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Neko Richelle Case (/ˈniːkoʊ ˈkeɪs/ NEE-koh KAYSS;[2] born September 8, 1970)[3] is an American singer-songwriter and member of the Canadian indie rock group the New Pornographers. Case's singing voice has been described by contemporaries and critics as a "flamethrower",[4] "a powerhouse [which] seems like it might level buildings,"[5] "a 120-mph fastball,"[6] and a "vocal tornado".[7] Critics also note her idiosyncratic, "cryptic,"[8] "imagistic"[7] lyrics, and credit her as a significant figure in the early 21st-century American revival of the tenor guitar.[9][10] Case's body of work has spanned and drawn on a range of traditions including country, folk, art rock, indie rock, and pop and is frequently described as defying or avoiding easy generic classification.[11][12][13][14]

Early life

[edit]

Born in Alexandria, Virginia, Case is the only child of James Bamford Case.[15] Case's maternal family surname was originally Shevchenko; her great-aunt was the professional wrestler Ella Waldek.[16] Her father, a Vietnam veteran serving in the United States Air Force,[17] was based in Virginia at the time of her birth. Case's parents, who were teenagers when they had her, are of Ukrainian ancestry.[3] Her parents divorced when Case began school.[3] In her memoir, Case indicated that she was told that her mother died of cancer when she was in the second grade, but only two years later, she was told that this was not correct. After that, her mother flitted in and out of her life, and eventually Case cut ties with her mother for good. As she writes in the book, she had a revelation: "Perhaps her mother had never been sick at all."[18]

Case's family relocated several times during her childhood due to her stepfather's work as an archaeologist. She lived in Western Massachusetts, Vermont, Oregon and Washington.[3] She considers Tacoma, Washington to be her hometown.[19][20]

Case left home and was legally emancipated at age 15.[21] By the age of 18 she was performing as a drummer for the Del Logs and the Propanes, playing in venues including a punk club called the Community World Theater.[3]

Music career

[edit]

Vancouver

[edit]

In 1994, Case moved to Vancouver, British Columbia, to attend the Emily Carr Institute of Art and Design, leaving without a degree in 1998.[22][23] While in Vancouver, she played drums in several local bands, including the Del Logs, the Propanes, the Weasels, Cub, and Maow.[24] These bands were, for the most part, local punk groups. Case said of the vibrant Vancouver punk rock scene at that time, "A lot of women wanted to play music because they were inspired, because it was an incredibly good time for music in the Northwest. There was a lot of clubs, a lot of bands, a lot of people coming through, a lot of all-ages stuff—it was a very exciting time to live there."[17]

In 1998, she left Canada for Seattle, Washington. Before going, Case recorded vocals for a few songs that ended up on Mass Romantic, the New Pornographers' first album. Her lead vocals on songs like "Letter from an Occupant" are straightforward, full-volume power-pop performances, shedding any country elements. Released on November 28, 2000, Mass Romantic became a surprise success.[25] Although the band was originally conceived as a side project for its members, the New Pornographers remain a prominent presence in the indie rock world, having released their ninth album in 2023.

In addition to recording with the New Pornographers, Case collaborates with other Canadian musicians, including the Sadies and Carolyn Mark, and has recorded material by several noted Canadian songwriters, in particular on her 2001 EP Canadian Amp. As a result, she is also considered a significant figure in Canadian music—both CBC Radio 3 and the Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada have referred to Case as an "honourary Canadian".[26] In 2018 Case performed at the Vancouver Folk Music Festival.[27]

Seattle

[edit]

Case embraced country music on her 1997 album, The Virginian. The album contained original compositions as well as covers of songs by Ernest Tubb, Loretta Lynn and the 1974 Queen song "Misfire".[28] When the album was released, critics compared Case to honky-tonk singers like Lynn and Patsy Cline, and to rockabilly pioneer Wanda Jackson, particularly in her vocal timbre.[29]

On February 22, 2000, Case released her second solo album, Furnace Room Lullaby. The album introduced the country noir elements that have defined Case's subsequent solo career. That tone was evident even from the cover photo, featuring Case sprawled out corpse-like on a concrete floor.

Case sometimes tours with Canadian singer and songwriter Carolyn Mark as the Corn Sisters.[30] One of their performances, at Seattle's Hattie's Hat restaurant in Ballard, was recorded and released as an album, The Other Women, on November 28, 2000.[30]

Chicago

[edit]

In October 1999, around the time Furnace Room Lullaby was released, Case left Seattle[17] for Chicago because she felt that Seattle was no longer hospitable to its local artists.[31]

Case's first work in Chicago was an eight-song EP that she recorded in her kitchen. Canadian Amp, her first recording without Her Boyfriends, was released on her own Lady Pilot label in 2001. She wrote two of the tracks, with the remaining six being covers, including Neil Young's "Dreaming Man" and Hank Williams' "Alone and Forsaken". Four of the covers were written by Canadian artists. The EP was initially available only at Case's live shows and directly from Mint Records' website, but it eventually saw wider release.[32]

Case also recorded her third full-length album, Blacklisted, while living in Chicago.[33]

In April 2003, Case was voted the "Sexiest Babe of Indie Rock" in a Playboy.com internet poll, receiving 32% of the vote. Playboy asked her to pose nude for the magazine, but she declined their offer. She told Entertainment Weekly that

I didn't want to be the girl who posed in Playboy and then—by the way—made some music. I would be really fucking irritated if after a show somebody came up to me and handed me some naked picture of myself and wanted me to sign it instead of my CD.[34]

Neko Case & Her Boyfriends

[edit]

Case recorded and toured for several years as Neko Case & Her Boyfriends before performing solely under her name. Albums released as Neko Case & Her Boyfriends include The Virginian (1997) and Furnace Room Lullaby (2000). She primarily performed her own material, but also performed and recorded cover versions of songs by artists such as My Morning Jacket, Harry Nilsson, Loretta Lynn, Tom Waits, Nick Lowe, Buffy Sainte-Marie, Scott Walker, Randy Newman, Queen, Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Sparks and Hank Williams.[35]

New Pornographers

[edit]

The 2010 New Pornographers album Together features Case as lead vocalist on "Crash Years" and "My Shepherd."[36] The 2014 album Brill Bruisers features Case as lead vocalist on "Champions of Red Wine" and "Marching Orders."[37] The 2017 album Whiteout Conditions features Case as lead vocalist on "Play Money" and "This is the World of the Theater."[38]

case/lang/veirs

[edit]
The band onstage
case/lang/veirs in 2016
Main article: case/lang/veirs

In 2016, Neko Case, k.d. lang, and Laura Veirs announced the case/lang/veirs project, with an album released in June 2016.[39]

Solo

[edit]

Blacklisted

[edit]

Case recorded her third full-length album, Blacklisted, in Tucson, Arizona. It was the first full-length album credited to Case alone, without Her Boyfriends, and was released on Bloodshot Records on August 20, 2002. Some believe the title Blacklisted alludes to Case being banned for life from the Grand Ole Opry because she took her shirt off during a performance on August 4, 2001, at one of their outdoors "Opry Plaza" concerts,[40][41] though Case herself has denied this.[42] Asked about the incident in 2004, Case said "I had heatstroke. People would love it to be a 'fuck you' punk thing. But it was actually a physical ailment thing."[43]

Case's face
Case in 2009

Most of the album's fourteen songs are originals; the exceptions being covers of "Running Out of Fools", previously a hit for Aretha Franklin, and "Look for Me (I'll Be Around)" previously performed by Sarah Vaughan. Blacklisted finds Case even deeper in a "country noir" mood, and was described by critics as lush, bleak, and atmospheric. Case cited filmmaker David Lynch, composer Angelo Badalamenti, and Neil Young's soundtrack to the film Dead Man as influences.[44]

I hope I can comfort people a bit—maybe show people that making music is fun and accessible to them as well. I'm not out to become Faith Hill, I never want to play an arena, and I never want to be on the MTV Video Music Awards, much less make a video with me in it. I would like to reach a larger audience and see the state of music change in favor of musicians and music fans in my lifetime. I care very much about that.[45]

The Tigers Have Spoken

[edit]

In April 2004, Case played several shows with longtime collaborators the Sadies in Chicago and Toronto. These shows were recorded and released as a live album, The Tigers Have Spoken, by Anti Records in October 2004.[46]

Fox Confessor Brings the Flood

[edit]

Fox Confessor Brings the Flood was released on March 7, 2006. The album was recorded primarily in Tucson, over the course of two years as Case worked on the live The Tigers Have Spoken and continued to play with the New Pornographers. Critics hailed the record not only for Case's trademark vocals but also her use of stark imagery and non-standard song structures. Fox Confessor Brings the Flood wound up on many "Best of 2006" lists, such as No.1 on the Amazon.com music editors' picks and No. 2 on NPR's All Songs Considered. The album debuted at No. 54 on the Billboard 200 albums chart. It contains Case's most autobiographical song, "Hold On, Hold On". Case said: "the song is actually about me. It's not metaphorical about other people. It's not little pieces of my life made into a story about someone else or someone fictitious."[47]

"Hold On, Hold On" has since been covered by Marianne Faithfull on her 2009 album Easy Come, Easy Go.[48] It was used over an episode of The Killing (Season 1 Episode 6) before the final credits, and in the 2015 film One More Time. "John Saw That Number" was used in the snowboarding movie "City. Park City".

