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Illiterate Light

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Illiterate Light Tickets

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United States

About

Illiterate Light on Tour

Virginia-based duo Illiterate Light's unique brand of indie rock combines elements of My Morning Jacket, Wilco and the Black Keys to great effect. Founded by singer/guitarist Jeff Gorman and drummer Jake Cochran, Illiterate Light create guitar-laden indie rock mixed with elements of folk and blues, with some synths thrown in for good measure.

Both avid environmentalists, Gorman and Cochran became known for their live shows that were powered by bicycles. While out on tour, they would put a bike on a generator stand and ask fans or crew members to pedal as the band performed to generate electricity for their shows, which made their shows unique, fun and sustainable.

While working on their sophomore full-length album, Sunburned (January 2023), the band built an elaborate home studio to record and experiment with new instruments and sounds. Their live performances are energetic, raucous and inspiring, so don't miss your chance to grab tickets to a show near you when they tour next.

Illiterate Light Live in Concert

Illiterate Light formed when Jeff Gorman and Jake Cochran met as sophomores at James Madison University in Virginia. They discovered they both had a passion for music, environmentalism and social justice, and joined a group of musicians who would embark on a summer bike tour called the Petrol-Free Jubilee.

They also did an agricultural internship together during their senior year in college. They farmed during the day and played music at night, passions they continued even after graduation.

Their self-titled debut album was released in 2019 on Atlantic Records and garnered rave reviews from the likes of the Washington Post, Spin and NPR and led to tours supporting The Head And The Heart, Shakey Graves and Rainbow Kitten Surprise.

Taking their name from lyrics in a Wilco song, Illiterate Light said they channeled their grief and sadness from the death of Gorman's father into something healing and positive when writing their 2023 album, Sunburned.

Reviews

Rating: 5 out of 5 based on 8 reviews
  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    One of the best live events ever

    by 10 stars on a 5 star scale! on 1/3/24Jefferson Theater - Charlottesville

    These guys bring the energy beyond the best you hope for. Big time feel good energy. Mosh pit was going, crowd was jumping, crowd surfing happened and other over the top good time antics. And a fun and friendly good time vibe. And great song writing and musicianship. A Lennon & McCartney combo with the fun factor on 10. So creative. How can 2 people make that big a sound and pump up a crowd and hold that energy through the New Year countdown? Mind blown. A perfect way to spend New Year’s eve. If you get a chance to see these guys DO NOT MISS IT!

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    amazing- out of the stratosphere- incredible show

    by beaverton on 1/3/24Jefferson Theater - Charlottesville

    Illiterate Light is the greatest rock n roll band of this century- their on stage electric high energy performance is nothing short of taking a rocket to Mars and feeling the vibration catapult you into another realm. IT was one of the best shows i have seen them play- they just keep taking the audience to a new level of consciousness with their lyrics, sound and musical talents. Can't wait to see them again ASAP.... dynamite sound intensified through their incredible energy and ability to command their instruments while having the time of their life!!!!

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Greatness

    by Emmad on 1/3/24Jefferson Theater - Charlottesville

    This band is great in the studio and even better live. Better all the time. Good choice of songs to cover as well.

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    See them NOW while you have the chance!!

    by SD on 12/13/23The Atlantis - Washington

    Exceeded expectations and were incredible live! Just two talented souls having the time of their lives on stage is such a beautiful thing to witness

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    A blast!

    by Lauren on 1/30/23Jefferson Theater - Charlottesville

    These guys absolutely killed it! It was my second time seeing them perform and loved it, what an amazing show and audience all around. Hope they come back here soon!!

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Illiterate Light - Palm Palm

    by Peter Holmes on 1/30/23Jefferson Theater - Charlottesville

    Excellent show(s) - both bands! Each band had great onstage presence and each had a large and engaged fanbase. Fun times all around.

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Fantastic music and very entertaining showmanship

    by Lauren on 1/30/23Jefferson Theater - Charlottesville

    We love Jefferson Theatre, its an intimate setting that holds a crowd of music lovers. Usually we are on the floor but we enjoy the bar and the theatre seats up higher.

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Small Band, Big Show

    by Cameron on 10/14/22Elevation 27 - Virginia Beach

    Jeff and Jake are really a dynamic duo and pack a punch in a 10 song set; they have a lot of rock influence and western influence that coincide into something for all music tastes. Doubly, they stick around after the set to meet fans, sell merchandise and hang out a bit. They're a smaller band, so there's a lot of crowd interaction and conversation between both performers and the audience. At a point, Jake jumped out the stage, ran through the crowd and got back on just to drum, standing on an amp on one foot. Will definitely see them again! Even if you don't know the lyrics or aren't a fan, it is so easy to be drawn in.