Friko's 2024 - A Journey of Musical Success
Release of the Latest Album
Back in 2022, the Tribune first interviewed Friko, currently consisting of Niko Kapetan and Bailey Minzenberger. At that time, they had just released a demo track "One to One" after a brief creative pause during the start of the pandemic. This track, with its piercing lyrics and winsome melodies, caught the attention of locals who were eager for more music after their 2019 collection of demos. The success continued with additional 2022 singles, leading to the release of their next EP, "Whenever Forever," and an Audiotree session. It's clear that Friko is on a path to success.Their latest album, "Where we’ve been, Where we go from here," has been a game-changer. Media outlets around the world have heaped praise on it, and its popularity has led to debut festival appearances at Lollapalooza, the Newport Folk Festival in Rhode Island, and Fuji Rock in Japan. They have also embarked on their first tours in Europe, China, and Japan, a remarkable achievement for a growing Chicago band.
The Making of the Record
Kapetan credits the success of the record to the collaborative effort. "It was our most collaborative effort," he said. "We kind of know who we are as a band and the kind of music we can make and be impactful in making it. We know if an idea is going to work for us while we’re in the middle of doing it, and that’s a really nice feeling."Ninety percent of the record was recorded and mixed before they signed to a label. Without outside pressures, they had the freedom to create exactly what they wanted. It was primarily recorded at Palisade Studios on Clybourne and Trigger on Addison. The result is a record that sounds both nostalgic and momentous, as if it were tapping into a long-gone energy that once dominated the indie rock scene.
Continued Success and Future Plans
Friko shows no signs of slowing down. Last month, they released an expanded version of "Where we’ve been, Where we go from here" with bonus tracks and a My Bloody Valentine cover. On Dec. 27, they'll play a homecoming set at Thalia Hall, which will also serve as the setting for a live album and film planned for later in 2025. They are also working with a lighting designer to create a more visually exciting experience for audiences.Next year, they'll embark on more touring, this time sticking to the United States and Canada. Kapetan says he's spent a lot of time writing, and the band will soon regroup to explore ideas for the songs. Each album is meant to be a big statement, and they want to make it say something different from the previous one. Musically, that's the most important thing for them.
In the midst of it all, Friko remains dedicated to making new music and continuing their journey of musical success.