Bio
Kobanova is a folk rock and alternative music experience created by Jimmy Riemer, Wes Bacastow, and Chris Dickson. The three longtime musicians met as students at the University of Georgia and spent two years developing their eclectic sound before releasing their first single Far From Home in the Fall of 2019. The group had a strong rise in Athens, Georgia, and headlined their first show at the 40 Watt Club in February 2020.
In the summer of 2022, Kobanova established a new center of gravity in Atlanta, Georgia, and introduced Ripken Walker (drums) and Owen Eaton (bass guitar) as the new constants in
their live ensemble. Over the next 18 months, the group released a slew of singles and their first EP, For Better or Worse, which was accompanied with a sold-out release show at Smith's Olde Bar in April 2023. Building off their EP's success, they earned spots in several music festivals and supported acts The Vegabonds and Virginia Man on shows in Atlanta. The trio concluded the year releasing their self-titled album, Kobanova, comprising all of their singles released from 2019 to 2023 into a fully remastered LP.
2024 is proving to be another heart pumping year for the Atlanta band. They released three special, live recordings filmed on camera at 800 East Studios featuring guest performances by friends Thomas Avery (organ) and Jacob Selvaggi (saxophone). Kobanova then made its first appearance in Atlanta's longstanding food & music festival Oysterfest and followed up by joining Robert Jon and the Wreck on tour dates in Atlanta and Athens.
The band believes in making each show a captivating experience and regularly brings on guest performers to breathe new life into their original music. For the remainder of the year, they will split their time between a busy live show schedule and recording their sophomore album which is set to release in late 2024.