Middle Cyclone

[edit]

Case's next album, Middle Cyclone, was released on March 3, 2009. In advance of a U.S. and European tour, Case appeared as a musical guest on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. Later in 2009 she also appeared on Late Show with David Letterman, The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien and Late Night with Jimmy Fallon. Amazon.com rated Middle Cyclone the number one album of 2009.[49] Middle Cyclone debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard charts in its first week of release, making it Case's first album ever to reach the top ten in the United States.

At the time of its release, no other record from an independent record company had debuted at a higher position in 2009.[50] She toured extensively to promote Middle Cyclone with dates in North America, Europe, and Australia, as well as a performance at Lollapalooza 2009 in Grant Park, Chicago.

The Worse Things Get, the Harder I Fight, the Harder I Fight, the More I Love You

[edit]

In June 2013, Case announced a new album, The Worse Things Get, the Harder I Fight, the Harder I Fight, the More I Love You, which was released on September 3.[51]

Hell-On

[edit]

In early March, 2018, Case released a teaser for an album titled Hell-On, her first solo work in almost five years. The teaser featured Case lying down singing a song of the same name while snakes move around her. The album was released on June 1, 2018.[52]

Truckdriver, Gladiator, Mule

[edit]

On November 13, 2015, Case released a compilation vinyl box set containing eight of her solo albums. The set contains her first six studio albums, including the first vinyl pressing of The Virginian, as well as a live album.[53]

Wild Creatures

[edit]

On April 19, 2022, Case released Wild Creatures, described as "digital-only, career retrospective".[54] The album was released on CD, double vinyl, and MP3. It contains 22 tracks from Case's discography, plus one new song, "Oh, Shadowless".

Neon Grey Midnight Green

[edit]

On September 26, 2025, she released Neon Grey Midnight Green.[55][56]

Awards and nominations

[edit]

Case was honored as the Female Artist of the Year at the PLUG Independent Music Awards on February 2, 2006.[57]

Case's album, Middle Cyclone, was nominated for Best Contemporary Folk Album and Best Recording Package (with Kathleen Judge) at the 52nd Annual Grammy Awards in 2010.[58]

In 2014, The Worse Things Get, the Harder I Fight, the Harder I Fight, the More I Love You was nominated for Best Alternative Music Album at the 56th Annual Grammy Awards.[59]

Notable appearances

[edit]

Television

[edit]

Case has appeared on Season 29 (2003–04) and 39 (2013–14) of Austin City Limits.[60]

In 2008, Case guest starred alongside Kelly Hogan on the season 5 episode of the adult animated television series Aqua Teen Hunger Force, Sirens, in which she (as "Chrysanthemum") and Hogan (as "The B.J. Queen") take the role of sirens who have taken former Philadelphia Phillies first baseman John Kruk (as himself) captive for arcane sexual purposes.[61][62][63][64]

Case also voiced the character of Cheyenne Cinnamon in Aqua Teen Hunger Force co-creator Dave Willis's Cheyenne Cinnamon and the Fantabulous Unicorn of Sugar Town Candy Fudge.[65][66]

On March 3, 2010, Case appeared as a guest on the Australian music quiz show Spicks and Specks. Her team, led by Alan Brough, won 18–16. At the end of the show she sang a cover of Heart's "Magic Man", backed by Kelly Hogan and Paul Rigby.[67]

Radio

[edit]

Neko Case has appeared on NPR's weekly news quiz show, Wait Wait Don't Tell Me, as a guest on July 11, 2009[68] and as a panellist on September 6, 2013[69] and again on December 12, 2015.[70]

On May 10, 2013, Case appeared as a guest on American Public Media's variety show Wits, where she ended the program with a rendition of Iron Maiden's "Number of the Beast". On February 7, 2014, Case appeared again as a guest on Wits, this time alongside Andy Richter, where she finished the program with a rendition of the Bee Gees' "Nights on Broadway".

In December 2015, Case appeared on BBC Radio 4's Woman's Hour, where she talked about her career and performed her single "I'll Be Around".[71]

Personal life

[edit]

In a 2013 NPR interview, while discussing her single "Man", Case described having complicated feelings of gender and femininity: "I don't really think of myself specifically as a woman, you know? I'm kind of a critter... I'm probably a little imbalanced in that if you were to look at a human creature as kind of a vase or something, my glass is a little bit more full of the man stuff than the woman stuff".[72] As of November 2025, her Twitter bio listed her pronouns as "She/Sir".[73] Speaking with PBS News Hour in 2025 to promote her memoir, Case mentioned that she had "never felt like a girl" and described herself as "a genderfluid person".[74]

Discography

[edit]

Solo

[edit]

Studio albums

[edit]
Year Album Chart positions Sales
US
[75] 		US Indie
[76] 		AUS
[77] 		BEL
(FL)
[78] 		CAN
[79] 		IRL
[80] 		NED
[81] 		SPA
[82] 		SWI
[83] 		UK
[84]
1997 The Virginian (with Her Boyfriends) — — — — — — — — — —
2000 Furnace Room Lullaby (with Her Boyfriends) — — — — — — — — — —
2002 Blacklisted — 31 — — — — — — — —
2006 Fox Confessor Brings the Flood 54 4 — — — — — — — —
2009 Middle Cyclone 3 1 91 — 5 — — — — 114
2013 The Worse Things Get, the Harder I Fight, the Harder I Fight, the More I Love You 12 1 — 115 8 — 99 — — 63
2018 Hell-On[89] 31 4 88 — — — — — — —
2025 Neon Grey Midnight Green — 49 — — — — — — — —
"—" denotes album that did not chart or was not released

Live albums

[edit]
Year Album Chart positions
US
Heat
[90] 		US Indie
[76]
2004 The Tigers Have Spoken 14 19
2007 Live from Austin, TX — 22
"—" denotes album that did not chart or was not released

Extended plays

[edit]

Compilation albums

[edit]

Singles

[edit]
Title Year Peak
chart
positions 		Album
US
Airplay
[91] 		US
AAA
[92] 		US
Rock
Digital
"I Wish I Was the Moon" 2002 — — 28 Blacklisted
"Bad Luck" 2018 — 20 — Hell-On
"Wreck" 2025 45 11 — Neon Grey and Midnight Green

Non-solo

[edit]

case/lang/veirs

[edit]

The Corn Sisters

[edit]

Cub

[edit]

Maow

[edit]

The New Pornographers

[edit]

The Sadies

[edit]
  • Make Your Bed/Gunspeak/Little Sadie (7-inch) (US: Bloodshot Records, 1998)
  • Car Songs My '63 / Highway 145 (by Whiskeytown) (Split 7-inch) (US: Bloodshot Records BS 037, 1998)

Other contributions

[edit]

Videography

[edit]

Books

[edit]
  • Case, Neko (January 28, 2025). The Harder I Fight the More I Love You: A Memoir (First hardcover ed.). New York: Grand Central Publishing. ISBN 9781538710500. OCLC 1437986984. Retrieved January 27, 2025.

