Presenting original music from Western North Carolina musicians, but for people to hear everywhere.
Episodes
33 minutes ago
33 minutes ago
44 min
The Loverfaces join the pod and you just gotta love those faces.
Listen to and follow The Loverfaces at these places.
Thanks to The Loser Kings for the closing song
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The Loverfaces is a husband-and-wife indie alt-rock band with 2 lead singers and vocal harmonies galore. Chad and Sarah met at a karaoke bar in 2008 and have been writing songs together ever since.
The Loverfaces' dreamy originals and imaginative covers blend emotional songwriting and dual vocals that create a cinematic atmosphere. Performing both as an intimate duo and with a full band, their dynamic live shows are beginning to attract attention from festivals and sync licensing opportunities. The Loverfaces also have a drink named after them at Breadheads Tiki Shak in Sylva.
Our live sets are built to connect with audiences, combining original alternative and indie rock with familiar favorites from the 70's through 90's.
We believe music can be a positive force beyond entertainment, so we've partnered with Musicians Against Overdose Prevention to help distribute Narcan at select shows.
The current lineup includes Chad Jordan on vocals and guitar, Sarah Jordan on vocals and bass, lead guitarist Kevin Ludlow and drummer Jeff Vandell.
The Loverfaces have performed on community stages, at regional venues, and at large public events, bringing the same level of same level of professional polish and infectious joy.
“Awesome! Absolutely loved having them out to my community! My residents loved all the music choices and especially the 90’s throwbacks everyone loves!” – Liz M., Weaverville
Band Members
Chad Jordan
Chad began his music career in 90s pop-punk bands and later fronted Panthertown in Asheville, with residencies at The Root Bar and The Town Pump in Asheville. A multi-instrumentalist with a focus on guitar and harmonica, Chad brings a songwriter’s perspective to every arrangement. Outside of music, he enjoys gardening, virtual reality, and frisbee golf with his chihuahua, Rebel. Chad is still emo.
Chad began his music career in 90s pop-punk bands and later fronted Panthertown in Asheville, with residencies at The Root Bar and The Town Pump in Asheville. A multi-instrumentalist with a focus on guitar and harmonica, Chad brings a songwriter’s perspective to every arrangement. Outside of music, he enjoys gardening, virtual reality, and frisbee golf with his chihuahua, Rebel. Chad is still emo.
Sarah Jordan
Sarah’s singing career began as a Katy Perry impersonator in 2011 after being discovered by an event planner at Boogie Nights Casino. In 2014, she was a singing mermaid for a popular party company in California. Sarah sings and plays electric bass in The Loverfaces. Sarah began her music instrument journey on ukulele and keyboard in 2017 and continues to expand her musical range. She enjoys reading, playing Dr. Mario and swimming when not performing or recording.
Sarah’s singing career began as a Katy Perry impersonator in 2011 after being discovered by an event planner at Boogie Nights Casino. In 2014, she was a singing mermaid for a popular party company in California. Sarah sings and plays electric bass in The Loverfaces. Sarah began her music instrument journey on ukulele and keyboard in 2017 and continues to expand her musical range. She enjoys reading, playing Dr. Mario and swimming when not performing or recording.
Kevin Ludlow
Kevin Ludlow is a guitarist, writer, and creative professional originally from Austin, Texas. Now based in Nebo, NC, he balances music with a background in software development, business management, and visual arts. Kevin lives in a restored historic church and brings depth, texture, and precision to the band’s sound.
Kevin Ludlow is a guitarist, writer, and creative professional originally from Austin, Texas. Now based in Nebo, NC, he balances music with a background in software development, business management, and visual arts. Kevin lives in a restored historic church and brings depth, texture, and precision to the band’s sound.
Jeff Vandell
A lifelong multi-instrumentalist and studio musician, Jeff brings groove, experience, and versatility to the band. His background spans drums, bass, guitar, keys, and original songwriting. Jeff lives in Weaverville and also works as a paralegal and virtual fellowship leader.
