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 while working together at an environmental non-profit.
They are known for their crisp blend of catchy Indie and psychedelic rock instrumentation 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.
Following Miles’s evocative and introspective 2022 solo album, Standing Upon This Array, the Ancient Waves have released four singles ahead of a Spring 2026 full length release. As a live band, Ancient Waves continues to grow and build momentum by injecting buoyant grooves to Miles’s songs to mesmerize audiences.
“Ancient Waves knows how to create music that builds on gorgeously strange beats and a hypnotic outpouring of emotions.”
“This band has a very unique sound but also clear nods to bands like Modest Mouse.. The way the entire band played together was like magic... super organic and free. ”