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Neko Case

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Neko Richelle Case (born September 8, 1970) is an American singer-songwriter renowned for her commanding vocals, poetic lyricism, and genre-blending style that fuses , Americana, and country elements. She is also a prominent member of the Canadian band , contributing lead and backing vocals since the group's formation in 2000. Over her three-decade career, Case has released eight solo studio albums, earning three Grammy Award nominations and widespread critical acclaim for works that explore themes of nature, personal hardship, and emotional resilience. Her most recent album, Neon Grey Midnight Green (2025), marks her first entirely self-produced effort and continues her tradition of intimate yet expansive songwriting. Born in , to young parents of Ukrainian descent, Case experienced a turbulent childhood marked by familial instability, neglect, and frequent moves, ultimately being raised primarily in . She left home at age 15 and immersed herself in the scene, beginning her musical journey as a drummer in bands such as the punk trio Maow after moving to , , in her late teens. This Canadian base influenced her early career, where she transitioned from percussion to lead vocals and songwriting, debuting with the alt-country album The Virginian (with Her Boyfriends) in 1997, which showcased her raw, evocative style. Case's solo discography includes standout releases like Blacklisted (2002), praised for its emotional depth; (2006), noted for its narrative storytelling; and (2009), which peaked at No. 3 on the and earned Grammy nominations for Best Contemporary Folk Album and Best Recording Package. Her 2013 album The Worse Things Get, the Harder I Fight, the Harder I Fight, the More I Love You garnered a Best Alternative Music Album nomination, while later works such as Hell-On (2018) highlight her evolving production and thematic maturity. Parallel to her solo endeavors, Case's contributions to have solidified her status as a versatile collaborator in the indie music landscape.

Early life

Childhood

Neko Case was born on September 8, 1970, in , to a working-class family headed by teenage parents of Ukrainian descent who struggled with . Her mother and father, both young and unprepared for parenthood, created an unstable home environment marked by neglect and financial hardship. When Case was five or six years old, her parents divorced, leading her to divide her time between living with her father and with her mother and stepfather. Amid these disruptions, she spent much of her early years with her grandparents, including extended stays at their farm, where the family dynamics provided some stability despite ongoing challenges. The household's economic difficulties contributed to a nomadic lifestyle, with frequent relocations across several states, including the , that exacerbated feelings of insecurity during her formative years. Case's initial interest in music emerged during this period through her family's influence, particularly her grandmother, who shared a deep appreciation for and exposed her to its traditions. This familial connection, combined with broader encounters like listening to the radio, ignited her early fascination with country and folk genres, laying the groundwork for her lifelong engagement with those styles. In her 2025 memoir The Harder I Fight, the More I Love You, Case reflects on these experiences, revealing new discoveries about her upbringing and the neglect she endured.

Teenage years

Case spent much of her youth in Tacoma, Washington, amid ongoing family instability from her earlier years. This period marked a pivotal shift toward greater autonomy during her adolescence. In Tacoma, Case attended Stadium High School, where she immersed herself in the vibrant local punk scene that was burgeoning in the early 1990s. The raw, rebellious spirit of the punk community resonated with her, offering a sense of belonging among like-minded underdogs in the working-class city. She described finding her place there, drawn to the DIY ethos and energetic performances that contrasted with her personal challenges. Case's musical journey began in earnest during these years when a friend gifted her a drum set, sparking her self-taught proficiency on the instrument. Without formal lessons, she honed her skills through persistent practice, laying the foundation for her future involvement in music. This period of exploration aligned with her growing interest in , which she credited with shaping her artistic outlook. Facing continued familial tensions, Case left her father's home at 15 and obtained legal emancipation, allowing her to navigate adulthood independently while still a minor. She supported herself through entry-level jobs and precarious living arrangements, including staying in friends' basements and other informal setups in the Tacoma area. By age 18, this self-reliance had solidified, enabling her to fully engage with the without parental oversight.

Music career

Early bands

In 1994, Neko Case relocated from Washington to , , to attend the Institute of Art and Design, where she immersed herself in the local music scene. During her time there, she joined the band Cub as their drummer, contributing to the group's "cuddlecore" sound characterized by bubbly melodies and lo-fi energy. Cub, originally formed in early 1992 by , Robynn Iwata, and Valeria Fellini, released their debut album Betti-Cola in 1993 on Mint Records, with Case appearing on drums for portions of the recording; she also played on their follow-up Come Out, Come Out in 1994. The band toured extensively across until disbanding in 1996, after which Case reflected on the experience as a formative period of learning band dynamics and stage presence. Following Cub's dissolution, Case co-founded the all-female garage rock trio Maow in 1995 alongside guitarist Tobey Black and bassist Corrina Beesley-Hammond, adopting a raw, energetic punk style influenced by her teenage exposure to Washington state's DIY scene. In Maow, Case served as drummer and occasional , delivering her first prominent singing performances on tracks like "Ms. Lefevre." The group released their sole album, The Unforgiving Sounds of Maow, in 1996 on Mint Records, featuring a mix of punk aggression and playful pop elements; they toured that summer before breaking up in 1996. After leaving in 1998 without completing her degree, Case briefly moved to , where she engaged with the city's indie and punk communities through informal gigs and collaborations, though she found the scene less welcoming than anticipated. By late 1999, she relocated to , seeking a more supportive environment for her evolving musical pursuits amid the Midwest's vibrant alt-country and indie circuits.

Neko Case & Her Boyfriends

Neko Case formed the alt-country band Neko Case & Her Boyfriends in 1997 in the , marking her shift from punk drumming to fronting her own project with a rotating cast of musicians drawn from the indie and scenes. The group debuted with the album The Virginian that year on , featuring a mix of country covers and originals that blended traditional twang with edges, backed by contributors like Brian Connelly of Shadowy Men on a Shadowy Planet and early collaborator Carl Newman. Her prior experience drumming in punk bands informed the band's taut, energetic rhythm sections, providing a raw undercurrent to the country arrangements. The band's informal structure allowed for fluid lineups, with Case at the helm as singer and primary songwriter. In 2000, they released the follow-up Furnace Room Lullaby on Bloodshot, showcasing stylistic evolution toward more introspective, original compositions co-written by Case, while incorporating contributions from players like Dallas and Travis Good of , , and pedal steel guitarist Jon Rauhouse, whom Case met after relocating to . This album deepened the fusion of alt-country melancholy and indie experimentation, emphasizing Case's evocative vocals over eclectic instrumentation. By around 2001, as Case increasingly pursued solo endeavors and released the Canadian Amp EP under her own name, the loose collective known as Her Boyfriends effectively dissolved, transitioning her career toward more individualized recordings and collaborations.

The New Pornographers

Neko Case joined the Canadian indie rock band in 2000 for their debut album , where she provided prominent backing harmonies and took lead vocals on tracks such as "Letter from an Occupant," infusing the group's power-pop sound with her distinctive, emotive delivery. Her contributions extended to songs like "The Body Says No," where her layered harmonies added depth and urgency to the band's energetic arrangements. This collaboration marked the beginning of Case's ongoing role as a core vocalist, helping to establish the New Pornographers' signature blend of intricate melodies and vocal interplay. Over the subsequent years, Case continued to shape the band's evolving discography, contributing vocals to key albums including (2003), (2005), Challengers (2007), Together (2010), (2014), (2017), and Continue as a Guest (2023). Her powerful, versatile voice became integral to the group's sound, providing a counterpoint to A.C. Newman's lead melodies and Dan Bejar's contributions, while her alt-country roots from earlier projects like Neko Case & Her Boyfriends offered a foundational warmth that enriched their framework. Case's presence elevated the band's harmonic complexity, making their music a hallmark of collaborative pop innovation that resonated widely in the indie scene. Balancing her commitments with alongside her solo career proved challenging, as Case often prioritized her individual albums and tours, leading to an on-again, off-again involvement that bandmates described as both essential and flexible. Despite this, her participation remained pivotal, with the group adapting to her schedule while valuing her irreplaceable vocal impact. In live settings, Case's performances with the band during tours—such as the 2021-2022 anniversary shows celebrating and —highlighted her commanding stage presence, drawing crowds with dynamic sets that showcased the full ensemble's chemistry. These tours underscored her enduring connection to the group, even as she navigated dual artistic paths.

case/lang/veirs

In 2016, Neko Case joined forces with and to form the all-female supergroup , a collaboration initially conceived in the early but formally announced on February 29, 2016. The project brought together the artists' distinct styles in a folk-oriented endeavor, with recording sessions held in , where lang and Veirs reside. The supergroup's self-titled debut album, , was released on June 17, 2016, via ANTI- Records, comprising 14 original folk-rock tracks that blend acoustic instrumentation with intricate vocal harmonies. Produced by , the album emphasizes the artists' complementary voices and songcraft, drawing on their shared affinity for introspective, nature-infused themes. Case's experience with layered harmonies from her work in enhanced the trio's choral arrangements. The songwriting process was highly collaborative, with the three artists gathering in lang's loft to co-write material, often starting from one member's initial ideas and refining them collectively. For instance, Veirs brought a near-complete draft of "Atomic Number" to the group, but lang and Case contributed significant revisions to the lyrics before recording. Lead vocals were divided among the members to showcase their individual strengths, with Case taking the lead on tracks including "Atomic Number," where her clear, emotive delivery anchors the song's playful yet poignant narrative. To promote the album, case/lang/veirs undertook a 19-city North American tour in summer 2016, performing at venues such as the Greek Theatre in and Humphrey's in , where they delivered full sets highlighting their harmonious interplay and acoustic arrangements. The tour extended into select live sessions and broadcasts, including a complete album performance captured for OPB's opbmusic series in Portland, further showcasing the group's chemistry in a live setting.

