Indie rock fans, mark your calendars: Carriers, the heartfelt project of Curt Kiser, is coming to HI-FI in Indianapolis on May 28th as part of a highly anticipated album release tour. The show celebrates the arrival of Kiser’s second full-length album, Every Time I Feel Afraid.
A New Chapter in Vulnerability and Sound
With Every Time I Feel Afraid, Kiser opens up like never before. “I feel the most honest in my songs,” he shared on social media. “It’s how I process this life. It’s my safe space.” Crafted as both a personal catharsis and a sonic comfort zone, the album invites listeners to sit with their emotions, find solace in melody, and maybe give the record a permanent spot on their shelves for decades to come. Listen now.
This new LP builds on the lush textures and poetic Americana that made 2019’s Now Is The Time For Loving Me, Yourself & Everyone Else a local gem. That debut featured powerhouse collaborators like Bryan Devendorf (The National) and John Curley (Afghan Whigs), and helped establish Kiser as a musical force in his Ohio hometown.
A Rising Star with Deep Roots
Kiser’s star has only risen since. From playing sold-out shows and summer festival slots alongside Band of Horses, Fruit Bats, and Michael Marcagi, to rocking out with his dad in front of 60,000 fans at a Bengals Monday Night Football game, Carriers have been steadily carving their name into the indie rock landscape.
Fans of artists like Tom Petty, Amen Dunes, and Kurt Vile will find plenty to love in Kiser’s crisp, swirling arrangements—equal parts grounded and cosmic, poetic and raw.
Star-Powered Singles Set the Stage
The road to Every Time I Feel Afraid began in December with the release of “Sometimes,” co-produced by Dave Nelson (who’s worked with everyone from Joanna Newsom to Taylor Swift). That was followed by “Blurry Eyes,” a dreamy track featuring members of The National and The War on Drugs, and mixed by studio wizard Peter Katis (Interpol, Death Cab for Cutie). The singles have earned spins on KEXP, KCRW, and WXPN, and snagged playlist spots on Apple Music’s New Music Daily and Morning Coffee.
Not to mention—Cincinnati CityBeat just named Carriers one of 2025’s Artists To Watch, calling out Kiser’s “magical ability to turn raw emotion into sound.”
A Familiar Face to Indy Stages
While this upcoming HI-FI set marks a major milestone, it’s not Carriers’ first time captivating Indy crowds. Curt Kiser has built a deep connection with the city over the years, including:
- Opening for Heartless Bastards at HI-FI on December 2023
- Sharing the LO-FI stage with Airpark in November 2022
- Co-headling the LO-FI Lounge with Twen in April 2022
Don’t Miss Carriers at HI-FI w/ Major Murphy & The Matriarch
Whether you’re a longtime fan or discovering Carriers for the first time, this stop in Indianapolis promises a night of honest lyrics, soaring melodies, and the kind of emotional resonance that lingers long after the last note.
Come celebrate Every Time I Feel Afraid and witness one of indie rock’s most promising voices live and up close. Get your tickets now.