A lifelong multi-instrumentalist and studio musician, Jeff brings groove, experience, and versatility to the band. His background spans drums, bass, guitar, keys, and original songwriting. Jeff lives in Weaverville and also works as a paralegal and virtual fellowship leader.
The Loverfaces recently released their first solar-powered music video for “Easy Mind,” a dreamy alternative track that attracted the attention of a national solar company.
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“Dammit the Dog” was written by Todd Duncan, Michael C. Parris, and Lucas Thompson and it was recorded by The Loser Kings one afternoon at The Cowboy Arms Hotel and Recording Spa in Nashville, Tennessee. We had a little help from the Mercyland Choir. Listen now and stream on June 5th. We hope it makes you smile...The Loser Kings are the trio of Peter Rogan, Michael C Parris and Lucas Thompson. We thank the Mercyland Choir, Michelle Thompson Rebekah Gilbert Benjamin Bynum Ray Wilder and Sam Wade.
Jun 3, 2026
Jun 3, 2026
38 min
Sycamore Bones returns to pick up where we left off like 2 years ago.
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Sycamore Bones has just wrapped up their second full length album titled, “The Trouble, With Love”. This album is packed with the same story telling and lyricism you've come to expect from the North Carolina quintet with an added touch of 90's alternative rock. A concept album tackling different stages of love, the songs run the gamut from the fuzzy to the folky and showcase a broader range of influence when compared with their previous work.
Traversing musical genres to give an energy filled performance of alt-country, folk, rock and Americana, the heart-felt lyrics and harmonic melodies of Sycamore Bones have graced the stages of music venues across the region for the last ten years. Throughout this time they have developed a following around their originality and their ability to invite audiences into their music through strong three-part harmonies, undeniably honest lyrics, and a captivating stage presence.The sound of Sycamore Bones has been likened to such bands as Wilco, John Prine, REM, Old 97s, and Watchhouse, while developing their own unique brand of Americana.
Cory Kinal - Vocals/ Guitar
Andrew Massey - Vocals/ Electic Guitar
Nora Kinal - Vocals/Fiddle/Vibraslap
Ryan Kinal - Bass
Cody Pennell - Drums
Mar 27, 2025
Mar 27, 2025
44 min
Fancy AND the Gentlemen and then Fancy and Nic Mac. How did I make this happen? Leverage.
Listen to and follow Fancy and the Gentlemen at these places
Thanks to Nic Mac and The Noise for the closing song
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Based out of Asheville, NC, Fancy and the Gentlemen brings an eclectic mix of honky tonk, blues, southern gothic, outlaw country, and classical roots twist to Americana. Sensitive and rich harmonies weave through the tapestry of original compositions and carefully curated covers that celebrate the roots of southern American music. The crew enjoy performing as a full toms and mallets groove-infused band while staying true to the core artistry that is the songwriting quartet.
Nov 4, 2024
Nov 4, 2024
25 min
Nicholas Williams, founder of the recovery effort ReString Appalachia, joins the podcast to talk about this wonderful project.
Action Link: ReString Appalachia
See the Movement: Instagram
The mission of the “ReString Appalachia” initiative is to get as many instruments back into the hands of people who lost them throughout Appalachia due to Hurricane Helene. Created by the roots music history podcast American Songcatcher, this project is supported by over 150 of the leading roots musicians, instrument makers, nonprofits, venues, festivals, actors, artists and media outlets.
We are a "donor match" program, aiming to get instruments of comparable or better quality, if not the exact same make and model that was lost, if possible.
Oct 10, 2024
Oct 10, 2024
4 min
Please consider donating your money or time to these organizations
Sep 25, 2024
Sep 25, 2024
59 min
Stephen Evans returns and he's faster, stronger, more agile. Will probably get drafted in the first round.
Find Stephen Evans and the True Grits here
Thanks to Jack Hyphen for the closing song
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After many years of vacillating between being a professional musician and building a nest in Asheville, NC, Stephen Evans finally asked his friends, Brian Shoemaker (bass), Sam Hess (drums), and Woodstock (mandolin), to form the True Grits and make some music together in 2014.