Other collaborations

Throughout her career, Neko Case has engaged in numerous guest appearances and short-term projects with other artists, showcasing her versatile vocals and collaborative spirit. Early on, she collaborated with the Canadian alt-country band , contributing lead vocals to their 1998 EP , recorded in in late 1997. She also provided guest vocals on the track "Cowhand" from ' debut album Precious Moments, released the same year. In 1998, Case formed the short-lived duo The Corn Sisters with fellow alt-country singer Carolyn Mark, performing raucous live shows that blended humor and harmony during a tour across and the U.S. The pair captured their chemistry on the live album The Other Women, recorded at Seattle's Hattie's Hat in May 1998 and released in 2000 by Mint Records, featuring covers and originals delivered with playful energy. Case has lent her distinctive voice to select tracks by other artists, including a 2011 duet with covering The Zombies' "" for the True Blood soundtrack, where her soaring harmonies complemented Cave's brooding . She also provided guest vocals on "Tapping on the Line" from Calexico's 2015 album Edge of the Sun, adding ethereal layers to the band's desert-tinged , and joined them for live performances of the song that year. More recently, Case has toured as a co-headliner with John Grant, beginning a North American run in October 2025 that highlights their mutual admiration and shared indie-folk sensibilities, though no joint recordings have emerged from the partnership to date.

Solo career

The Virginian and Blacklisted

Neko Case's debut solo album, The Virginian, released in 1997 on , marked her emergence as a distinctive voice in alt-country. Recorded at Miller Block studio in , , where Case was living at the time, the album blends original songs with covers of classic country tunes, drawing on her affinity for the genre while infusing it with indie sensibilities. Critics lauded her and delivery, describing her voice as a powerful, emotive force that elevated the material's twangy, heartfelt simplicity. Her second studio album, Furnace Room Lullaby, followed in 2000 on . Largely composed of original material with some covers, it was recorded in various locations including , and featured contributions from local musicians. The album deepened her exploration of and folk influences with a more polished production, earning praise for its haunting melodies and Case's evocative storytelling, though it received less attention than her later works. After the release of Furnace Room Lullaby, Case relocated to Chicago's Humboldt Park neighborhood, a move that influenced her creative evolution. She began developing her third studio album, Blacklisted, which was released in 2002 on the same label. Primarily recorded at Wavelab Studio in , with additional vocal sessions in , the project saw Case assuming greater control in production, co-producing alongside longtime collaborator Darryl Neudorf to craft a more stripped-down, atmospheric sound. The album explores themes of isolation, nature's indifference, and emotional vulnerability, often through haunting imagery of rain, bells, and vast landscapes that mirror Case's sense of displacement during this transitional phase. Blacklisted garnered significant critical acclaim, with awarding it a 7.9 out of 10 for its "gorgeous heartache" and subtle country undertones, while gave it 4.5 stars, calling it "highly recommended" for blending sadness and beauty. It also ranked 23rd in the Village Voice's 2002 critics' poll, underscoring its impact among music writers. The record represented a stylistic shift from the band-backed, ensemble-driven approach of The Virginian to a more intimate, personal aesthetic, emphasizing Case's voice against sparse instrumentation like and pedal steel. To promote the , Case embarked on extensive touring, where the material's raw emotional depth resonated live, occasionally channeling the punk energy from her early band days into her commanding stage presence.

The Tigers Have Spoken and Fox Confessor Brings the Flood

In 2004, Neko Case released The Tigers Have Spoken, her first live album, capturing performances from tours in and during March and April of that year. Recorded at venues including and the Isabel Bader Theatre in , as well as Schubas in , the album features Case backed by the Canadian band , whose instrumentation infuses the set with torch-and-twang folk arrangements blending blues, soul, and rock elements. The 13-track collection mixes originals like "The Tigers Have Spoken," which uses zoo-kept tigers as a metaphor for entrapment in relationships, with covers such as Loretta Lynn's "Rated X" and ' "Train from Kansas City," alongside public-domain folk tunes including "" and "Wayfaring Stranger." Critics praised the album's raw energy and Case's versatile voice, which navigated genres with ease over its concise 35-minute runtime, earning a 7.6 out of 10 from for its organic vitality. Building on the live immediacy of The Tigers Have Spoken, Case's fourth studio album, Fox Confessor Brings the Flood, arrived in March 2006, co-produced by Case and Darryl Neudorf, a longtime collaborator with her band the New Pornographers. The record weaves mythical narratives inspired by Eastern European folktales from Case's childhood, populated with animal themes—such as foxes, lions, and starlings—that symbolize human isolation and longing in tracks like the title song and "Margaret vs. Pauline." Additional collaborators included Garth Hudson of The Band on keyboards, Calexico members Joey Burns and John Convertino on bass and drums, and Howe Gelb of Giant Sand on guitar, contributing to the album's dusty, noir-inflected sound that shifts between eerie ballads and sparse country arrangements. Case's songwriting here marks a departure toward more cryptic, open-ended storytelling, prioritizing poetic ambiguity over direct autobiography. Fox Confessor Brings the Flood achieved modest commercial success, peaking at No. 54 on the and selling over 200,000 copies in the U.S., while receiving widespread critical acclaim for its narrative depth and emotional resonance. Reviewers lauded Case's ability to craft profound, fragment-like stories of alienation, with highlighting her "peerless cries" and sonorous production as breakthroughs in grandeur (7.7/10 rating), and describing it as her most complex and beautiful work to date. This period reflected Case's artistic growth in songwriting and production, as her vocals—honed to greater intensity since Blacklisted—integrated seamlessly with layered instrumentation to elevate personal themes into mythic territory.

Middle Cyclone and subsequent albums

Middle Cyclone, released on March 3, 2009, by Anti- Records, marked a commercial breakthrough for Neko Case, building on the of her prior work while embracing broader sonic experimentation. Produced by Case alongside Darryl Neudorf, the album was recorded across several locations, including studios in ; Brooklyn, New York; Toronto, Ontario; and a on Case's recently purchased , where she incorporated elements like a "piano orchestra" assembled from local instruments. This rural setting influenced the album's organic feel, with Case drawing inspiration from her transition to farm life amid natural surroundings. Thematically, Middle Cyclone explores Case's deep emotional bonds to nature and animals, often through vivid, anthropomorphic imagery centered on tornadoes and storms, as in the opening track "This Tornado Loves You," where Case embodies a destructive force in pursuit of love. Guest performers enriched the arrangements, including on harmonies, on guitar, of on keyboards, and contributions from members of , , and Calexico, blending alt-country, rock, and orchestral elements into a cohesive yet eclectic sound. The album debuted at No. 3 on the , the highest chart position for an independent release that year and Case's best-selling to date, signaling an expanded fanbase drawn to her increasingly accessible yet potent songwriting. It generated significant awards buzz, earning Case her first Grammy nominations for Best Contemporary Folk Album and Best Recording Package at the . Critical acclaim highlighted the record's emotional range and Case's commanding vocals, further solidifying her reputation as a leading figure in . Following a period of personal challenges, Case returned in 2013 with The Worse Things Get, the Harder I Fight, the Harder I Fight, the More I Love You, released on September 3 by Anti- Records, which delved into themes of and resilience amid profound loss. Executive-produced by Case, the album was primarily recorded at Wavelab Studio in Tucson, with additional sessions in Portland, , and , though Case drew heavily from her farm as a retreat for writing and reflection during this introspective process. Tracks like "Wild Creatures" and "Where Did I Leave That Fire?" confront the deaths of her parents and close friends, channeling raw depression into cathartic, rock-infused anthems that underscore a defiant capacity for love. Critics praised the album's emotional depth and unflinching honesty, with lauding it as an "exorcism of a dark period" and calling it a record of "stunning honesty," while its melodic urgency and big-rock gestures broadened Case's appeal. Debuting at No. 2 on the , it continued her commercial momentum and earned a Grammy nomination for Best Alternative Music Album at the , affirming her mid-career evolution toward more personal, universally resonant storytelling.

