Email Justin Sherburn at contact@montopolismusic.com
​
Listen to us talk about the new record on NPR/KUT's Arts Eclectic.
Texan ambient classical duo Highway Lights is looking for performance opportunities in 2024. They will be on tour supporting their latest recording "A Space of Partial Illumination" to be released this spring. Their new approach to music making features immersive synthesizers and sweeping cello solos, perfect accompaniment for meditation, yoga, visual art, or any mindful listening environment.
Montopolis is pianist Justin Sherburn (Okkervil River) and cellist Sara Nelson (David Byrne, Austin Symphony). Their performances have been called "stunning and transcendent" by the Austin Chronicle. Their last release as a duo, "TWC Hold Music", was featured nationally on NPR's "All Things Considered".
BIO
After a decade of touring with indie rock band Okkervil River, pianist Justin Sherburn joined forces with cellist Sara Nelson to form the ambient modern classical group Montopolis. Combining piano, effects-treated guitars, and string arrangements, Montopolis performances have been called "stunning and transcendent" by the Austin Chronicle.
The music of Montopolis is influenced by Brian Eno, Arvo Part and modern ambient artists such as Stars of the Lid and Tim Hecker. The compositions modulate between expanses of drone and noise sculptures to counterpoint and melody driven songs that feature cello.
Justin Sherburn has had a varied career as a recording artist and touring musician, working with Okkervil River and the 8 1/2 Souvenirs among others, sharing the stage with legends such as Willie Nelson, Roky Erickson, Brian Setzer and Wilco, and appearing on the David Letterman, Conan O'Brien, and Jimmy Fallon television shows, as well as performing at major festivals around the globe.
Cellist Sara Nelson was the assistant principal cellist in the Austin Symphony Orchestra and has performed with world-renowned artists such as Stevie Wonder, Lyle Lovett, and Terry Bozzio. A founding member of the Tosca String Quartet, she has recorded and toured extensively with pop icon David Byrne. Her cello work has been featured in films such as “Waking Life” and the TV series “From Dusk Til Dawn”.
​
​