Brandon Tenney (full band) w/ Swansgate
Old Heavy Hands w/ The Gone Ghosts & Rebecca Porter
Formed in 2015 in Greensboro, North Carolina, Old Heavy Hands forge a compelling brand of heartfelt southern rock informed as much by the Muscle Shoals tradition as the DIY punk rock of their youth. Their forthcoming album, Small Fires, was recorded at The Fidelitorium and Earthtones studios. With most recent single “Between You & Me” singer Larry Wayne honors the life and legacy of his grandfather. From the first chords, listeners are reminded of the bittersweet combination of love, loss, and grief. The lyrics suggest the heroes in our lives, and the values handed down through generations. Despite the grief that informs it, there’s no question the song is a rocker. This is what truly sets it apart from the pack – the intensely catchy riffs and danceable groove; it does not belong on a playlist of funereal ballads. At its core, Old Heavy Hands is about the bonds of family and the loyalty of lifelong friendships. Born from the ashes of tragedies, theirs are songs by real people for real people — inspired by true events.
The Dead Tongues (Solo) w/ Josh Moore
After five months of not picking up an instrument, The Dead Tongues’ Ryan Gustafsonwanted to get rid of everything that was tied to his identity as a musician. He eventhought about changing his name. He was getting ready to throw out old notebookspacked with years of material but, for some reason, he decided to stop and go throughthem, just to see if there was anything worth saving. And sure enough, he found someimages and lyrics, threads from former selves he didn’t want to lose. Thus was thecatalyst for Dust, his fifth and best album as The Dead Tongues.Gustafson recorded Dust in nine days, the fastest he’d ever recorded anything. It wasthe fastest he’d ever written anything, too – in the past, writing a song would takemonths, but this time he somehow felt freer, and wanted to have fun. The record wasrecorded at Sylvan Esso’s studio, Betty’s, in the woods of Chapel Hill, North Carolina.He built it out with help from a number of his musician friends – Joe Westerlund(Watchhouse, Megafaun, Califone) on drums, Andrew Marlin (Watchhouse) onmandolin, backing vocals from Alexandra Sauser-Monnig and Molly Sarlé of MountainMan, among others.Dust is meant to be listened to while taking a night drive, farflung and roving andexistential. Somewhere between the expansiveness of American jamband and thebanjo-centric folk songwriting of Gustafson’s Appalachia home. Gustafson explains thethematic throughline succinctly: “It’s this idea of uprooting and rebirth and cycles, andthe past informing the future, and the future informing the past. There is no single story.Everything is connected.”
Holler Choir + Spencer Thomas (of Futurebirds) + Rose Hotel
Led by the lyrical craftsmanship of singer, guitarist, and songwriter Clint Roberts, the distinctly Appalachian, old-time sound of Asheville’s Holler Choir combines haunting harmonies, stirring string compositions, and heart-wrenching ballads, yet hardly conforms to a stereotypical genre. Call it a confluence of old-time, Americana, and bluegrass, but, by its own exceptional design, the sound and atmosphere of Holler Choir are singular. Robert’s wordcraft and explosive vocal range is met with the dulcet clawhammer banjo plucking of long-time collaborator Helena Rose and the sturdy timekeeping of upright bassist Norbert McGettigan. With a rotating cast of gifted musicians featured on Holler Choir’s recordings and electrifying live performances, it’s no wonder they are the band to watch in 2023. The band’s inception began when recording Robert’s 2022 solo release, entitled “Mountain Air”. That fortuitous collaboration of gifted roots musicians at Asheville’s Crossroads Studios proved to be the genesis of an unmistakable new sound built on that shared experience. Produced by Grammy award-winning multi-instrumentalist, Michael Ashworth, of The Steep Canyon Rangers, the five-song EP lit the fuse and Holler Choir was well on its way to delight audiences throughout the southeast and beyond.
Deaf Andrews + Jack The Radio
Conceived in the daydreams of adolescence, Deaf Andrews has blossomed from their roots, into a unique sonic flower of indie pop rock. It is the product of five best friends from Charlotte, NC making music that means something to them. Consisting of Nick Hayes (Vocals), Mike Sherrard (guitar), Ross Schumann (bass), Andrew Kingsley (guitar) and Braedon Nelson (drums). Deaf Andrews has continued to push their personal limits of creativity and emotional tuneness. Making it a priority to capture some of the magic energy that fuels their live shows, the sound is organic, direct, and channels the essence of true rock and roll while also exploring the experimental freedom of modern indie pop. Their latest release in 2023: “Phone Line” harkens back to the youthful bliss experienced during the formative years of life. Catchy guitar layers and smooth tones are complemented with rousing lyrics that underscore feelings of love, recklessness, and comfort.North Carolina roots-rockers Jack the Radio blend rock and blues sensibility with Americana, folk, and country to create a tapestry of swampy southern-tinged sounds. The band has shared the stage with The Avett Brothers, Hall & Oates, George Thorogood, Cold War Kids, Rayland Baxter, and American Aquarium to name a few. Their music has been featured in commercial, film, and TV projects including Modern Family, Boardwalk Empire, as well as in sports programming for NASCAR, NFL, PGA, and AEW.
