The Kindest People

The Kindest People are a four-piece indie/garage rock band from the mountains of Johnson City, Tennessee. Formed in July 2015 by Matthew Sykes and Spencer Otey for a one-off weekend of shows, The Kindest People were never supposed to continue. Seven years, five albums, and two EPs later, the band continues to pump out their own unique brand of DIY rock and roll. Walking a line of modern pop sensibilities with a reverence for 60’s garage rock and 90’s alternative, The Kindest People have created a sprawling catalog of albums and content over the last seven years. 2016 saw the band self-release their first EP Versions. In 2017 the band released their Heaven’s Gate inspired concept album Idle Revival with a follow up to their first EP with 2018’s Versions II. The band would continue to create records built around overarching themes and ideas. 2018’s album Observations from the Alternate follows a man who explores his choices and life through the lens of alternate timelines. With lockdown in full affect and no shows to be played, the band would release two full albums in 2020. The Appalachian and blues inspired ode to friendship Companions and the sci-fi inspired concept album Director’s Cut. With their most recent release, 2021’s eponymous The Kindest People finds the band ditching concepts for a more reflective and personal songwriting style and shows a band with a continued willingness to change and grow with each new release.