Well-Known Strangers was formed about 18 months ago, and the group just recently celebrated its first show.
There's nothing but smiles going forward from Betsy Ade and her musical mates, who have been entertaining Midwest audiences with their cello-infused, alternative pop/rock style that carries a splash of country and more.
"Our style is pretty unique as we have a traditional rock set up, but [also] an accomplished cello player who has flat-lining talent," said Ade, who performed Nov. 11 at Martyrs', 3855 N. Lincoln Ave., in Chicago, then the next night at Fusion in Kenosha, Wisconsin.
Ade ( vocals, guitar, mandolin ) is joined on stage by Joe Adamek ( acoustic guitar ), Sacia Jerome ( cello, background vocals ), Theodore Koth ( lead guitar, background vocals ), Roger Gower ( drums/percussion ) and John Kulas ( bass guitar ). Well-Known Strangers launched their new single and music video have been busy performing and preparing for the August 2016 launch of their new single, Splinter, and its music video earlier this year, and their debut album, Aligned.
"Joe and I were interested in building an organization that offers freedom of creativity along with strategies that would bring success," Ade said. "We wanted to make a solid foundation of people who were kind-hearted, open-minded, and had the ability to adjust and accept thoughts and opinions that were different than their own.
"Joe and I were asked to perform in a wedding of a mutual friend two years ago. During that time he asked to work with me on some of his song ideas. I met a few times with him and noticed we were a great match. Joe introduced me to Roger, John, and Theodore. Joe and I have always been huge fans of the cello, so I reached out to Sacia. I asked her to come to a practice just to see how it feels. She is obviously classically-trained, so I was worried she wouldn't like the unpredictability that is song writing. But she fit right in, rocked our socks off, and the rest is history.
"She has made this project and our sound stick out in crowds."
Ade said the release of Splinter has been one of her favorite moments with this band, so far. "The shooting of [the Splinter] video was surreal. I used to make this stuff up during playtime when I was a kid … now it's happening. [That was a] totally crazy, awesome experience for me."
Well-Known Strangers will be touring next year and its album is being released Jan. 20, 2017.
Ade said her long-term goal for Well-Known Strangers is simple: "We [want] to be able to support ourselves and our families while working as musicians ... and a European tour."
She added: "We are absolutely thrilled to be able to do what we do at this point in our lives. I speak on behalf of all the members in Well-Known Strangers when I say, we could never do it without our friends and family. We are forever indebted to you and hope to keep making you proud. Thank you for unwavering love and support."
Age: "Seasoned"
Job title: Singer/songwriter (Well-Known Strangers); and substitute teacher (Kenosha Unified School District)
Residence: Kenosha, Wisconsin
Orientation: Bisexual; in a relationship with Chantel, a nurse, for six years.
Favorite musician: "Ani DiFranco ... and 10 others; this is a tough [question]."
Favorite TV shows: The Get Down and American Horror Story
Dream vacation: Italy
Favorite movies: The Usual Suspects, American Hustle and The Princess Bride
Hobbies: "Playing catch with my son"
Little-known fact: "I was awarded a college scholarship for softball."