Friko: An Exciting Young Band from Chicago
Words by Mary Hermann
Friko is a dynamic two-person band hailing from Chicago, consisting of Niko Kapetan and Bailey Minzenberger. Both musicians come from families with strong musical backgrounds, which has undoubtedly influenced their talents and creative styles. Their shared experiences and musical heritage contribute to the unique sound they bring to their performances.
With their combined skills and passion for music, Friko recently captivated their audience at 9:30 Club, opening Royel Otis. It’s exciting to see how Friko’s backgrounds shaped their artistry.
Friko delivered an outstanding and energetic performance on Sept. 27, leaving an impression on everyone in attendance. They started their setlist strong with “Guess,” a new song that highlighted Kapetan’s powerful lyrics and captivating voice, setting the tone for the evening.
The band played 7 out of the 9 songs from their current album, Where We’ve Been, Where We Go From Here, offering fans a deep dive into their latest work. Each track highlighted their evolving sound and Kapetan’s compelling storytelling. Their ability to transition effortlessly between diverse styles — from energetic indie rock to somber ballads with lush strings — created a dynamic and engaging listening experience. An example of this: “Crimson To Chrome,” a song that builds with intensity. This kind of progression is often used to create an emotional journey for the audience, starting with a strong impact and then escalating to a more powerful climax while “Where We’ve Been, Where We Go From Here,” begins softer with a folk-like quality and culminates in an explosive finale.
Watch the official music video for “Crimson To Chrome” by Friko on YouTube:
Their live performance was incredibly engaging, with seamless transitions and a captivating stage presence. The energy of the crowd amplified the experience, with enthusiastic responses to every shift in tempo and mood.
Friko really showcased their diverse musical talent during the performance of “For Ella.” When Minzenberger picked up the guitar and Kapetan moved to the keyboard, it highlighted their versatility as musicians. This switch not only added a fresh dynamic to the song but also allowed each member to shine in different roles. The combination of guitar and keyboard created a rich, layered sound that enhances the overall atmosphere of the performance. It’s moments like these that demonstrate their ability to adapt and experiment with their music, captivating the audience even further.
The last song on Friko’s set, “Get It Numb,” was a fantastic conclusion to their performance. Starting off with stripped back acoustics, it created an intimate atmosphere before transitioning into a lively, fast-paced percussion section. The entire band joined in on the vocals, which added an energetic and inclusive feel for the finale. It was a great way to leave the audience energized and wanting more.
With such a strong ending, it’s clear that Friko has a lot to look forward to. Their growth and talent will surely make their future performances even more exciting! Friko even gave a shout out that they will be back in DC March 2025. Can’t wait to see how they evolve!