Lua Flora + Wild Roots
Creating in a state of constant adventure, Asheville, NC-based Lua Flora has successfully unified sounds that typically don’t go together. The electrifying passion and introspective lyrics of songwriter Evan Button, meet a mesmerizing blend of Caribbean, Eastern, and American music to create a previously undefined genre; “Beach Folk.” This cultural phenomenon lends itself to easy listening from the perfect barrels of the Pacific Ocean to the hollers of Appalachia. In three quick years, the project has gone from backyard parties to national stages across the U.S. supporting Satsang, Franc Moody, Of Good Nature, and Kendall Street Company in addition to festival appearances at Front Porch Fest, Kentucky Yoga Festival, Between the Trails, and others.”The musical embodiment of Asheville’s creative spirit”-Face The Current”…easy and melodic — a light, laidback recluse from the grind.”-Top Shelf Music”Lua Flora shows folk & reggae mix.”-Grateful Web Wild Roots Rising is an indie folk band based in the Southeast United States. It is led by songwriters, vocalists, and instrumentalists Julia Houghton and Olivia Moore.Their music is described as a classical-folk fusion; unique arrangements and complex harmonies, combined with acoustic instruments and meaningful lyrics. They are known for sharing songs that create a beautiful, uplifting aura for the listener. WRR released their self-titled, debut album in September of 2021 and have been performing at festivals, music venues, and bars throughout the southeast.
White Toledo (album release show) with IAMDYNAMITE
White Toledo is an alt rock band hailing from North Carolina. Known for their captivating blend of new age fullness and vintage rock charm, White Toledo has carved a unique niche for themselves in the new contemporary music sceneIAMDYNAMITE is the musical duo comprised of Christopher Martin and Chris Phillips, originally from Michigan and now calling North Carolina home.
When We’re Sober
When We’re Sober is an indie-rock band based in Greensboro, NC. Formed as a songwriting collaboration between Grey Hyatt & Erich McPhail, the duo quickly grew into a full band following the release of their debut EP The Bottle in July 2022. Backed by Luke Rettie on Drums, Tony Luz on Lead Guitar, and Kenny Damron on bass, the quintet set about playing live shows while fleshing out a collection of songs soon to be recorded as their debut studio album in early 2023. A few line-up changes soon followed as Kenny moved and was replaced by bassist Lucifer Josts, & Erich stepped away from playing live shows to focus on writing/recording with the band. Tony would also move away in late 2023, but not before tracking solos for the upcoming album. Currently playing live as a trio and recording as a quartet, When We’re Sober released Jammin’ (Take My Hand), the first single off their debut album on March 1st 2024. The album is currently slated for a release in July
Jacoozy with Oceanic and Daytona (album release)
Jacoozy is a improvisational, funk, and alternative band formed in Boone, NC in 2021. Featuring guitarists Killian Wright and Will Fentress, on the keys Isaac McMurry, and drummer Pauly Scott, all members of the band contribute vocals. With a vast range of influences ranging from classic improvisational bands to pop, Jacoozy shows are known for their high energy, precision, and unpredictability.Oceanic is a versatile indie pop band based in Charlotte, NC. Heavily influenced by a number of genres, they aim to create original music with diversity that enables the listener to see the world in a new way. Even before Oceanic was formed, each member of the band was well-versed in performing arts. The band works together during shows to create a high-enthusiasm experience focused on personality, musical interest, and artistic visual effects. In January of 2023 Oceanic released their debut album, ‘No, Human’. Since then the band has been playing the album at live shows all over the U.S. and working on their next record.Daytona is a 4-piece rock and roll band from Boone, NC that blends alternative country, blues, and pop sensibilities to enrapture audiences with their captivating storytelling and raw performance.
Big Daddy Love
As you can probably tell by their name, Big Daddy Love is no gentle string quartet. Their music has been described as “a blend of rock, bluegrass, southern soul, and psychedelic jams.” One reviewer characterized them as “a band with teeth” (fortunately in both a literal and metaphorical sense). Identifying a single genre for Big Daddy Love is nearly impossible; all four members are comfortable playing almost any type of American music. Collaboratively, the band produces a unique sound that they have long referred to as “Appalachian Rock.” Big Daddy Love (BDL to many fans) has released four CDs, most recently Live at Ziggy’s and This Time Around. One reviewer wrote, “Big Daddy Love is a force. The festival scene has been eating them up. If you haven’t been able to check them out yet, then you are missing out. It’s a foot-stomping good time at every single show, and they are the nicest guys I have met in music.” The quartet–– based in Winston-Salem, North Carolina–– has played well over a thousand shows over most of the country. Members include: Matteo “Joey” Recchio on electric guitar and vocals, Brian Paul Swenk on banjo, Ashley Sutton on bass guitar, and Scotty Lewis on drums Along the way, they have played venues of all sizes, from listening-room coffee houses to the 20,000 seat PNC Arena in Raleigh, NC. Their festival resume ranges from local favorites like The Big What to larger regional festivals such as Bristol Rhythm & Roots and the premier southeastern festival, FloydFest. In 2010, BDL won FloydFest’s “Under the Radar” contest, which recognizes the best up-and-coming band of the festival. The music is only one aspect of the BDL experience. A close-knit community of fans has developed into an extended BDL family, many of whom travel throughout the southeast for multiple shows and are a huge part of what makes Big Daddy Love successful. “We’re constantly amazed by how many people have jumped on board with us and do so much to help us in every way possible,” says banjoist Brian Paul Swenk. “Whether it’s Kickstarter donations, giving us a place to stay on the road, or even giving their CDs away to friends and coming back to buy another, we’ve learned that it takes hundreds of people to help a band find success in today’s music industry.”