The very next year, Stephen Evans & the True Grits released their first LP "Something to Bleed". Inspired to release more music, they followed two years later with their EP "Under the Bridge." Both records have received local and regional praise for their passion and creativity.
Stephen's strong melodic songwriting style is a blend of vivid imagery, darkness, and hopeful optimism. There's no denying the feeling that shines through with his evocative vocals and lyrics. Songs like ‘Ghost Among the Trees’, 'The Garden', 'Cherokee Hills', 'Shining Star', and '1000 Roses' are beacons of his folk rock song craft. With radio play on Western North Carolina radio stations, as well as shows around the region, Stephen Evans & the True Grits are becoming a local favorite.
"Buzz of Bees" is their latest album, released in December of 2022, of folk rock with some songs dipping their toes into other styles like Americana, Latin Folk, and Vaudeville. Singles from the LP, ‘Ghost Among the Trees’, ‘Winning the Day’, and ‘Estefania’, are already receiving radio play on local stations as well as national online radio and music podcasts. Look for Stephen Evans & the True Grits playing fun live shows all around the area to support this beautiful album.
Emerging Manchester indie up and comer Jack Hyphen returns with the vibrant, breezy new single ‘Not Medicinal’ (June 28th). Having made a name for himself as one to watch with live shows in and around Manchester, Jack Hyphen continues to showcase the intricate songwriting and radiant musicianship which has seen him build a fanbase.
Emerging from the breakup of Herefordshire Indie/Rock band Point Zero, where he served as the frontman, Jack returned with acoustic singles that showcased his vocal and lyrical prowess. His evolution into a 4-piece alternative pop/rock outfit in mid-2019 brought a punchy, atmospheric edge to his music.
The new single ‘Not Medicinal’ continues this approach with intricate interweaving guitar lines, smothered in atmospheric modulation and reverb which glides over the punching drums and driving bass. Topped with Jack’s emotive, understated vocal delivery, the track blends its energetic undercurrent with an ethereal edge to create a unique, accessible yet thoughtful and delicate soundscape.
Having already gained widespread press support and radio play from the likes of Amazing Radio and XS Manchester, Jack has opened for a number of breakout bands including Crystal Tides, Jeremiah Ferrari, and James Walsh (Starsailor), even gaining acclaim from BBC Radio 6 Music’s Chris Hawkins for the quality of his live performance. Jack continues to grow, showcasing some of his finest work yet on the new single ‘Not Medicinal’.
Sep 10, 2024
Sep 10, 2024
58 min
Andrew Wakefield part 2. With a couple of do-overs.
Listen and follow Andrew at these places
Thanks to Lily Vakili for the closing track
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The beautiful town of Asheville, nestled in the Smokey Mountains of North Carolina and noted primarily for its beer and bohemian atmosphere, now boasts a burgeoning contribution to American roots music in the name of Andrew Wakefield. Growing up in a musical family with a religious background, Andrew gained his first vocal experience singing hymns with family and in church choirs. That same passionate feeling within himself has prompted Andrew's emotional singing power and style throughout his life.
After leaving home at the age of sixteen he spent years honing his guitar craft and living a gypsy life of travel, adventure seeking, and soul searching(with a few bumps along the way). In 2020 Andrew landed a coveted weekly performance with the house band at Jack of the Wood, an Asheville bluegrass institution. Soon after he joined The Well Drinkers, a progressive bluegrass band based in the area.
Performing and touring relentlessly with these acts eventually gave Andrew the confidence to step into the limelight with his own songs and unique style, and the Andrew Wakefield solo project was born.
Catch Andrew at Jack of the Wood in downtown Asheville every Sunday 1-3pm with the Bluegrass Brunch Boys!
(New York, NY) “I didn’t plan to put out a solo EP,” states Lily Vakili, the poetic and bluesy powerhouse best known for fronting the eponymous Vakili Band. But when the opportunity arose for a string of solo dates supporting John Douglas (of Trashcan Sinatras) this coming October, it “felt both completely new and like a return home.” As preparations for the tour began, new songs started to emerge, and Vakili, who started her musical career as a solo artist, decided to take some of her favorite advice: “Just keep on, keep improving your art, keep performing. Don’t isolate yourself, stay open and say YES.”
