1/9 Astronautalis - Contrails @ Ottobar, Baltimore, MD 2/16/13
Channel: wojo4hitz
Date: 2013-02-18

Charles Andrew Bothwell, better known by his stage name Astronautalis, is an American alternative hip hop artist currently based in Minneapolis, Minnesota.  After gaining some renown in local circles in Jacksonville, Florida and competing at Scribble Jam, Astronautalis self-released his debut album, You and Yer Good Ideas, in 2003. He eventually signed with Fighting Records and the record was re-released in 2005, followed by his second album, The Mighty Ocean and Nine Dark Theaters, in 2006. He released the third album, Pomegranate, on Eyeball Records in 2008.  His fourth album, This Is Our Science, was released on Fake Four Inc in 2011.

Astronautalis has been described as "if Beck were a decade or so younger and had grown up more heavily immersed in hip-hop," with his rapping style noted for "blending styles of indie rock, electro, and talkin' blues" with hip-hop. He has described himself as "historical fiction hip-hop."

During live performances, he often performs a freestyle rap based on topics chosen by members of his audience.