Stelth Ulvang

While working at a coffee shop on Laurel Street in Fort Collins, Ulvang developed an interest in music and decided to become a musician. Being an avid traveler, he used to busk to cover his expenses.{{Cite web|url=https://texxandthecity.com/2018/02/stelth-ulvang-troubadour-captivated/|title=Stelth Ulvang: A troubadour captivated|date=2018-02-27|website=Texx and the City|language=en-US|access-date=2020-02-07}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.musicinminnesota.com/laura-gibson-and-stelth-ulvang-soothe-the-entry/|title=Laura Gibson and Stelth Ulvang Soothe The Entry|date=2019-01-16|website=Music In Minnesota|language=en-US|access-date=2020-02-09}}{{Cite web|url=https://scenenoco.com/article/stelth-ulvang/|title=Stelth Ulvang|last=Morford|first=Lily|website=Scene Magazine|language=en-US|access-date=2020-02-09}} Due to his habit of performing barefoot on stage, he has acquired the nickname "Barefoot Wanderer".{{Cite web|url=https://ridiculouslyinsane.wordpress.com/2015/06/17/barefoot-wanderer-stelth-ulvang-in-sa/|title=Barefoot wanderer, Stelth Ulvang in SA|date=2015-06-17|website=Ridiculously Insane|language=en|access-date=2020-02-10}}{{Cite web|url=https://wfpk.org/2019/the-opening-act-stelth-ulvang/|title=The Opening Act: Stelth Ulvang|date=2019-01-17|website=91.9 WFPK Independent Louisville|language=en-US|access-date=2020-02-10}}{{Cite web|first=L. Kent|last=Wolgamott|title=Lumineers rise fast and high on Americana wave|url=https://www.mcall.com/entertainment/mc-xpm-2013-07-26-mc-lumineers-xponential-festival-camden-susquehann-20130726-story.html|access-date=2020-06-12|website=mcall.com|language=en-US}}

In 2009, while sailing from Hawaii to Seattle with singer-songwriter Griff Snyder on Robin Lee Graham's The Return of Dove, Ulvang came up with the idea of forming the band The Dovekins.{{cite web|url=https://www.inlander.com/spokane/some-by-sea/Content?oid=2135761|title=Some by Sea|publisher=Inlander|author=Tiffany Harms|date=17 August 2011|access-date=16 June 2020}} The band's lineup included five members, all rooted in Denver's folk punk scene. The Dovekins generally played mountain-town folk and indie rock style-music. The group released two studio albums, Assemble the Aviary and (A)live, in 2010. After touring regularly, The Dovekins disbanded following a final show in Austin in October 2011.{{cite web|url=https://www.discogs.com/artist/4932238-Dovekins|title=The Dovekins' Discography|publisher=Discogs|date=n.d.|accessdate=9 February 2020}}{{Cite news|last=Pareles|first=Jon|date=2013-02-06|title=Go West, Young Band|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/10/arts/music/the-lumineers-strange-road-to-the-top-10.html|access-date=2020-06-12|issn=0362-4331}} The band has reunited on a few occasions since then, including at the 2018 Treefort festival in Boise.{{cite web|url=https://www.westword.com/music/dovekins-reunites-for-mercury-cafe-concert-11578941|title=Dovekins Sails Again|publisher=Westword|author=Adam Perry|date=31 December 2019|accessdate=7 February 2020}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.coloradodaily.com/ci_14939161/|title=Q&A: Dovekins rustling up success (VIDEO)|date=2010-04-22|website=Colorado Daily|language=en-US|access-date=2020-02-10}}

