Up and coming band High & Rising announces their full length debut Album - Howl - a high energy cross between folk americana, jam and bluegrass music (a new genre called “Groovy Grass” - as coined by the band), scheduled for release on September 24, 2021. Their record release party for Howl will be on October, 23rd - details to be announced at a later date.
“Wisconsin has been growing its unique jam-band style of Bluegrass. One of those uniquely styled bands is High and Rising,” writes Emerald Butler, The Bluegrass Standard.
The trio, led by Laura Farley (upright bass/vocals) and supported by Jym Farley (acoustic guitar) and Ben Rohde (percussion) have quickly made a name for themselves through their prolific songwriting and performances along-side notable musicians who are also featured on the album: Adam Greuel & Davey Lynch of Horseshoes & Hand Grenades; Chris Castino of The Big Wu; Ernest Brusubardis IV & Ryan Ogburn of Chicken Wire Empire; Augie Dougherty of Armchair Boogie; Craig Baumann of The People Brothers Band; Rick Krueuziger of The Pat Watters Band; Leo Albertoni of Old Soul Society; and Kenny Leiser of Joseph Huber.
High & Rising’s debut album supports their rising popularity in Wisconsin’s music scene. During the pandemic, High & Rising generated more than 70,000 views of their online music series - featuring many prominent musicians from Wisconsin and Minnesota.
“You wouldn't think many bands that formed just before the pandemic began would be successful. After all, live performances are how many bands get their start. But one Wisconsin trio found success in a place they never anticipated. In fact, they played for some of their biggest audiences without ever seeing a single fan,” explains James Groh, WTMJ-TV Milwaukee, WI. “In total, they did 20. It all culminated in a joint concert venture with other Wisconsin artists that was live-streamed at the Barrymore Theater in Madison on April 9.”
The 12 songs making up Howl are composed by the husband and wife writing duo, Laura and Jym Farley. Laura’s lyrics thoughtfully offer a clear message of feel good positivity, with songs like “Lookin for the Good” and “The Days”, yet is offset with songs created around mourning the death of Laura’s sister with “Wanderlust” and the album’s title track “Howl”.
Since High and Rising’s inception about a year ago, they have launched a very popular summer music series at the historic Trempealeau Hotel in Trempealeau, Wisconsin. The band has also been invited to multiple Midwest music festivals this summer, including: Driftless Music Gardens; Bonfire & Summer is Dead Festival; LarryFest; and Boats and Bluegrass.
“High & Rising’s freshman album Howl brings a fresh feeling and approach to bluegrass, or Americana-based, music. It’s always a good sign when you can hear a band at a distance and know who it is. That uniqueness often means that a band has found a sound that fits them and their own humanly vibrations,” shares Musician Adam Greuel, Horseshoes & Hand Grenades.
High & Rising is humbled to receive accolades from their peers. “We are so thankful for the support we have received from our local, musical heroes within the Midwest music scene,” expresses lead singer, Laura Farley.
Additional Supporting Quotes:
Augie Dougherty (Armchair Boogie): “High and Rising popped into my world less than a year ago and since the moment I met them, I realized they poured happiness and gratitude into everything they do. This album is no exception. I'm very excited to have been a part of this record and I can't wait for everyone to hear it. There's an all star lineup of local musicians making it a great example of the musical community these people love to promote. And most importantly, it sounds damn good.”
Ernest Brusubardis IV (Chicken Wire Empire): “High & Rising’s debut album is incredible. Besides what a pleasure it was to work with Jym and Laura, the flow of the album is wonderful. Family is a recurring theme throughout the album, and it’s great to see High & Rising showcase their Wisconsin musical family. I love the diverse instrumentation from track to track. This is a beautiful offering to the greater Upper-Midwest music scene.”
