Whitney Small Talk

Whitney's New 2025 Studio Album Small Talk on LP.

Small Talk is Chicago duo Whitney’s fourth and unequivocally best and most affecting album.

After a decade of being roommates and bandmates, first in Smith Westerns and then in Whitney, Julien Ehrlich and Max Kakacek entered the studio in the Summer of 2024 sans-producer, with assorted pals dropping in to add parts.

The result is 11 incandescent songs that delight on two levels. There are: instant classic Whitney songs here, tunes that tug at the same heartfelt melodic strings they’ve always pulled, and still other moments that speak to how much room they gave themselves to evolve.

Whitney is a folk rock/Americana band from Chicago, formed in 2015 by guitarist Max Kakacek and drummer/vocalist Julien Ehrlich following the breakup of their previous band, Smith Westerns. Their music blends elements of folk, soul, and country, characterized by Ehrlich’s falsetto vocals and a nostalgic, summery sound. The band’s debut album, Light Upon the Lake, released in June 2016, received critical acclaim for its warm tones and introspective lyrics. Their second album, Forever Turned Around (2019), continued their exploration of themes like love and friendship, further solidifying their place in the indie music scene. In 2020, they released Candid, an album of cover songs, showcasing their versatility and appreciation for diverse musical influences. In 2022, Whitney released Spark, marking a shift towards a more classic pop sound while retaining their signature emotional depth.

The band continues to evolve, captivating audiences worldwide with their heartfelt performances and timeless melodies. Revered in their hometown of Chicago the Mayor of the city created a Whitney day to honor their contribution to the local music scene. Whitney has many international tours under their belt, performing at festivals like Lollapalooza, Newport Folk Festival and Coachella Music Festival. They’ve also completed tours across Australia boasting performances at Australia’s iconic Laneway Festival. In Europe and the UK, they’ve played Primavera Sound, GreenMan Festival, Iceland Airwaves, etc.