{{main|The Lumineers}}

Ulvang came in touch with The Lumineers in 2009, when the latter, seeking advice on self-booking Colorado shows, interacted with him through Myspace. Ulvang joined the band as a touring member in 2011.{{Cite web|date=2020-01-30|title=The Lumineers: Family Ties|url=https://relix.com/articles/detail/the-lumineers-family-ties-cover-story/|access-date=2020-06-17|website=Relix Media|language=en-US}} The Lumineers joined The Dovekins for their first Denver gig. Initially, Ulvang was slated to play bass guitar for The Lumineers, but he later switched to piano.{{Cite web|date=2016-04-27|title=Review: The Lumineers, The Albert Hall Manchester|url=https://www.manchestersfinest.com/music/review-the-lumineers-the-albert-hall-manchester/|access-date=2020-06-12|website=Manchester’s Finest|language=en-GB}} He has assisted in the composition of various songs by The Lumineers, including "Stubborn Love". With The Lumineers, Ulvang has opened for U2 and Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers.{{Cite web|url=https://people.com/music/lumineers-jeremiah-fraites-u2-joshua-tree-tour/|title=The Lumineers' Jeremiah Fraites on Opening for U2 on Joshua Tree Tour: 'I Started to Cry the First Night'|website=PEOPLE.com|language=en|access-date=2020-02-10}}{{Cite web|date=2018-01-23|title=What it takes to put on a Lumineers show|url=http://theconcordian.com/2018/01/takes-put-lumineers-show/|access-date=2020-06-11|website=The Concordian|language=en-CA}}{{Cite magazine|date=2013-02-11|title=The Lumineers' Grammy Awards Adventure|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/the-lumineers-grammy-awards-adventure-10475/|access-date=2020-06-13|magazine=Rolling Stone|language=en-US}}

Ulvang started to compose his own music in 2012. He has since released two full-length albums and two EPs. His full-length debut album, And, as Always; the Infinite Cosmos, was released in February 2015. In February 2018, Ulvang released two EPs, Greetings From Perpetual Summer and Take Time, as well as a full-length album entitled American Boredom.{{Cite web|date=2016-11-10|title=Everything you need to know about the Smoking Dragon Festival|url=https://m.channel24.co.za/Music/News/everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-smoking-dragon-festival-20161109|access-date=2020-06-03|website=Channel24}} TED.com described And, as Always; the Infinite Cosmos as "a balancing act of heavy truths, humour and observation".{{Cite web|title=TEDxRiNo {{!}} TED|url=https://www.ted.com/tedx/events/12656|access-date=2020-06-12|website=www.ted.com}} Ulvang told the Colorado Public Radio that American Boredom is more politically themed than his other albums, which are mostly focused on environmental issues.{{cite web|url=https://www.cpr.org/podcast-episode/stelth-ulvang-shares-music-from-sophomore-lp-at-cprs-openair/|title=Stelth Ulvang Shares Music From Sophomore LP At CPR's OpenAir|publisher=Colorado Public Radio|author=Daniel Mescher|date=16 April 2018|accessdate=10 February 2020}}{{Cite web|first=Adrian|last=Gomez|title=On the move: Stelth Ulvang looks forward to Meow Wolf performance|url=https://www.abqjournal.com/1166425/stelth-ulvang-looks-forward-to-meow-wolf-performance.html|access-date=11 June 2020|website=www.abqjournal.com|language=en-US}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.theday.com/article/20180509/ENT10/180509344|title=Solo Lumineer hits Westerly Friday|website=The Day|language=en-US|date=9 May 2018|access-date=12 June 2020}}

In live performances, Ulvang is accompanied by collaborator and drummer Max Barcelow and by multi-instrumentalist Dorota Szuta.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bendbulletin.com/lifestyle/stelth-ulvang-opens-for-wild-child-at-volcanic/article_8b9fc6bc-4a4f-52a4-a68b-8ad1143fe809.html|title=Stelth Ulvang opens for Wild Child at Volcanic|last=Bulletin|first=Brian McElhineyThe|website=The Bulletin|language=en|access-date=2020-02-06}}{{Cite web|url=http://parkerchronicle.net/stories/packed-house-for-stelth-ulvang,276510|title=Packed house for Stelth Ulvang|website=Colorado Community Media|language=en|access-date=2020-02-06}}

