Nestled in the mountains of Southwest Virginia, the town of Galax is a hot bed of old-time Americana and plays host to an annual fiddlers’ festival that draws thousands of enthusiasts from around the globe.
Doug Williams, who makes up Wild Ponies with wife Telisha, grew up in this musical Appalachian town, and the duo returned to both familial and sonic roots to record their latest record, aptly entitled Galax.
Recorded in a shed near the Williams’ family farm, with inspiration drawn from a 70 year old book of poems written by Doug’s grandfather, old time fiddle tunes, and iconic songwriters like Hazel Dickens, Galax aptly demonstrates Wild Ponies’ ability to branch old and new. Take a listen to “Mama Bird” and hear how Doug and Telisha put a contemporary spin on the old time legacy of the Appalachians.
Popping up on this month’s mix is buzzworthy band The Accidentals. Tabbed by Yahoo Music a band to watch in 2017, The Accidentals have been drawing rave reviews while honing their live show over 1,000 plus shows. Check out “Memorial Day,” from the band’s new release Odyssey, this month.
Trail Mix is always happy to welcome old friends. Returning to the mix with brand new music this month are Ray Wylie Hubbard, Ben Rabb, Instant Empire, Ben Sollee, Paul Kelly, and Ben Hunter & Joe Seamons with Phil Wiggins.
Keep digging into the August mix and check out great new tunes from Weatherboy, Andrew Belle, John Reischman & The Jaybirds, A.J. Croce, David Barbe, John Elderkin & ¡Moonbeams No Mas!, Avi Vincour, and The Sweetback Sisters.
Lots of good stuff is also taking place on the Trail Mix blog this month. Stay tuned for chats with Claire Hawkins, Elliot Root, The Yawpers, and Tyler Childers.
And if you hear something you really like on this month’s mix, get out there and buy the whole record. If one track is good, ten or twelve is better.
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