Cloudbelly is an indie-folk band from Western Massachusetts known for weaving dreamlike vocals, poetic lyricism, and chameleonic arrangements into songs that feel both intimate and expansive. Their sound blurs the lines between alt-folk, art-rock, and chamber pop—anchored by frontperson Corey Laitman’s reflective songwriting and elevated by the band’s adventurous, collaborative spirit.

Formed in 2020 during the pandemic, Cloudbelly took shape in unexpected and serendipitous ways. What began as a remote duo project soon evolved when Corey crossed paths with guitarist Sam Perry at a local music shop—only to discover they lived two doors apart in Turners Falls. That chance meeting sparked a creative connection. Sam brought his love of ambient textures and art-rock experimentation to the table. Soon after, he brought in bandmate Nate Mondschein—a drummer, multi-instrumentalist, and producer whose intricate arrangements helped push the band’s sonic boundaries even further. Cloudbelly’s lineup clicked into place when powerhouse vocalist and guitarist Ciarra Fragale joined in 2023. Her rich harmonies and dynamic stage presence brought new energy to the group’s live shows.

Their chemistry is undeniable. Corey’s lyrics are emotionally raw and impressionistic, exploring themes like grief, memory, longing, dreams, and the natural world. With each member layering in harmonies, rhythmic propulsion, string arrangements, synths, and guitar textures, Cloudbelly builds songs that swell with feeling—gentle one moment, cathartic the next. It’s a sound reviewers have called “yearning and gently euphoric” (WBUR) and “not intended for a drive-by glance—dive head-first and explore its darkness and depth” (Psychedelic Baby Magazine).

Their 2024 album, i know i know i know, marked a breakout moment. It was named one of the Top Albums of the Year by The Boston Globe, earned a nomination for Album of the Year at the Boston Music Awards, and has drawn comparisons to the likes of Big Thief, Lucy Dacus, and The Dirty Projectors. Live, the band adapts fluidly—sometimes performing as a duo, sometimes with a full ensemble including strings. Their shows are emotionally immersive, balancing layered, reflective songs with unexpected warmth and humor. “What’s exciting about Cloudbelly,” wrote Glide Magazine, “is that their intention is so clear in every note… You’ll want to listen over and over again.” Most recently, the group performed for a sold-out crowd at The Sinclair alongside Tiny Desk Contest winner Cure For Paranoia as a part of the NPR Tiny Desk On The Road tour.

Cloudbelly’s upcoming third LP—due in 2026—marks a new chapter for the group. More expansive in scope and with sharper focus than their previous releases, the new record places Laitman’s vivid lyricism inside cinematic, emotionally attuned arrangements that are at once delicate and propulsive. These are songs written with the full band in mind: more rock-driven, more collaborative, and more outward-looking, while still holding onto the lyrical depth and sonic beauty that define the Cloudbelly sound.