Alaska-based singer-songwriter Josh Fortenbery has released his new album Tidy Memorial, available now on all streaming platforms. Known for his blend of “neurotic folk” and “existential country,” Fortenbery’s latest work expands his sound with electric keys, pedal steel guitar, and drums, marking a notable evolution from his more traditional folk and bluegrass beginnings.
Tidy Memorial continues the narrative voice of his debut album while focusing on a series of songs that serve as eulogies—personal, emotional, and reflective of both individual and collective loss. The 10-track collection highlights Fortenbery’s growth as a writer and musician, exploring the tension between introspection and outward observation.
A proud Alaskan artist, Fortenbery draws deep inspiration from his adopted hometown of Juneau, Alaska, where he recorded much of the album. The project was co-produced by Justin Smith, who transported his analog studio equipment across the state to capture the record’s organic sound. Recording sessions took place in a makeshift home studio and a closed-for-winter hotel, embodying the creative DIY spirit often required of Alaskan musicians.
With contributions from pedal steel player Erik Clampitt of Portland, Oregon, and local Juneau collaborators Taylor Vidic and Kennedy Kruchoski on harmonies, the album reflects the depth of musical talent within Alaska’s remote but vibrant community.
The record includes the singles “Is It Me?”, “City Lights,” and “Nobody Is Pleased.”
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“Is It Me?” explores themes of self-acceptance and love amidst the backdrop of anxiety and social unease.
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“City Lights,” one of Fortenbery’s oldest compositions, revisits the melancholy of youth through a blend of Hammond B3 organ and nostalgic melody.
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“Nobody Is Pleased” has become a live favorite, built around hypnotic rhythms and introspective lyricism.
Other standout tracks include “Steven,” inspired by a real-life tragedy in Juneau, and “Poppy’s Waltz,” a tribute to Fortenbery’s grandfather, a World War II veteran. Together, the songs weave stories of loss, remembrance, and renewal, underscoring the album’s central theme of letting go while holding on to what matters most.
Tidy Memorial follows Fortenbery’s acclaimed debut and showcases his continued evolution as a songwriter unafraid to confront vulnerability and existential questioning. Recorded amid the icy isolation of Alaska’s winter, the album offers warmth through its humanity and craftsmanship.
Tracklist:
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Heaven’s Above
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Nobody Is Pleased
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Groundhog
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Poppy’s Waltz
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Steven
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City Lights
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End of the Bargain
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Is It Me?
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Tidy Memorial
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Wanderlust
Tidy Memorial is now available on all major streaming platforms.
