Adored world-folk music group, Rising Appalachia, are pleased to invite viewers, both new fans and old, to their NPR Tiny Desk Concert which was filmed in November of last year while the band was routing through Washington D.C. for their sold out show at The Hamilton Theatre. Known for broadening the definition of, and educating listeners on folk music, the band is led by sisters Leah Song and Chloe Smith, who are joined by longtime members David Brown (stand-up bass, baritone guitar) and Biko Casini (world percussion), as well as two new members: West African musician Arouna Diarra (n’goni, talking drum), and Irish musician Duncan Wickel (fiddle, cello). The sonic textures of these two cultures are woven into Leylines, the band’s latest album, enhancing the stunning blend of folk, world, and urban music that has become Rising Appalachia’s calling card. Watch Rising Appalachia’s Tiny Desk Concert here.
Leylines has been a defining record for Rising Appalachia, garnering praise from a wide swath of critics and solidifying their place in the greater Americana musical movement. Brooklyn Vegan called “Speak Out,” one of the album's standout tunes featuring Ani DiFranco, “an appealing dose of fiddle-fueled folk and close harmonies.” NPR praised album closer, “Resilient,” as an “uplifting, original folk anthem” and Rolling Stone called their sound “protest music for the modern age bolstered by delicate, skillful musicianship and otherworldly vocal harmonies.” They topped off 2019 ranking #8 on the NACC Top Albums Chart, holding the #1 spot for over 6 weeks this past summer. Most recently, Billboard featured the video for “Cuckoo,” calling the song a “perception changer,” and noting that it “channels their southern roots.” Redefining and widening the circles of what it means to be a southern-based band is something Leah and Chloe are constantly exploring. Leah put her thoughts on this on paper for The Bitter Southerner’s Folklore Project, identifying and exploring common threads that run from Peru to the American south.
Fans should stay tuned for announcements on new music, and in the meantime make plans to seek the band out on tour. New tour dates were announced this morning including a stop at every band’s bucket list venue, Red Rocks Amphitheatre.
On tour:
4.17.20 - Reeves Theater - Elkin, NC
4.19.20 - Charleston Music Hall - Charleston, SC
4.21.20 - Lincoln Theatre - Raleigh, NC
5.1.20 - Red Rocks Amphitheatre- Morrison, CO (with Trevor Hall and Citizen Cope)
5.3.20 - The Commonwealth Room - Salt Lake City, UT
5.7.20 - Top Hat Lounge - Missoula, MT
6.11.20 - 6.13.20 - Blue Ox Music Festival- Eau Claire, WI
7.10.20 - Green River Festival- Greenfield, MA
Visit https://www.risingappalachia.com for more information and tickets.