Hell-On and later works

In 2018, Neko Case released her seventh studio album, Hell-On, through Anti- Records on June 1. The record delves into themes of resilience and introspection, shaped by personal upheavals including the destruction of her home by fire while she was abroad recording. It features poetic lyrics blending self-critique, reflection, and affirmation, set against daring arrangements that highlight Case's evolving artistry. The album was recorded across multiple locations, primarily in , , where Case co-produced six tracks with of . Additional sessions incorporated contributions from collaborators like on "Curse of the I-5 Corridor" and on "Sleep All Summer," adding layers of emotional depth and sonic variety. Critics praised Hell-On for its balance of fragility and strength, marking a mature pivot in Case's solo work following a five-year hiatus. Case's eighth solo album, Neon Grey Midnight Green, arrived on September 26, 2025, via Anti- Records, representing her first fully self-produced effort. This introspective collection meditates on music's role in processing and the rhythms of , with songs steeped in vivid imagery of the natural world and tributes to lost friends. The production emphasizes acoustic intimacy and orchestral swells, underscoring Case's growth as a self-reliant creator in her late career. To promote Neon Grey Midnight Green, Case launched a fall 2025 North American tour, featuring headline shows in key cities including Portland at the on November 15, at The Wilbur on October 23, and on October 16. These performances showcased the album's live energy, blending new material with select catalog highlights amid sold-out crowds.

Awards and nominations

Neko Case has received three Grammy Award nominations throughout her solo career, recognizing her distinctive contributions to Americana, folk, and alternative music genres, though she has yet to secure a win. These nods underscore her evolution as a whose powerful vocal performances and thematic depth in albums exploring personal resilience and natural imagery have earned acclaim from . Her breakthrough album (2009) garnered two nominations at the in 2010: Best Contemporary Folk Album and Best Recording Package (shared with art director Kathleen Judge). This recognition highlighted Case's fusion of , , and folk elements, positioning her work firmly within the Americana tradition while celebrating the album's evocative visual and sonic design. The Contemporary Folk category nomination, in particular, affirmed her vocal prowess and narrative songcraft as emblematic of the genre's contemporary evolution. In 2014, at the , Case was nominated for Best Alternative Music Album for The Worse Things Get, the Harder I Fight, the Harder I Fight, the More I Love You (2013). This accolade reflected the album's raw emotional intensity and genre-blending production, further cementing her reputation for innovative vocal deliveries that bridge alternative sensibilities with Americana roots. Despite the absence of wins, these nominations have spotlighted Case's enduring influence on vocal-driven storytelling in American music.

Other recognitions

Case's albums have received strong acclaim from music critics, particularly in annual polls. Her 2002 release Blacklisted placed 23rd in The Village Voice's Pazz & Jop critics' poll, reflecting early recognition for her evolving alt-country sound. (2006) achieved a higher ranking at No. 8, praised for its narrative depth and gothic imagery that solidified her as a distinctive voice in indie and Americana circles. (2009) peaked even higher at No. 3, lauded for its expansive production and emotional resonance, marking a commercial and critical breakthrough. As a key vocalist in the , Case contributed to the band's Juno Award wins and nominations. Their debut album (2000), featuring her prominent backing and lead vocals, won the Juno for Alternative Album of the Year in 2001. The follow-up (2005) earned a nomination for Alternative Album of the Year at the 2006 Junos, highlighting the group's power-pop innovation. These honors underscore her role in elevating Canadian on an international stage. In 2006, Case was named Female Artist of the Year at the PLUG Independent Music Awards, an accolade celebrating her solo trajectory and influence in the indie scene. This recognition came amid broader praise for her versatility, blending , punk, and folk elements. Case's 2025 album Neon Grey Midnight Green has garnered early critical praise, including features on Music's New Music Friday and The Contenders series, where it was highlighted for its self-produced ambition and tributes to departed musical peers. These nods contribute to her ongoing acclaim, complementing three Grammy nominations without a win.

Media appearances

Television

Neko Case has made several notable television appearances, primarily showcasing her live performances on music-focused programs. Her earliest significant TV spotlight came in 2003 on , where she delivered a full set drawing from her albums Blacklisted and earlier works, later released as the live album Live from Austin, TX. This appearance highlighted her powerful vocals and band dynamics in a rootsy, intimate setting. In 2006, Case promoted her album Blacklisted with a performance of "Maybe Sparrow" on , emphasizing the record's brooding, atmospheric tracks through her commanding stage presence. She also performed "Star Witness" on that year. Three years later, in 2009, she returned to Letterman to perform "This Tornado Loves You" from , capturing the album's themes of nature and emotion with a soaring, orchestral arrangement. These late-night spots underscored her growing prominence in indie and alternative music circles. Case revisited Austin City Limits in 2013 for season 39, episode 9, co-billed with , where she played selections including "Man" from The Worse Things Get, the Harder I Fight, the Harder I Fight, the More I Love You. The session showcased her evolution toward more personal, narrative-driven songwriting. In 2018, she performed "Bad Luck" on Starring to promote Hell-On. To promote her 2025 album Neon Grey Midnight Green, Case performed "Wreck" on ' Saturday Sessions in October 2025, offering a stripped-down rendition that reflected the record's themes of and resilience. This appearance marked her return to morning television, blending intimate storytelling with her signature vocal intensity.

Radio and podcasts

Neko Case has made several memorable appearances on public radio, showcasing her distinctive voice and songwriting through intimate sessions and interviews. In 2013, she performed a special Halloween edition of 's Tiny Desk Concert, clad in a alongside backing vocalists and Eric Bachmann of Crooked Fingers. The set featured tracks from her album The Worse Things Get, the Harder I Fight, the Harder I Fight, the More I Love You, including "Night Still Comes," "Calling Cards," and "Local Girl," highlighting her raw emotional delivery in the cramped NPR office setting. Case has been a frequent guest on NPR's All Songs Considered, where she discussed her creative process and personal influences across multiple episodes. In 2009, she previewed songs from Middle Cyclone, blending heartbreak and nature imagery in an early listen session. A 2013 installment delved into life lessons drawn from The Worse Things Get, the Harder I Fight, the Harder I Fight, the More I Love You, with Case fielding listener questions on resilience and artistry. Later features, such as a 2015 conversation with John Grant, explored themes of collaboration and mid-career evolution, while 2018 coverage tied into Hell-On's themes of loss and recovery. In September 2025, the program spotlighted her self-produced album Neon Grey Midnight Green as part of its Contenders series, emphasizing its introspective folk-rock sound. On the BBC, Case recorded a live session for John Peel's Radio 1 program in February 2001 (recorded September 2000), performing songs like "Furnace Room Lullaby" and "Favorite" with her band the Boyfriends, capturing her punk-inflected country style in the . She returned to BBC airwaves in 2013 via Radio 6 Music's show, where archival tracks from her catalog were featured alongside contemporary plays. In podcast formats, Case has dissected her craft in depth, notably on the 2018 episode of Song Exploder, where she broke down "Last Lion of Albion" from Hell-On. Hosted by Thao Nguyen, the discussion revealed the track's origins during a UK trip, with "Albion" evoking ancient British lore and themes of displacement and strength. Promoting her 2025 memoir The Harder I Fight the More I Love You—which recounts her turbulent childhood and path to self-acceptance—Case appeared on long-form shows like WTF with Marc Maron in August, sharing stories of neglect and musical rebellion, and Modern Love in January, adapting a personal essay on truth-telling in relationships. These appearances, often tied to album releases like Neon Grey Midnight Green, underscore her ongoing engagement with audio storytelling to explore vulnerability and growth.

