Pressing Strings

When music is given the benefit of instinct, imagination and inspiration, the results are guaranteed to be good. So it ought to come as no surprise that the critically-acclaimed Annapolis, Maryland-based trio, appropriately dubbed Pressing Strings, has infused those elements within their musical mantra from the beginning. The band —Jordan Sokel (Guitar/Vocals), Nick Welker (Bass, Vocals), and Justin Kruger (Drums, Vocals) can trace its origins to Sokel’s initial fascination with some iconic influences, among them, the usual suspects — Dylan, Marley, Simon, Withers, Al Green, Marvin Gaye, Led Zeppelin, etc.

In their formative years, the members found themselves waiting tables and stocking shelves in order to pay the bills. It also meant taking whatever gigs were offered and selling CDs they burned themselves out of an old Samsonite suitcase. Fortunately though, their efforts paid off, and they not only were able to pay their bills, but also pay their dues as well, leading to headliner status at home in Annapolis, as well as in Baltimore,Washington DC, and Maryland's eastern shore. Their fame eventually spread to the entire Eastern Seaboard, leading them to make frequent festival appearances at Peachfest, Firefly, Sweetwater, 420 Fest, Floydfest, Cavefest, and WTMD’s First Thursdays. It also found them opening for the likes of The Beach Boys, Government Mule, Toad the Wet Sprocket, JJ Grey & Mofro, Rachael Yamagata, Neil Francis, The Toadies, Jerry Douglas, the Sam Roberts Band, Rayland Baxter Michael Glabicki (Rusted Root), Rayland Baxter, and Junior Marvin of the Wailers. Soon, radio began taking notice, with national AAA and public broadcasters across the U.S. eagerly embracing the band and taking them to the top of their charts. As a result, they’ve been featured on WTMD’s “Top 89 Songs of the Year” five times and WRNR’s “Top 103” four times. WRNR Program Director Bo Waugh declared “[Band frontman] Jordan Sokel’s voice is insanely unique and compelling. One day, the world is going to wake up and wonder why it’s taken too long for Pressing Strings to receive the national recognition they so richly deserve.”

These days, Sokel himself finds reflecting on all that Pressing Strings has accomplished thus far and how it’s impacted his life overall. "Music is an extension of who I am, what I'm going through, what I'm feeling, and the people who are meaningful in my life,” he maintains. “It offers me an avenue to share my feelings and, in doing so, connect with people. It's never failed to give me comfort, in both the best and worst of times.” That’s what great music is all about. It’s comforting to have Pressing Strings providing that comfort and concern.