Nate Amos and Marcus Drake, former members of the indie pop and experimental rock band Opposites, founded the record label Grandpa Bay in Chicago in 2011. The label quickly became a hub for the city’s DIY music scene, releasing a wide range of albums, EPs, and singles by local musicians.
Although Grandpa Bay closed its doors in 2017, the legacy of the label lives on through the continued success of artists like Nate Amos and Marcus Drake. Amos is now part of the art-pop duo Water From Your Eyes, whose latest album, “Everyone’s Crushed,” has received critical acclaim. His solo project, This Is Lorelei, released a new record in June. On the other hand, Marcus Drake recently released his solo album, “Save Point 1,” after a seven-year hiatus.
For both Amos and Drake, Grandpa Bay was more than just a record label—it was a collective of like-minded musicians pushing creative boundaries. The label’s catalog remains available on Bandcamp, showcasing the depth and diversity of the music it produced over the years.
The journey of Nate Amos and Marcus Drake from forming Opposites to establishing Grandpa Bay and pursuing their individual projects is a testament to the vibrant music scene in Chicago. Their dedication to experimentation and collaboration has left a lasting impact on the local music community.
As fans of their music, we can look forward to more exciting projects from Nate Amos, Marcus Drake, and other artists who were part of the Grandpa Bay family. The spirit of creativity and innovation that defined the label continues to inspire musicians and listeners alike, keeping the legacy of Grandpa Bay alive in the hearts of Chicago’s music scene.
