Sisters Leah Song and Chloe Smith, better known as Rising Appalachia, are no strangers to reimagining music on their terms, in their voices, but their latest release—a haunting cover of James Blake’s “I Need A Forest Fire” from his 2016 LP, The Colour In Anything—may be one of the most creatively executed reworkings in recent memory. Originally featuring the distinct falsetto of Bon Iver, Blake’s arrangement of sparse drums, vocal samples, and synthesizers has been traded for a slow-grooving, acoustic replication, full of lush harmonies and rhythmically fingerpicked guitars. The resulting record gives the song a more organic feel, closer to the cedar smoke of which Rising Appalachia sings. Of course, the forest fire in question is more figurative in nature; a commentary on necessary rebirth—life’s second chances. “Touched by the powerful lyrics and sculpted sonics of James Blake, this is our folk rendition of a powerful song about the elemental destruction of the overgrown ego and its havoc through the catharsis of flames,” says Leah. Fans can stream or purchase Rising Appalachia’s version of “I Need A Forest Fire” now at this link.
Since their release of Leylines in 2019, Rising Appalachia has released a number of standalone singles, remixes, and even a surprise LP, The Lost Mystique of Being in the Know, which Mike Davies of UK’s folk radio called "undoubtedly one of the most intoxicating musical experiences you’ll have this year." For more music, information on Rising Appalachia’s social and environmental mission, upcoming tour dates, and more please visit risingappalachia.com.
Catch Rising Appalachia On Tour:
June 10 & 11 - Garrettsville, OH - Pyro Art and Music Festival 2022
June 16 - Telluride, CO - Telluride Bluegrass Festival 2022
July 9 - Asheville, NC - Salvage Station
July 24 - Reno, NV - Artown
July 25 & 26 - Petaluma, CA - The Mystic
July 28 - Berkeley, CA - The UC Theatre
July 30 - Big Sur, CA - Tree Bones
Aug. 2 - Portland, OR - Crystal Ballroom
Aug. 3 - Seattle, WA - The Neptune
Aug.t 5 - Ninilchik, AK - Salmonfest 2022
Sept. 3 - Boulder, CO - The Colorado Chautauqua
Sept. 5 - Buena Vista, CO - The Lawn at The Surf Hotel
Sept. 9 - Park City, UT - Park City Song Summit
Oct. 8 - Pelham, TN - The Caverns
For ticket information, visit risingappalachia.com/tour.
