Chicago Farmer, Sep. 12th.

When taking on the moniker Chicago Farmer, singer-songwriter Cody Diekhoff aimed to not only showcase the dichotomy of his life and travels -- growing up in the tiny Illinois farm community of Delavan, and calling The Windy City home for several years -- he also wanted to honor his past through his uplifting, introspective melodies. My hometown kind of goes with me wherever I go, Diekhoff says. All the things I learned from my grandparents, I take that with me wherever I go. They're always in my heart and in my mind. Which is why Diekhoff's latest offering, Homeaid, puts a spotlight on the old soul nature and deep ethos of compassion and camaraderie that resides at the core of his being. A blend of Americana, indie-folk and roots-rock, the album swirls effortlessly into the ether of a modern world facing uncertain times. Home is where the art is/Home is where there's song, Diekhoff erupts on the title track. It hits you the hardest/When you're away from home too long. Diekhoff points to his biggest influence as a songwriter -- the late, great John Pine -- as a fundamental template for his craft, more so a sense of solidarity of where, why, and how melodies come together. You hear stories about how [John] used to write a lot of songs while delivering the mail -- it doesn't get more Americana or Midwest or cool than that, Diekhoff chuckles. I used to deliver flowers. I've delivered pizzas. I've delivered phone books. And so, I know what it's like being behind the wheel and gathering experiences while you're letting your imagination fly. With Homeaid, it's this true sense of self that's felt when it comes to those cherished faces and vivid moments from your own past. Images, sounds, and feelings conjured with ease, usually while cruising down some backcountry road, windows rolled down, the sunshine of another bountiful day slowly falling below the horizon, the unknown night quickly emerging -- this crossroads of sheer gratitude and endless inspiration. This is who I am now, Diekhoff says of Chicago Farmer. I represent both of these places, and I take a lot of pride in ownership of the name now.