Califone

The Profile

Califone is an American music group formed by Tim Rutili after Red Red Meat, blending folk, blues, and electronics into intimate, experimental songs. The band originated in Chicago in the late 1990s and has released acclaimed records including Roomsound, Quicksand/Cradlesnakes, Heron King Blues, Roots & Crowns, and All My Friends Are Funeral Singers.

Formed in Chicago in the late 1990s by Tim Rutili following Red Red Meat; active from 1997 to the present; known for mixing American folk/blues instrumentation with electronic and experimental elements; notable albums include Roomsound (2001), Quicksand/Cradlesnakes (2003), Heron King Blues (2004), Roots & Crowns (2006), All My Friends Are Funeral Singers (2009), Stitches (2013), Echo Mine (2020), and Villagers (2023).

Two reviews portray Califone as a slow-burning project led by Tim Rutili, fusing folk roots with electronics and cinematic textures. Roots & Crowns is praised for its intimate, genre-defying approach (including a standout Psychic TV cover). All My Friends Are Funeral Singers extends the blend of slide guitar, percussion, and synths into a nuanced, travel-ready listen. Influences and touchpoints include Wilco, Low, Brian Eno, and Neil Young.