Fresh off a run of sold-out shows, genre-bending Louisville collective Houseplant unveils their latest evolution: the addition of Ben Atkind, former founding drummer of chart-topping jam act Goose. Atkind’s arrival marks a seismic shift for the band, merging his storied improvisational prowess with Houseplant’s signature blend of indie-rock lyricism and kaleidoscopic grooves.
Formed in the creative crucible of 2020’s lockdown era, Houseplant has spent the past four years sharpening a sound that defies easy categorization. Equal parts jam-band spontaneity and songwriter-driven depth, their music—anchored by electric mandolin rhythms, lush textures, and a rotating cast of veteran players—has drawn comparisons to indie innovators and jam legends alike. With Atkind now behind the kit, the band enters 2025 poised to transcend the underground and stake their claim as one of modern music’s most thrilling live acts.
“Houseplant isn’t just another jam band—they truly have a special vibe,” says Atkind, whose departure from Goose in 2023 left fans speculating about his next chapter. “Their songs are beautifully weird, shape-shifting stories. From poetic lyrics to tongue in cheek wordplay, and arrangements that let the music breathe, so much of what the band does is a vehicle for improvisation. Beyond the music, the family-like energy they’ve built and their amazing team makes this the exact creative space I’ve been looking for.”
Houseplant’s members echo the enthusiasm. Mandolinist/vocalist Tavis Conley notes Atkind’s instant chemistry: “With Ben being a Berklee guy and having a background in Jazz and improvisational music, our jams have been taken to a new level. He keeps them interesting. His drumming instincts are incredible, and he can just sense where he needs to be on songs that he hasn’t even learned yet.” Guitarist Roadie adds, “From the downbeat of the first tune we played, it was clear Ben did his homework. I was struck by how open his playing is and how engaged he is in jams…it’s like we’re finishing each other’s sentences. Amazing!”
Bassist Tommy Arnspiger and keys player Sam Richardson emphasize Atkind’s technical mastery and collaborative spirit. “Ben is extremely down to earth, has a great attitude towards music and life, and works his ass off. He’s been nothing but kind and professional during our recent hangs,” said Arnspiger. Richardson highlights their symbiotic improvisation: “he adapts to the rhythmic changes that I present throughout the sections of a song—every change I make, he’s right there following along, and vice versa—I’ve never had the opportunity to play with a drummer that responsive, and it makes live performances 10 times more fulfilling onstage.”
Houseplant plans to debut their new lineup at upcoming summer festivals, followed by a fall tour later this year. For a band already hailed as “the best-kept secret in the scene” (JamBase) Atkind’s arrival signals a watershed moment—one where raw talent meets unstoppable momentum.
For more information, please visit houseplantjams.com.
ABOUT HOUSEPLANT
Born in 2020’s COVID isolation, Houseplant blossomed into a genre-fluid force merging jam-band improvisation, indie-rock storytelling, and jazz-schooled precision. Defined by electric mandolin leads, hypnotic grooves, and lyrics that balance humor and heartache, the Louisville-based group has swiftly grown from local buzz to national intrigue. With Ben Atkind now fueling their rhythm section, Houseplant’s next chapter promises to be their boldest yet.
