country kick y'all + early Sig single release
011. Emmylou Harris, Sierra Ferrell, Kara Jackson, Bella White + Sofar Video
I’ve been on a kick with country music—listening to it and writing it. Throughout my childhood I actively resisted country music; maybe because it was the anthem of rural Missouri and I had eyes for somewhere else, maybe because I loved listening to my older sister’s pop girlies cds, or perhaps my fastidious worshiping of Coldplay drove me away from lyrics with an bent story-line or anything too direct. Now that I’ve been away from home for 8+ years I find myself inching back to those roots of country music. This month I’m sharing 4 albums that fall in that wonderful realm of rural sound. I’m also sharing an early release of our upcoming single, Light Tower, which you could say is country… alt-country?
Also a video from our Sofar Sounds Wellington! This track is called Elna and it’s about dressing up for the rodeo :))
Wrecking Ball - Emmylou Harris
How have I missed this? It’s been around as long as I have. This album is otherworldly and reminds me of so many other songs that came after—I like to think this album was the influence.
Long Time Coming - Sierra Ferrell
I came across Sierra Ferrell via the youtube highway—I suspect because I’ve been watching a lot of Charley Crockett, Molly Tuttle, Willie Nelson and the likes. Her debut album, Long Time Coming, is packed full of finger pickin’ and guitar slidin’ however the real magic is in her voice. Her tone is wonderfully unique—raspy yet crisp and reminiscent of Dolly Parton.
Bandcamp / Website / Streaming Sites
Among Other Things - Bella White
“A finespun breed of country/folk both fresh in perspective and wholly steeped in bluegrass tradition.” Bella White is just damn good. I can’t get enough of how she sings kitchen and dishes in the track ‘Dishes’.
Bandcamp / Website / Streaming Sites
Why Does the Earth Give Us People to Love? - Kara Jackson
An album that blends genres and bends form. I’ve learnt a thing or two about what a song can be from Kara Jackson. Big thanks to Rubes for sending me this one.
Bandcamp / Website / Streaming Sites
‘Light Tower' is the second single from our full-length album (still chipping away at that bloody thing) and will officially be released on July 1. This track explores the complexity of growing up in a small town, leaving too young, and finding yourself irrevocably changed when you return—ultimately the song regards acceptance.
Vocals, Guitar, Bass, Drums: Matthew Campbell
Vocals & Artwork: Mads Taylor
Mixing: Philip Zach at The Grid Studio
Mastering: Joshua Llewellyn at Downbeat Mastering
Co-written by Matthew Campbell & Ruby Leonard
Many thanks also to Kei, Adrianna Miranda, Ella Davies, Floyd Graham, Mary Catherine Cook, Zech Campbell, and Terri Campbell for helping this song along its journey.
Any Wellington friends free this weekend?
Toodle oo
Sig