Tag: stringbands

STREAM: The Wooks, ‘Little Circles’

Posted on by Editor

Artist: The Wooks
Hometown: Lexington, KY
Album: Little Circles
Release Date: September 23
Label: Gnar Vector

In Their Words:  "Bringing a song into the context of the band and allowing for something personal to take on so much more life because of the energies and influences of the other members is dynamic and something rarely experienced in daily life outside of music. Working the melodies and lyrics into songs, feeling the growth of relationships, and hearing the final product has been exciting and challenging, but most importantly very rewarding." — Arthur Hancock (banjo)

"For the most part, this record really feels reflective of our lives, as well as the music that has influenced us. Lyrically, the stories told are mostly real bits and pieces of our experiences, Kentucky, and the people and places here — whether that's worrying about a friend who might be living too hard, appreciating a beautiful day outside, talking yourself out of the blues, making time for the people you love amidst other demands, or chasing love. It's our real life and it's a real good one, and we have always wanted that to come through in our music. There's a sense of responsibility to those who came before us, those who have influenced us, and those who surround us right now to reflect a sense of place and time." — CJ Cain (guitar)

Cover art: John Lackey

STREAM: Run Boy Run, ‘I Would Fly’

Posted on by Editor

Artist: Run Boy Run
Hometown: Tucson, AZ
Album: I Would Fly
Release Date: September 2
Label: Sky Island Records

In Their Words: "The songs on Run Boy Run's new EP, I Would Fly, follow an emotional arc, resting in moments of desperation ('Who Should Follow Who?'), longing ('Lay These Stones'), triumph ('I Would Fly'), and optimism ('Hello Stranger'). The three original songs that kick off the EP lead into a forward-looking take on the Emmylou Harris vis-a-vis Carter Family song, 'Hello Stranger.'

Trading lead vocals between each song, the EP has an emotional depth and range that should be familiar to fans of Run Boy Run's previous two albums and EP. This collection is tied together by beautiful three-part harmonies and string playing, a respect for the tradition and heartfelt storytelling.

I Would Fly also includes the addition of percussion to Run Boy Run's sound, tastefully and comfortably rolling along just below the surface, giving the group room to explore new string and vocal arrangements. The new sound keeps the EP moving forward, and nudges the listener to focus in on the story and images of each song." — Bekah Sandoval Rolland

Photo credit: Luke and Mallory Photography

WATCH: Parsonsfield, ‘Barbed Wire’

Posted on by Editor

Artist: Parsonsfield
Hometown: Leverett, MA
Song: "Barbed Wire"
Album: Blooming through the Black
Release Date: September 9
Label: Signature Sounds

In Their Words: "We went into the studio with vague fragments. We were coming off our first tour through Wyoming and Montana, and the news was buzzing about building a wall across the Mexico border. The whole country was fragmented politically while we were, literally, in some very isolated places. It's easy to see how isolation can lead to fear and intolerance. That's sort of what shaped the song, lyrically. Meanwhile, Sam [Kassirer] helped us build the connective tissue needed to turn these vague notions and musical ideas to make one of our most experimental arrangements yet.” — Chris Freeman

Photo credit Shervin Lainez

STREAM: Cricket Tell the Weather, ‘Tell the Story Right’

Posted on by Editor

Artist: Cricket Tell the Weather
Hometown: Brooklyn, NY
Album: Tell the Story Right
Release Date: September 6

In Their Words: "The songs I want to write are the same songs I want to sing — the ones that feel true. This album is a compilation of songs I've written or heard that feel reflective of a particular moment or sentiment that has resonated with me over the past few years. I've been inspired by the myths we make for ourselves to help make sense of things — from our own personal narratives, to stories about and for our friends, to ancient Biblical stories and the re-imagining of them.

There's a lot of American traditional music referenced on this album, which reminds us of our country's oral history. I wanted to use that tradition to help us tell our own stories, going on right here and now, as true as we have the bravery to tell them. These songs are all brought to life by a collaborative of musicians and friends that have put a lot of time, talent, and heart into this album, and I'm incredibly grateful and honored to work with them — Doug Goldstein (banjo), Jeff Picker (guitar), Mike Robinson (guitar), Dave Speranza (bass), Sam Weber (bass), Eric Ritter (engineering), and Jason Borisoff (engineering/mixing/production)." — Andrea Asprelli

Photo credit: Brian Geltner