Personal life

Residences and lifestyle

In the late 2000s, Neko Case relocated to , settling on a 100-acre former dairy in the near Barnet, which served as both her primary residence and a creative hub for recording albums. The property offered a rural retreat amid rolling fields and woodlands, allowing her to immerse herself in a self-sufficient that included tending to animals and salvaging materials for home improvements. This move provided stability after years of touring and urban living in places like Tucson and , fostering an environment where she could balance music production with daily farm routines. She continues to live on the as of 2025. Case's lifestyle centered heavily on animals, with her home shared by several rescued pets, including three male cats from the same litter—affectionately called the "Velociraptors"—cats such as and Marcia, and formerly her elderly cat , who reached 16 years old in early 2025 before being rehomed in September 2025; as well as dogs like , a who alerted occupants during a 2017 house fire that destroyed her home and damaged the property, and more recently Coco. She frequently expressed her deep affinity for animals through her songwriting and public statements, emphasizing their role in her emotional well-being and daily routines on the farm. Reflecting this ethic, Case has pursued a largely , having tried and often choosing vegan options during interviews and meals. On the personal front, Case maintained a long-term partnership with photographer Kelly Gray that concluded in 2016, after which she navigated subsequent relationships, including one with a boyfriend named who lived with her at the time of the 2017 fire. challenges arose in 2013 amid a period of profound depression following personal losses, which left her temporarily unable to sing or engage with music, describing the experience as feeling "struck silent" and moving through life "underwater." This episode profoundly influenced her album The Worse Things Get, the Harder I Fight, the Harder I Fight, the More I Love You, marking a turning point in processing grief through her art. Her 2025 memoir The Harder I Fight, the More I Love You further explores these personal hardships and family dynamics.

Activism and philanthropy

Neko Case has been a vocal advocate for animal welfare, particularly through her support for shelter adoptions and opposition to the euthanasia of healthy pets. In 2013, she produced a public service announcement (PSA) for Best Friends Animal Society's "Save Them All" campaign, highlighting the daily killing of over 9,000 dogs and cats in U.S. shelters and urging adoption from rescues. Her record label, Anti-, committed to donating $5 for each website or supporter sharing the PSA, up to a total of $10,000, to fund no-kill initiatives. Earlier, in 2009, Case and Anti- similarly pledged $5 to Best Friends for every music blog post promoting her album Middle Cyclone, raising additional funds for animal rescue efforts. She has volunteered at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, contributed a song to their 25th anniversary compilation, and served as a celebrity ambassador for related events, such as Oprah Winfrey's 2010 "Live Your Best Life" tour. On her farm, Case maintains a personal for rescued animals, including retired racing greyhounds, cats, dogs, chickens, and a , emphasizing over purchasing from . She has described her property as a non-commercial space where "don't actually do any work" but provide companionship and inspiration, aligning with her broader critique of exploitative practices in animal care. Case's farm lifestyle supports her , as she has credited animals with emotional healing during personal challenges. Case has publicly endorsed , describing it as essential for equality and rejecting complacency in the face of gender-based inequities. In a 2014 interview, she emphasized the importance of women "not taking any " and accepting nothing less than equal treatment, drawing from her experiences in the male-dominated . Her 2018 album Hell-On channeled feminist rage against and personal traumas, marking a shift toward more explicit activism in her songwriting. She has expressed strong support for LGBTQ+ rights, particularly crediting queer communities for her early survival after leaving home as a teenager. In 2013, Case stated she "would have died without a strong community," decrying portrayals of it as a "disgusting underbelly" and highlighting the protective role of "rockers and drag queens" in her life. In 2020, she publicly opposed anti-trans legislation under the Trump administration, writing in to advocate for trans rights and directing followers to the Ally Coalition for further action. Case's centers on appreciation and , influenced by her rural homestead. She has praised works like Robin Wall Kimmerer's for promoting ecological harmony and critiqued organizations like PETA for overly aggressive tactics that alienate potential allies. Through her newsletter, she frequently discusses , , and climate impacts, framing as intertwined with personal and artistic growth. In political commentary, Case has criticized media coverage during the 2016 U.S. , sarcastically noting that "needed more media air time" to expose his unfitness, underscoring her opposition to his candidacy. Regarding animal agriculture, she has advocated for humane treatment on her own farm while implicitly opposing industrial practices through her shelter work and emphasis on rescue over breeding.

Discography

Solo studio albums

Neko Case's solo studio albums span from 1997 to 2025, showcasing her evolution as a in and genres. Her debut solo effort marked her transition from band work, while subsequent releases on Anti- Records established her commercial presence.
Album TitleRelease DateLabelPeak Billboard 200 Position
The VirginianJuly 29, 1997Did not chart
Furnace Room LullabyOctober 31, 2000Did not chart
BlacklistedAugust 20, 2002Anti- RecordsDid not chart
March 7, 2006Anti- Records#54
March 3, 2009Anti- Records#3
The Worse Things Get, the Harder I Fight, the Harder I Fight, the More I Love YouSeptember 3, 2013Anti- Records#12
Hell-OnJune 1, 2018Anti- Records#31
Neon Grey Midnight GreenSeptember 26, 2025Anti- Records#14

Solo live albums

Neko Case has released three solo live albums, each capturing distinct phases of her performing career through raw, energetic recordings that highlight her powerful vocals and evolving songbook. These albums emphasize her ability to reinterpret material in front of audiences, blending originals with covers and showcasing collaborations with backing musicians. The Tigers Have Spoken, released on November 9, 2004, by Anti- Records, is Case's debut solo live album, recorded over seven nights across three venues in and during March and April 2004. Featuring her touring band on guitar, bass, and drums, along with multi-instrumentalist Jon Rauhouse on pedal steel and accordion, the album includes a mix of Case's originals like "Blacklisted" and covers such as Jimmy Webb's "Galveston" and Buffy Sainte-Marie's "Souix Falls." The 14-track set, clocking in at 34 minutes, captures the intimate energy of small club shows, with Case's voice soaring amid the raw instrumentation. Live from Austin, TX, released on October 10, 2006, by as a CD/DVD package, documents Case's debut performance on the PBS series , taped on August 9, 2003, at the ACL Studio in Austin. The 14-song set draws from her early solo albums The Virginian, Furnace Room Lullaby, and Blacklisted, featuring tracks like "Star Witness," "Deep Red Bells," and a cover of "In California." Backed by her band including on vocals and guitar, the 42-minute audio recording emphasizes Case's country-gospel influences in a television-friendly format, with the DVD providing visual context of the polished yet fervent delivery. Wild Creatures, a digital-only release on April 22, 2022, via Anti-, followed by a physical CD edition in 2023, compiles 23 archival live recordings from Case's tours spanning 2006 to 2018. Curated as a career retrospective, it includes fan-favorite performances such as "Halls of Sarah," "Star Witness," and "Maybe Sparrow," alongside a new studio track, "Oh, Shadowless," blending highlights from albums like Middle Cyclone and The Worse Things Get, the Harder I Fight, the Harder I Fight, the More I Love You. The collection underscores Case's thematic focus on nature and resilience, with raw audience interactions preserved from various North American venues.

Solo extended plays

Neko Case released her debut solo , Canadian Amp, on September 24, 2001, through the independent label Lady Pilot Records. This eight-track EP serves as a collection of rarities and covers, showcasing Case's early affinity for alt-country and styles while highlighting her interpretive skills on material from various artists. Recorded in a lo-fi manner in her kitchen and mixed at Kingsize Sound Labs in , the release features tracks such as "Andy" (a cover of ), "Dreaming Man," "Knock Loud," "Make Your Bed," "Poor Ellen Smith," "In ," "Alone and ," and "Favorite," blending original compositions with reinterpretations that reflect her emerging thematic interests in Americana and personal introspection. Initially issued on CD with catalog number MILKY 01, Canadian Amp has since been reissued on vinyl, underscoring its status as a foundational, if understated, entry in Case's solo catalog that bridges her punk roots with the more polished work to follow. As of 2025, no new solo extended plays have been announced by Case, with her focus remaining on full-length albums like Neon Grey Midnight Green.

Collaboration albums

Neko Case has made significant contributions to several collaborative projects, serving as a and co-writer in supergroups and bands that blend , alt-country, and folk elements. Her involvement with , a Canadian collective formed in 1999, spans their entire studio discography, where she provides prominent harmonies and lead vocals on key tracks, helping define their power-pop sound. The band's studio albums featuring Case include:
TitleYearLabel
2000
2003
2005
Challengers2007
Together2010
2014
2017Collected Works
2019Merge
2023Merge
In 2016, Case formed the supergroup with and , releasing a self-titled debut album that showcases intimate folk-rock arrangements and shared songwriting, with Case co-writing and singing on multiple tracks like "Atomic Number" and "Honey and Smoke." The project highlights Case's ability to integrate her emotive style with lang's torch-song delivery and Veirs' introspective lyricism, earning critical acclaim for its harmonious blend. Case co-founded the alt-country duo The Corn Sisters with Carolyn Mark in 1998, releasing their live album The Other Women in 2000 on Mint Records, capturing raw performances from Seattle's Hattie's Hat venue that mix covers and originals with punk-inflected twang. The recordings, made in 1998, emphasize Case's drumming and harmonies alongside Mark's gritty narratives. Case's collaborations with the Canadian roots-rock band often feature them as her backing band, but shared billing appears on the 2002 EP , where Case provides vocals on traditional and original dark folk tunes like "Rated X," blending her soaring voice with the band's twangy instrumentation.

