about us


 

Indie Folk-Rock with Emotional Intensity and Dynamic Energy

 
 
 

My Familiar is an indie folk-rock band from Philadelphia, known for their emotional intensity and a sound that blends folk, rock, and soul with rich, dynamic instrumentation. Their music creates a distinctive experience, combining personal depth with a broad appeal, and resonating with listeners through both its energy and introspective quality.

Led by Chris Dunlap on vocals and guitar, with Lydia Joy as second lead vocalist, My Familiar is anchored by the powerful rhythms of Matt Arnone on drums, the lyrical beauty of Julia Povlow’s violin, and the steady groove of Billy Myers on bass. Together, they craft a sound that is as captivating in its tenderness as it is explosive in its energy.

Since forming, My Familiar has made their mark in the local music scene, performing a month-long residency at the Grape Room, featured on Alt 104.5’s “Live at Five” series, and appearing on notable platforms such as the After Hours Project at Pagoda City Records and the Sunday Sessions Project by PBR Productions. Their debut album, Demons (released in 2020), subtly weaves the themes of the seven deadly sins into its songs, exploring complex human experiences, challenging black-and-white moral views, and addressing both personal struggles and broader socio-political issues.

In addition to Demons, My Familiar has recently released videos for new songs "Oasis," "Better," and "Go Getter." While these tracks are not yet recorded for streaming, the videos give a preview of fresh material that will be featured at upcoming shows. After rebuilding their lineup, My Familiar is returning to the stage with a renewed sense of purpose and fresh music on the horizon. They’re ready to bring their signature energy and evolving sound to new audiences and continue growing their fanbase.

For updates on new releases and upcoming shows, follow My Familiar on Instagram and Facebook.

 
 
 

familiarS

Familiar (n) - A spirit often embodied in an animal and held to attend and serve or guard a person.

Every member of the band has their own familiar, individually chosen to best fit their personality. The only the constraints are that the animal must fit the traditional guidelines for witch familiars. That is to say, they must be small and common enough to be able to move about society discreetly so as not to raise suspicion.

Credit to Billy Gartrell for all of the familiar artwork.

 
 

meet the band

Chris

Dunlap

Vocals & Guitar

Lydia

Joy

Vocals

Matt

Arnone

Drums

Julia

Povlow

Violin

Billy

Myers

Bass