It took a move across the country and a pandemic to crystallize the Ancient Waves into a bright new force on the Twin Cities music scene. The talented four-piece, led by South Dakota-native Jarad Miles, was formed in 2019 alongside bassist Andy Nail and drummer Ed Draper after meeting at an environmental non-profit where they worked together. Lead guitarist Andrew Berg joined the band in late 2021.

Formerly Jarad Miles & the Ancient Waves, they are known for delivering a compelling blend of Indie, psychedelic, and classic rock instrumentation (think My Morning Jacket or Modest Mouse with a hint of Pixies, The Flaming Lips, and Animal Collective) around Miles’s stellar songcraft. Since 2019, Miles has led the eclectic and expansive Ancient Waves through thick and thin, doling out the fervor and mystique of a love-sick sea captain to songs about the wonders and dismays of the universe. 

As a live band, the Ancient Waves continue to grow and build momentum—injecting infectious rhythmic layers to buoy Miles’s poignant songs and mesmerize audiences. On the heels of Miles’s 2022 solo album, Standing Upon This Array—his most evocative and introspective album to-date—Miles has refocused his efforts back to live shows with the band and producing their first record. After a run of recent singles and dynamic live shows, a growing audience for Ancient Waves seems almost inevitable.