Strand of Oaks

Where They’re From: Goshen, IN

Who They Are: Strand of Oaks is the recording and performing name of singer-songwriter and guitarist Tim Showalter. Born in Goshen, Indiana and based at various turns in Wilkes-Barre and Philadelphia, PA, as well as Austin, TX, they’ve moved from indie-acoustic singer-songwriter music to turbulent psychedelia and ultimately anthemic indie rock. Oaks broke out in 2014 with the rousing HEAL LP, delivering highly personal stories, a contrast to past albums where Showalter spun surreal tales about alien abduction and John Belushi’s drug dealer. Whatever city Showalter calls home, he’s a fixture in the XPN universe, from playing NON-COMM and XPoNential Music Fest multiple times, being our June 2014 Artist to watch, and paying long visits to the XPN office to nerd out about music with our own Bruce Warren.

Years Active: 2009 – present

Essential Albums: Pope Killdragon (2010), HEAL (2014), Eraserland (2019)