Videography

Music videos

Neko Case has released several official music videos throughout her career, often emphasizing thematic elements like nature, personal introspection, and environmental concerns, both in her solo work and collaborations. These videos typically blend live-action footage with artistic visuals to complement her lyrical style. One of her early solo music videos is for "Hold On, Hold On," the lead single from her 2006 album . The video features Case performing in a stark, desert-like setting, capturing the song's raw emotional intensity and autobiographical undertones. In 2009, Case released the animated for "People Got a Lotta Nerve" from . Directed in a 2D construction-paper style, it depicts anthropomorphic animals confronting human encroachment on their habitats, aligning with the song's critique of and environmental disregard. The animation highlights Case's recurring motifs of and human-animal relations, featuring an animated depiction of Case. From her 2018 album Hell-On, the stop-motion animated video for "Last Lion of Albion" explores themes of ecological devastation and lost wilderness. Directed by Laura Plansker, it portrays majestic landscapes crumbling under human impact, serving as a for endangered natural spaces and tying into Case's broader activism on . Other notable official music videos include "Bad Luck" (2018) from Hell-On, "Curse of the I-5 Corridor" (2013) from The Worse Things Get, the Harder I Fight, the Harder I Fight, the More I Love You, and "Oh, Shadowless" (2021), a standalone single. In 2025, coinciding with the release of her Neon Grey Midnight Green, Case issued for several singles, including "Wreck" and "Winchester Mansion of Sound." The "Wreck" video, directed with a minimalist aesthetic, reflects on personal resilience amid chaos, featuring Case in intimate, shadowed settings that evoke the 's career-spanning . Similarly, "Winchester Mansion of Sound" incorporates surreal, echoing visuals to underscore themes of and sonic legacy. These videos mark Case's return to visual storytelling after a period focused on audio releases.

Concert films

Neko Case's concert film output is limited, with her sole official release being the DVD Live from Austin, TX, issued by in October 2006. This 50-minute video captures her complete debut appearance on the concert series , taped on August 9, 2003, at the show's studio. The performance showcases Case backed by her band, including on vocals and Jon Rauhouse on , delivering a 14-song set that highlights tracks from her first three solo albums: The Virginian (1997), Blacklisted (2002), and (2006). Songs like "Favorite" and "Deep Red Bells" emphasize her signature blend of alt-country, , and punk elements, with the raw energy of the live setting preserved in footage directed by Gary Menotti. The DVD release coincided with the audio version of the live album, providing fans with a document of Case's rising prominence as a solo artist during this period. It aired initially on on November 8, 2003, and the full unedited recording on disc offered an expanded view beyond the televised edit, including encores such as "In California.") No additional solo concert films or tour documentaries featuring Case have been commercially released as of 2025, though various appearances, such as KEXP sessions and Tiny Desk Concerts, are available online.

Books

The Harder I Fight the More I Love You

The Harder I Fight the More I Love You is Neko Case's debut , released on January 28, 2025, by in a 288-page edition. The book draws its title from her 2013 album The Worse Things Get, the Harder I Fight, the Harder I Fight, the More I Love You, reflecting a recurring motif in her work of perseverance amid adversity. In the memoir, Case delivers a candid autobiographical account of her childhood trauma, marked by poverty, neglect, and instability in "slummy, one-horse towns," as well as her evolution through a music career that provided salvation and self-definition. She explores themes of identity and resilience, framing her story as a "rebellious meditation on identity and corruption" and a manifesto for carving out personal space in a challenging world. The narrative traces her coming-of-age as a songwriter, blending heartbreak with humor to depict how music and personal growth helped her overcome early hardships. Case penned the during the , drawing from her reflective life on a farm where she tends to rescued animals, an experience that underscores her ongoing activism for and environmental causes. This rural setting and her advocacy work informed the introspective tone, allowing her to process decades of personal and professional trials with precision and vulnerability. The book received widespread critical acclaim for its raw honesty and emotional depth. A review described it as a "haunting " that illuminates Case's explosive persona and origins, praising its unflinching portrayal of survival. highlighted its focus on her traumatic youth, calling it a compelling exploration of adversity and rescue, and selected it as a Book of the Day. lauded it as a "sweet-and-sour study of a songwriter's coming-of-age," noting its poetic prose and accessibility even for non-fans. It debuted as a New York Times bestseller and was named an Apple Best Book of the Month.

