The Kate Hinote Trio is a contemporary folk ensemble rooted in storytelling, rich melodies, and an unmistakable chemistry between its members. Led by vocalist and songwriter Kate Hinote, the trio features guitarist David Johnson (her longtime bandmate from The Blueflowers) and violinist Matthew Parmenter (of art-rock band Discipline). Together, they create an acoustic sound that is both finely crafted and refreshingly human, blurring the lines between folk, chamber pop, and indie songcraft.
Their second album, Stowaways (out June 2025), showcases the trio’s evolution with ten original songs that lean into narrative-driven songwriting. The heart of their music lies in the dynamic between Hinote’s clear, expressive vocals and Parmenter’s violin, which often takes on the role of a second voice — playful, tender, or teasing — adding emotional depth and dialogue to every song. Johnson’s warm and intuitive guitar work anchors the arrangements, giving each story the space it needs to unfold.
Known for their engaging live performances, the Kate Hinote Trio mixes original material with a curated selection of modern and retro covers — including tributes to fellow Detroit songwriters — offering something familiar, something unexpected, and something uniquely theirs.
Over the past five years, the trio has brought their music to stages across Michigan, Ohio, New York, West Virginia, and Kentucky, including a featured appearance on NPR/PRX’s Red Barn Radio from WEKU in Lexington, KY.
Band Lineup
Kate Hinote – Vocals
Matthew Parmenter – Violin
David Johnson – Acoustic Guitar
Links
Official Website: katehinotetrio.com
FB: Kate Hinote Music
Insta: @kate_hinote_music
Bandcamp: https://katehinotetrio.bandcamp.com/music
