Rising Appalachia Offer an Uplifting Anthem to the Power of Appreciation

Rising Appalachia‘s “Thank You Very Much” is an uplifting anthem, an homage to gratitude, and an expression of human experience. Sisters Leah Song and Chloe Smith, the constituents of Rising Appalachia, released this song seemingly out of the blue, but that has only deepened its impact since release. The song swirls in a rhythmic, entrancing manner that feels like a manifestation of reflection and contentment. Their song comes on unassumingly and grows patiently before fading away, coming and going like an epiphany of comforting truth.

“It moved into a wider place of gratitude…into a song that speaks as an anthem for us, to the so many radical and wild humans who have stepped in and helped make this music soar, and to the long road that we all walk together towards home. It is a testimony to the simple power of appreciation,” Leah Song says about the song’s creation and development. Coupled with the new release is the announcement of a brief fall tour that will find the duo performing in Appalachia and Florida. Listen to “Thank You Very Much” below.

MIXTAPE: Rising Appalachia’s Love Songs for Blooming Spring

This is a collection of the BEST love songs in my life, the heartbreakers and the heart menders. The ones that make your heart burst and bloom. Because hey, it’s spring, and who doesn’t want a damn good love song or two in their lives? — Leah Song, Rising Appalachia

John Prine – “Angel From Montgomery”

This song brought me to my knees when I heard it live at the Kate Wolf Music Festival years ago. A hardened kind of love song, a love long changed and still just barely holding. But still, even the love between John Prine and Emmylou Harris is precious…

The Roots, Erykah Badu – “You Got Me”

I have listened to this song since my teenage years and it is rich, passionate, and real amid the throes of what life on the road looks like. What longing feels like. How to show up.

Hozier – “Almost (Sweet Music)”

The most joyful and epic lyricist around. And such a bright and catchy melody, this one is contagious.

Keb’ Mo’ – “Kindhearted Woman Blues”

Such a rich treatment of this classic. Got that salty form of simple, front porch, storytelling love.

Arouna & Biko – “Doubabu”

Nothing sings to the heart like the sweetness of this melodic instrumental by our dear friends, Arouna & Biko.

James Blake – “A Case of You”

I mean, this needs no additional telling. It just SLAYS.

Ray LaMontange – “Shelter”

The tamber of LaMontange’s voice is so insane, it’s another delicate one, but it reaches into the pain and pleasure of love.

Lankum – “What Will We Do When We Have No Money?”

A gentle, Irish look at love and the long haul. How to piece it together with your beloved when times are tough.

Beyoncé – “Drunk in Love”

Riddles with unapologetic passion.

Jorge Cafrune – “La atardecida”

Classic heart strings, plus the guitar just makes you swoon.

Rising Applachia – “Novels of Acquaintance”

Our favorite love song.

Polecat Creek – “That I Should Know Your Face”

A traditional Appalachian love ballad. “That I should know your face,” the depths of loyal love.

Maggie Koerner – “Shades of Grey”

Simple, open-hearted love song from the young vulnerability of the road.

Trevor Hall – “Chapter of the Forest”

A love song to the divine.

Hypnotized – “Ani DiFranco”

The classic bass line of this song plus the simplicity of the imagery. Sometimes, you are just brought to your knees by the wafting breathlessness of love.


Photo credit: Savannah Lauren