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  30. https://mintrecs.com/store/virginian
  31. https://magnetmagazine.com/2002/08/15/neko-case-everyone-says-i-love-you/
  32. https://nodepression.org/lost-record-of-the-week-neko-case-furnace-room-lullaby/
  33. https://peel.fandom.com/wiki/Neko_Case
  34. https://www.stereogum.com/2169490/new-pornographers-mass-romantic-carl-newman/interviews/footnotes-interview/
  35. https://www.popmatters.com/new-pornographers-remastered-mass-romantic
  36. https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/10557-challengers/
  37. https://altrockchick.com/2016/09/30/twin-cinema-by-the-new-pornographers/
  38. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ipU_6srdXss
  39. https://pitchfork.com/news/the-new-pornographers-announce-mass-romantic-reissue-full-album-tour/
  40. https://www.stereogum.com/1862434/neko-case-k-d-lang-laura-veirs-announce-collaborative-album-caselangveirs/news/
  41. https://www.songfacts.com/facts/case-lang-veirs/atomic-number
  42. https://www.oregonlive.com/music/2016/02/neko_case_kd_lang_laura_veirs_trio.html
  43. https://www.anti.com/artists/caselangveirs/
  44. https://pitchfork.com/news/63846-neko-case-kd-lang-and-laura-veirs-team-for-new-album-caselangveirs-share-track-plot-tour/
  45. https://www.npr.org/2016/06/19/482351977/neko-case-k-d-lang-and-laura-veirs-on-the-art-of-working-together
  46. https://www.theadvocate.com/baton_rouge/entertainment_life/music/the-super-group-how-case-lang-veirs-came-to-be/article_f89e3004-0855-539c-a169-aae4cd671bc9.html
  47. https://www.theguardian.com/music/2016/jun/19/neko-case-kd-lang-laura-veirs-review-americana-supergroup
  48. https://ew.com/article/2016/02/29/neko-case-kd-lang-laura-veirs-new-album-tour/
  49. https://www.opb.org/radio/programs/state-of-wonder/article/case-lang-veirs-plotto-tin-house-flash-fiction-music-writing/
  50. https://www.discogs.com/release/1659663-Neko-Case-And-The-Sadies-Murder-Ballads
  51. https://www.discogs.com/release/1995209-The-Sadies-Precious-Moments
  52. https://mintrecs.com/store/other-women
  53. https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/neko-case-and-nick-cave-cover-the-zombies-for-true-blood-71791/
  54. https://pitchfork.com/news/61236-calexico-team-with-neko-case-for-tapping-on-the-line-live-video/
  55. https://nekocase.com/tour
  56. https://www.allmusic.com/album/the-virginian-mw0000597810
  57. https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/11628-the-virginianfurnace-room-lullabyblacklistedfox-confessor-brings-the-flood-bonus-disc-edition/
  58. https://www.allmusic.com/album/furnace-room-lullaby-mw0000026143
  59. https://www.discogs.com/release/852378-Neko-Case-Blacklisted
  60. https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/1323-blacklisted/
  61. https://www.anti.com/releases/blacklisted-reissue/
  62. https://www.robertchristgau.com/xg/pnj/pjres02.php
  63. https://www.allmusic.com/album/the-tigers-have-spoken-mw0000716181
  64. https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/1324-the-tigers-have-spoken/
  65. https://www.treblezine.com/neko-case-the-tigers-have-spoken/
  66. https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-album-reviews/fox-confessor-brings-the-flood-201536/
  67. https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/1325-fox-confessor-brings-the-flood/
  68. https://www.anti.com/releases/fox-confessor-brings-the-flood/
  69. https://www.npr.org/2006/05/23/5425313/neko-cases-fox-confessor
  70. https://modernfarmer.com/2013/12/neko-case-farm-chicks-recording-barn/
  71. https://www.npr.org/2009/03/01/101246137/neko-case-a-meteorological-masterpiece
  72. https://www.songfacts.com/facts/neko-case/this-tornado-loves-you
  73. https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2009/03/16/the-winds
  74. https://wfuv.org/content/neko-case-throwback-thursday-2009
  75. https://www.anti.com/news/neko-cases-middle-cyclone-debuts-at-3-on-billboard-top-200/
  76. https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/billboard-critics-top-10-albums-of-2009-266376/
  77. https://www.anti.com/releases/worse-things-get-harder-i-fight-harder-i-fight-more-i-love-you-deluxe-edition/
  78. https://www.npr.org/sections/allsongs/2013/08/29/216800848/neko-case-opens-up-about-latest-album
  79. https://nypost.com/2013/08/31/singer-neko-case-bounces-back-from-darkest-years-with-gritty-album/
  80. https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/18451-neko-case-the-worse-things-get-the-harder-i-fight/
  81. https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/music/neko-case-the-worse-things-get-the-harder-i-fight-the-harder-i-fight-the-more-i-love-you-1.1530748
  82. https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/music/posts/la-et-ms-neko-case-worse-review-20130903-story.html
  83. https://www.npr.org/sections/world-cafe/2018/07/12/627679027/neko-case-has-been-through-hell-and-back
  84. https://www.anti.com/releases/hell-on/
  85. https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/neko-case-hell-on/
  86. https://slate.com/culture/2018/06/neko-cases-new-album-hell-on-reviewed.html
  87. https://www.pastemagazine.com/music/neko-case/neko-case-neon-grey-midnight-green-album-review
  88. https://www.jambase.com/article/neko-case-tour-dates-fall-2025-north-america
  89. https://www.anti.com/press/neko-case-earns-two-grammy-nominations-capping-breakout-year/
  90. https://grammy.com/awards/56th-annual-grammy-awards
  91. https://www.villagevoice.com/pazz-jop-2006s-top-25-albums/
  92. https://www.rocklistmusic.co.uk/villagevoice2009.html
  93. https://glidemagazine.com/9182/band-of-horses-neko-case-win-plug-independent-music-awards/
  94. https://www.grammy.com/artists/neko-case/7407
  95. https://www.pbs.org/video/austin-city-limits-neko-case-man/
  96. https://www.cbsnews.com/video/saturday-sessions-neko-case-performs-wreck/
  97. https://www.npr.org/2013/10/31/241830890/neko-case-tiny-desk-concert
  98. https://www.npr.org/2009/02/26/101176666/neko-case-franz-ferdinand-bishop-allen-serge-gainsbourg
  99. https://www.npr.org/sections/allsongs/2015/10/23/450926316/all-songs-1-a-discussion-with-neko-case-and-john-grant
  100. https://www.npr.org/2018/06/09/618496741/neko-case-on-hell-on
  101. https://www.npr.org/2025/09/09/nx-s1-5534193/the-contenders-vol-19-neko-case-asher-white-caroline-more
  102. https://www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/johnpeel/sessions/2000s/2001/Feb22nekocase/
  103. https://www.bbc.co.uk/schedules/p00fzl65/2013/06/26
  104. https://songexploder.net/neko-case
  105. https://shows.acast.com/wtf-with-marc-maron-podcast/episodes/episode-1669-neko-case
  106. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/22/podcasts/neko-case-yells-the-truth.html
  107. https://www.sevendaysvt.com/news/burning-question-was-it-a-neko-case-of-mistaken-identity-8501771/
  108. https://www.rutlandherald.com/features/vermont_arts/fighting-the-good-fight-neko-case-digs-deep-in-telling-new-memoir/article_34011da8-df2f-11ef-a251-3390ab11ac47.html
  109. https://nekocase.substack.com/p/wild-animal-farm
  110. https://nekocase.substack.com/p/welcome-to-dennis
  111. https://nekocase.substack.com/p/noticing-february-2025/comments
  112. https://www.thecut.com/2019/07/neko-case-talks-about-her-rescue-dog-bruce.html
  113. https://www.nytimes.com/2018/05/24/arts/music/neko-case-interview-hell-on.html
  114. https://nekocase.substack.com/p/beaver-compass
  115. https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/music/story/2025-01-22/neko-case-new-book-feature
  116. https://www.instagram.com/p/DK7eQlJAfCf/?hl=en
  117. https://www.spin.com/2018/05/neko-case-house-fire-stalker-news/
  118. https://www.theguardian.com/music/2013/aug/23/neko-case-interview
  119. https://www.npr.org/2013/09/03/217189246/neko-case-i-couldnt-really-listen-to-music
  120. https://bestfriends.org/stories/features/neko-case-pledges-join-best-friends-save-them-all
  121. https://exclaim.ca/music/article/neko_case_launches_charity_for_dogs_appeals_to_music_blogs_for_help
  122. https://talkinganimals.net/2015/09/neko-case-singer-songwriter-animal-guardian/
  123. https://deeprootsmag.org/2015/10/20/animals-making-the-case-for-neko-and-vice-versa/
  124. https://www.vice.com/en/article/neko-case-interview-on-embracing-feminism/
  125. https://www.seattletimes.com/entertainment/a-sense-of-community-for-neko-case/
  126. https://m.facebook.com/nekocase/photos/i-just-wrote-in-to-comment-in-support-of-trans-rights-in-the-face-of-tps-new-ant/10158465862600270/
  127. https://thenarwhal.ca/moose-questionnaire-neko-case/
  128. https://pitchfork.com/thepitch/neko-case-newsletter-interview-entering-the-lung/
  129. https://www.facebook.com/Pitchfork/posts/neko-case-trump-needed-more-media-air-time-he-wasnt-getting-enough/10154283148026000/
  130. https://www.billboard.com/music/rock/neko-case-hell-on-album-inspirations-interview-8427983/
  131. https://www.anti.com/releases/the-tigers-have-spoken/
  132. https://www.amazon.com/Live-Austin-Tx-Neko-Case/dp/B000KCI9U6
  133. https://newwestrecords.com/products/neko-case-live-from-austin-tx-cd-dvd
  134. https://www.anti.com/news/neko-case-announces-wild-creatures-a-23-song-career-retrospective-album/
  135. https://nekocaseofficial.bandcamp.com/album/wild-creatures
  136. https://rateyourmusic.com/release/ep/neko-case/canadian-amp/
  137. https://www.allmusic.com/album/canadian-amp-mw0001892344
  138. https://www.discogs.com/release/1056989-Neko-Case-Canadian-Amp
  139. https://www.discogs.com/release/1468186-Neko-Case-Canadian-Amp
  140. https://nekocase.com/discography
  141. https://weatheredmusic.ca/2025/05/06/the-new-pornographers/
  142. https://www.allmusic.com/artist/the-new-pornographers-mn0000477787
  143. https://www.albumoftheyear.org/artist/520-the-new-pornographers/
  144. https://rateyourmusic.com/artist/the-new-pornographers
  145. https://www.allmusic.com/album/case-lang-veirs-mw0002925163
  146. https://www.discogs.com/release/1996928-The-Corn-Sisters-The-Other-Women
  147. https://music.apple.com/us/album/the-other-women/463669825
  148. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a0vk5SGmw3w
  149. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zXl870NoF4E
  150. https://pitchfork.com/news/watch-neko-cases-new-animated-last-lion-of-albion-video/
  151. https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/neko-case-last-lion-of-albion-video-750579/
  152. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gLwev5sWQXM
  153. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mBdEjoJtQQA
  154. https://www.amazon.com/Live-Austin-TX-Neko-Case/dp/B000HDR9RC
  155. https://www.discogs.com/release/5040396-Neko-Case-Live-From-Austin-TX
  156. https://somethingelsereviews.com/2012/01/19/half-notes-neko-case-live-from-austin-texas-dvd-2006/
  157. https://www.bear-family.com/case-neko-live-from-austin-tx-cd-dvd.html
  158. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j5MPRCf2M9U
  159. https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/neko-case/the-harder-i-fight-the-more-i-love-you/9781538710500/
  160. https://www.amazon.com/Harder-Fight-More-Love-You/dp/1538710501
  161. https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/neko-case/the-harder-i-fight-the-more-i-love-you/
  162. https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/neko-case-memoir-the-harder-i-fight-more-i-love-you-1235244857/
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