LISTEN: Sinner Friends, “Unforgivable You”

Artist: Sinner Friends (Grace van’t Hof and Conner Vlietstra)
Hometown: Detroit, Michigan; Johnson City, Tennessee
Song: “Unforgivable You”
Album: Sinner Friends Miss You (The Quarantine EP)
Release Date: April 1, 2021
Label: Bigtone Records

In Their Words: “When Sinner Friends cut bluegrass, we do it like our heroes did: everyone is in one space, there are no separate vocal tracks, we don’t overdub solos, and the result is a snapshot of one vital moment. Like Page Ross’ lyrics, ‘Unforgivable You’ is raw and compelling. It weaves the messy web of a breakup followed by a one-sided attempt at reconciliation which, by the end, has the listener questioning the boundaries of the narrator’s tenacity. It’s clear that our protagonist has turned antagonist and his love interest would “rather that [he] stay away.” Sentimentality swirled with confusing choices is Sinner Friends’ favorite flavor, and this song is a savory example. We were privileged to be joined on this session at Bigtone Records by Josiah Nelson on fiddle and Max Etling on bass.” — Grace van’t Hof and Conner Vlietstra, Sinner Friends


Photo credit: Billie Wheeler

LISTEN: The Coffis Brothers, ‘You and Me’

Artist: The Coffis Brothers
Hometown: Santa Cruz, CA
Song: “You and Me”
Album: Roll with It
Release Date: Fall 2017

In Their Words: “This song felt good the first time we played it, back when we were recording demos in Bass Lake. The melody, the groove, the arrangement … it didn’t take much work. It’s a song about being alright with what you’ve already got, but also being hopeful about what’s ahead. I hope it’s relatable on a few different levels. Beyond that, it’s sung in two-part harmony for a majority of the song which is something my brother and I love doing. It’s a lucky thing to get to sing with your brother. There’s nothing else like it.” — Kellen Coffis


Photo credit: Connor Qunto