Illiterate Light

Illiterate Light, an American alternative rock duo, was formed in Harrisonburg, Virginia, in 2015 by Jeff Gorman and Jake Cochran. Their sound is rooted in rock and Americana, incorporating folk and psychedelic elements. Gorman manages vocals, guitar, and synth bass, while Cochran handles drums and vocals. The duo is known for their dynamic live shows, where Cochran plays a standing drum kit and Gorman uses a Moog Synthesizer with his feet while simultaneously singing, playing guitar, and headbanging. They do not use backing tracks, contributing to their unique, ‘massive’ sound, as described by The Washington Post.

Gorman and Cochran first met in 2010 at James Madison University. Before forming Illiterate Light in 2015, they were part of a band called Money Cannot Be Eaten from 2011 to 2013. During this period, they also managed an organic farm together. A notable aspect of their early career involved touring by bicycle with other artists and activists, a practice that has continued in their work today, including running a bicycle-powered stage at the Newport Folk Festival. This commitment to unique live performances and sustainability has been a consistent element of their career.

Illiterate Light signed with Atlantic Records in 2019, releasing their self-titled debut album that same year. “Better Than I Used To” from this album spent several months on the AAA radio charts, and NPR recognized them as one of the 2020 Artists To Watch Out For. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, they pursued an independent path, releasing their sophomore album, “Sunburned,” in January 2023, via Thirty Tigers. This album was named “one of the best albums of 2023” by SPIN magazine. Their third studio album, “Arches,” was released in November 2024, co-produced by Gorman and Cochran, and received nominations from Consequence as one of the best albums of November 2024.