Ramona and the Holy Smokes proudly announce the release of their debut EP, Til It’s Over, now available on all streaming platforms. Recorded at Richmond’s legendary Spacebomb Studio, this four-song collection highlights the band’s masterful take on pre-1964 country music, blending authenticity and innovation in equal measure.
Til It’s Over spans the breadth of classic country styles while maintaining a cohesive and heartfelt sound. The EP kicks off with “I Want You to Be My Man,” a train-beat banger co-written with Maddie Mae Martin, and transitions into the Neil Young-influenced “Dear Avery,” which features Jeffrey Miller’s (Dogwood Brothers) exquisite piano work. “I Love Smoking” delivers a candid exploration of addiction, while the title track evolves from a heartbreak ballad to an infectious shuffle, featuring innovative baritone and steel guitar arrangements.
Produced by Kai Crowe-Getty of Lord Nelson, the EP showcases the stellar musicianship of Kyle Lawton Kilduff (guitars), Brooks Hefner (pedal steel), Jay Ouypron (bass), and Porter Bralley (drums). Engineer and mixer Alex De Jong infused the tracks with a warm analog feel, running all recordings through tape twice, while mastering was handled by Danny Kalb.
“People tell me they didn’t know they liked country music until they heard us,” reflects Ramona Martinez, the band’s frontwoman. “We are a real ‘three chords and the truth’ kind of band. We have real sincerity, and I think people are moved by that.”
The band is already hard at work on their debut full-length album, set for release in mid-2025. The album will incorporate Martinez’s Mexican-American heritage through original Spanish-language material and their distinctive “Mexitonk” fusion of mariachi and country western styles.
Ramona and the Holy Smokes are currently seeking support to meet their Kickstarter goal to fund this project, with just nine days remaining. Fans can contribute and help bring the full-length album to life at the following link: Kickstarter Campaign.
About Ramona and the Holy Smokes
Based in Charlottesville, Virginia, Ramona and the Holy Smokes create original music that recalls the golden age of 1950s and 60s country. Led by the earnest and relatable songwriting of Ramona Martinez, the band’s lineup features Kyle Lawton Kilduff (guitars), Brooks Hefner (pedal steel), Jay Ouypron (bass), and Porter Bralley (drums). Their live performances incorporate Martinez’s Mexican-American roots, reimagining mariachi music in a country western style she calls “Mexitonk.”
Having already captured Central Virginia’s attention, the band is expanding their reach across the Mid-Atlantic, the South, and New England.
Til It’s Over is available now on all streaming platforms.