Ulvang's major influences include Paul Simon, Fleetwood Mac, Jason Molina, Weezer, Elton John, Nina Simone, Jonathan Richman, Pavement, Leonard Cohen, Joan Baez, Dave Van Ronk, Tom Waits, Jerry Lee Lewis, Neil Young and Bob Dylan. Among genres, he has been specifically influenced by garage rock.{{cite web|url=https://www.chicagomusicexchange.com/pages/labor-of-love-stelth-ulvang|title=Labor of Love - Stelth Ulvang|publisher=Chicago Music Exchange|date=n.d.|accessdate=7 February 2020}}{{Cite web|url=https://mixedapples.co.za/interview-stelth-ulvang-from-the-lumineers-will-be-gracing-pretoria-this-weekend-for-park-acoustics-5th-birthday|title=[Interview] Stelth Ulvang from The Lumineers will be gracing Pretoria this weekend for Park Acoustic's 5th birthday!! - Mixed Apples|language=en-US|access-date=2020-02-10}}{{Cite web|title=Stelth Ulvang|url=https://www.itydity.com/profiles/Stelth-Ulvang|access-date=2020-06-16|website=itydity|language=en}} Known for his ability to play a variety of instruments, Ulvang states that he plays more than 18. He mainly plays guitar, piano and mandolin.{{cite web|url=https://www.independentri.com/independents/arts_and_living/article_3d20f045-4b00-5517-859c-988acf2c5d03.html|title=Multi-instrumentalist Stelth Ulvang brings an air of storytelling to Rhode Island|work=The Independent|author=Rob Duguay|date=4 May 2018|accessdate=6 February 2020}}{{Cite web|last=Orebaugh|first=Olivia|date=2020-02-26|title=Lumineers lack variety at PPG Paints Arena|url=https://www.pittsburghcurrent.com/the-lumineers-pittsburgh/|access-date=2020-06-13|website=Pittsburgh Current|language=en-US}} His favourite gear consists of Collings mandolin, Korg SV1 keyboard and Martin guitars.{{Cite web|last1=Davies|first1=Claire|last2=September 2013|first2=Acoustic Expo 2013 18|title=The Lumineers talk piano, mandolin and acoustics|url=https://www.musicradar.com/news/guitars/the-lumineers-talk-piano-mandolin-and-acoustics-584621|access-date=2020-06-12|website=MusicRadar|date=18 September 2013 |language=en}}

In a review of Ulvang's 2017 performance at Café Roux, Tecla Ciolfi wrote: "Ulvang’s impeccably eccentric and charming charisma effortlessly infatuated the audience before him. The artist’s peculiar foot-stomping and incredibly animated antics amongst his powerful, minimally-layered sound was a treat for anyone, familiar or not".{{cite web|url=https://texxandthecity.com/2017/01/review-stelth-ulvang-cafe-roux/|title=IN REVIEW: STELTH ULVANG AT CAFÉ ROUX|publisher=Texx and the city|author=Tecla Ciolfi|date=9 January 2017|access-date=13 June 2020}} Reviewing Ulvang's short-notice performance at the Enmore Theatre in Sydney, The AU review author Carine Nilma wrote: "For a very short-notice stint filling in, Ulvang managed to literally win over the entire room after playing for about half an hour".{{cite web|url=https://www.theaureview.com/music/live-review-the-lumineers-stelth-ulvang-enmore-theatre-sydney-28-01-14/|title=Live Review: The Lumineers + Stelth Ulvang – Enmore Theatre, Sydney (28.01.14)|publisher=The AU Review|author=Carine Nilma|date=29 January 2014|access-date=12 June 2020}}{{Cite web|last=Palathingal|first=George|date=2013-03-29|title=Stelth recovery helps Lumineers shine|url=https://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/music/stelth-recovery-helps-lumineers-shine-20130330-2gzw6.html|access-date=2020-06-12|website=The Sydney Morning Herald|language=en}}{{Cite web|title=Multi-instrumentalist to share music, stories|url=https://www.eastoregonian.com/community/news/multi-instrumentalist-to-share-music-stories/article_b9ddd88f-193c-5be6-af33-1fcdce70430b.html|access-date=2020-06-12|website=East Oregonian|language=en}} Folk/rock musician Paul De Haven described Ulvang's American Boredom as the best album of 2018 from the Denver music scene.{{Cite web|date=2018-12-18|title=Denver's Music Industry Pros Talk Best of 2018|url=https://303magazine.com/2018/12/denvers-music-industry-pros-talk-best-of-2018/|access-date=2020-06-06|website=303 Magazine|language=en-US}} In a review of a concert by The Lumineers, Lexington Herald-Leader writer Walter Tunis called Ulvang the "MVP of the show" and labeled him "resourceful" for his ability to rapidly change instruments during performances.{{cite web|url=https://www.kentucky.com/entertainment/music-news-reviews/article44448585.html|title=Concert review: The Lumineers play a safe, good-natured set at Memorial Coliseum|publisher=Lexington Herald-Leader|author=Walter Tunis|date=12 October 2013|access-date=13 June 2020}} Ulvang has been praised for his adeptness at playing keyboard and has been seen playing it with his feet on multiple occasions.{{cite web|url=http://www.offbeat.com/news/lumineers/|title=Lumineers Connect With House Of Blues Crowd|publisher=OffBeat magazine|author=Kate Russell|date=24 October 2012|access-date=16 June 2020}}{{cite web|url=https://www.tampabay.com/review-the-lumineers-enliven-tampas-usf-sun-dome-with-tons-of-talent-energy/2148492/%3foutputType=amp|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200616102634/https://www.tampabay.com/review-the-lumineers-enliven-tampas-usf-sun-dome-with-tons-of-talent-energy/2148492/?outputType=amp|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 16, 2020|title=Review: The Lumineers enliven Tampa's USF Sun Dome with tons of talent, energy|publisher=Tampa Bay Times|author=Stephanie Bolling|date=19 October 2013|access-date=16 June 2020}}

