lend their creativity." Rounding out the studio band is Tom Blankenship of My Morning Jacket on bass; Van Campbell of Black Diamond Heavies / Bonnie "Prince" Billy on drums; along with Pfunder who played guitar and synth. Grammy nominated mix engineer Justin Craig put finishing touches on the mix. "I've relished the recording process," says McKiernan, "but now I'm just excited to have it out in the world, and perform it anywhere and everywhere."