After their last single, a grim tale of a doomed riverboat, you might think that Western North Carolina’s premier bluegrass group would want to lighten the mood with their next one. But that’s not the bluegrass way, and it’s definitely not true for Balsam Range — though to tell the truth, compared to “The Pacific,” the uncertainty of love at a distance that is the subject of “Virginia Girl” could seem positively uplifting. And the story of how this record came to be offers its own kind of inspiration.

Dark tales of disaster have always been an important part of the bluegrass songbook, and Balsam Range has always known a good one when they’ve seen it. Case in point: the award-winning group’s latest single for Mountain Home Music Company, “The Pacific.” 

Mountain Home Music Company and its sister imprint Organic Records have once again demonstrated their depth and diversity, fielding an impressive slate of recordings for consideration on this year’s first-round ballots. From hard-driving instrumentals and soaring bluegrass anthems to heartfelt gospel offerings, the labels’ roster underscores their shared commitment to delivering the very best in contemporary roots music.

They say the only thing constant is change, and after some 15 years of music making with their original lineup, change finally came last year for western North Carolina’s Balsam Range. Now, with the release of Kinetic Tone, their 10th collection for Mountain Home Music Company, the group puts an exclamation point on their embrace of the new as they welcome mandolin virtuoso Alan Bibey to the award-winning quintet.

They say the only thing constant is change, and after some 15 years of music making with their original lineup, change finally came last year for western North Carolina’s Balsam Range. Now, with the upcoming release of Kinetic Tone, their 10th collection for Mountain Home Music Company, the group puts an exclamation point on their embrace of the new as they welcome mandolin virtuoso Alan Bibey to the award-winning quintet.

After the thoughtful introspection of their last single, “What The Years Do,” bluegrass powerhouses Balsam Range turn the page with “Snake Charmer,” an up-tempo romp that highlights the quintet’s whimsical side.

After spending two weeks at the top of Bluegrass Today's weekly chart, Balsam Range's latest single, "What The Years Do," has reached No. 1 on the monthly chart, too.

On “What The Years Do,” the band's first new single in over a year, the quintet not only offered a song as powerfully moving as any they’ve done, they also introduced acclaimed mandolinist Alan Bibey as the first new member of the group since it was founded over 15 years ago.

It all begins with a song. It’s a motto that Balsam Range has adopted and carried throughout their nearly 15-year career. Few artists can deliver songs that move people, and connect to audiences like this quintet from the mountains of North Carolina. With their newest album, Moxie and Mettle, Balsam Range released a series of singles that preceded the full album. The tremendous result was a coveted spot at the top of the Bluegrass Today charts for each of them.

Mountain Home Music Company’s Darren Nicholson is a man on a mission — and if you think, based on his membership in award-winning bluegrass quintet Balsam Range, that you know what it is, his new EP is going to come as a mighty big surprise.

Two-time International Bluegrass Music Association Entertainer of the Year Balsam Range has released an official music video for "Highway Side," the latest single from their new album, Moxie and Mettle.