Ulvang was born in Fort Collins and lived in Loveland.{{Cite web|date=2015-03-18|title=Lumineers' Stelth Ulvang returns to his roots|url=https://www.dailycamera.com/ci_27738314/lumineers-stelth-ulvang-solo-tour-benefit-concert-loveland|access-date=2020-06-12|website=Daily Camera|language=en-US}} As of 2022, he is married to musician Dorota Szuta,{{cite web |last1=Johnson |first1=Tommy |title=Going The Distance {{!}} An Interview With Dorota Szuta Of Heavy Gus |url=https://ghettoblastermagazine.com/interviews/dorota-szuta-of-heavy-gus/ |website=Ghettoblaster Magazine |access-date=31 March 2025 |language=en |date=28 October 2022}} with whom he plays in the band Heavy Gus.{{cite news |last1=Hancock |first1=Amanda |title=Quarantine almost killed Stelth Ulvang's creativity, but this Lumineer didn't give up |url=https://gazette.com/arts-entertainment/quarantine-almost-killed-stelth-ulvangs-creativity-but-this-lumineer-didnt-give-up/article_bde2a37e-b7df-11ea-924c-7fd95c5bac73.html |access-date=19 May 2022 |work=The Gazette (Colorado Springs) |date=17 July 2020 |language=en}}{{cite web |last1=Major |first1=Michael |title=Heavy Gus Announce Debut Album 'Notions' |url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/bwwmusic/article/Heavy-Gus-Announce-Debut-Album-Notions-20220509 |website=BroadwayWorld.com |access-date=20 May 2022 |language=en |date=9 May 2022}}

{{cite web|url=https://www.oregonlive.com/music/2016/01/stelth_ulvang_lumineers_portland_tour.html|title=How the Lumineers' Stelth Ulvang went cosmic with Portland-made solo album|publisher=Oregon Live|author=David Greenwald|date=26 March 2019|accessdate=9 February 2020}}{{Cite web|url=https://stelthulvang.bandcamp.com/|title=Take Time, by Stelth Ulvang|website=Stelth Ulvang|access-date=2020-02-09}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.greenvilleonline.com/story/entertainment/2015/02/24/lumineers-stelth-ulvang-goes-solo-different-vibe/23926649/|title=Stelth Ulvang goes solo with new vibe|last=Walker|first=Donna Isbell|website=The Greenville News|language=en|access-date=2020-02-09}}

{{Cite web|url=https://www.boulderweekly.com/entertainment/music/colorado-sound/|title=Colorado Sound|last=Weishampel|first=Steve|date=2011-09-08|website=Boulder Weekly|language=en-US|access-date=2020-02-10}}

{{reflist}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Ulvang, Stelth}}

Category:Living people

Category:American folk rock musicians

Category:Year of birth missing (living people)