Aug 22, 2024
Aug 22, 2024
40 min
Couldn't Be Happiers return for their 3rd and final episode (for now) and it's probably for the best because it's the episode most likely to get me canceled
Listen and follow Couldn't Be Happiers
Thanks to Cormac Russel
for the closing song
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The Couldn't Be Happiers are a married, songwriting alt-country/Americana duo from Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Jordan Crosby Lee (guitar and vocals) is a born again North Carolinian originally from Texas. His love of Texas music still runs deep, and his conversational songwriting style is redolent of Robert Earl Keen and Bruce Robison. North Carolina native Jodi Hildebran Lee (drums, harmonica, and vocals) brings a more traditional/bluesy country dressing to their sound. Her voice is bold, brilliant, and hair-raisingly beautiful. Their sound is uniquely their own, but if a comparison must be made, think Violent Femmes meets Johnny & June. They cover everything from their love for each other to the rueful life of a Sasquatch hunter. The lyrics are nuanced, funny, and purposeful.
The duo’s first full-length album, "Songs for Butchie," is out now in three volumes. The album is named in honor of Jordan's late father, John Lee, who passed away on November 3, 2020, from a rare brain cancer. "Butchie" was undoubtedly the band's biggest fan, and his faith in Jordan and Jodi is what drove them to finally write and release this album. Melissa Clarke, Ph.D., of Americana Highways called their music on this album “witty and entertaining, even as the lyrics weave in serious topics to consider.”
Canadian born but raised in Ireland, Cormac Russell has taken his music across the globe, including tours in England and China. He released his acclaimed seventh album titled 'Resurrection' last year, which won some very favourable reviews in the press, as well as airplay on national and international radio. He will be releasing his eighth LP titled 'The Water Came Rushing' this October. Playing all the instruments himself, he draws from a wide range of influences; from Neil Young and Bob Dylan, to literary giants like William Butler Yeats and James Joyce.
Jul 25, 2024
Jul 25, 2024
40 min
Cutlass returns, mainly because they used that old trick of "forgetting" their scarf at my house. Real smooth, guys.
Listen and follow Cutlass at these places
Find Landon Gray here
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Cutlass is a dynamic alternative rock duo that draws heavy influence from the music of the late 60s to early 90s. Notable influences include sam cooke, jimi hendrix, the beatles, drake, cake, beethoven, soundgarden, prince, rihanna and the human condition. Their 4th studio album "The East" will be released Winter 2022. Essential recordings include "Blue Bloods" "Used to" and "Slave". Cutlass can be found on all streaming platforms via the name Cutlass Music.
Jul 14, 2024
Jul 14, 2024
52 min
Sycamore Bones joins the podcast and we al try to out-delight each other.
Listen and follow Sycamore Bones at these places
Thanks to Chris Milam for the closing song
National Tour Dates: chrismilam.com/live
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Sycamore Bones has spent the better part of a decade playing their brand of Folk, bluegrass and country. The band began with just an upright bass, acoustic guitar, and 3 part harmony. They have recently progressed to a 5 piece band featuring keys, electric guitar, fiddle, and drums. The band is led by its two primary songwriters and frontmen, Cory Kinal (acoustic guitar) and Andrew Massey (electric guitar, keys). Their new album “Someone Who Knows” puts on display the same lyrically sensitivity fans have enjoyed from the duo backed by a broader soundscape reminiscent of bands like the Old 97’s, REM, and Wilco.
“Invites—and earns—the Paul Simon comparisons,” raves American Songwriter about Chris Milam, the acclaimed singer-songwriter from Memphis, Tennessee. Milam’s first two albums—Kids These Days and Meanwhile—earned him widespread critical acclaim. Years of dogged, grassroots touring earned him a dedicated fanbase across the US & UK. Collaborations and co-bills with Stax legend William Bell, Valerie June, Amanda Shires, Cory Branan, Garrison Starr, and more earned Milam’s reputation as an ascendent artist to watch.
Now, Chris Milam is set to release his third album, Orchid South: a kinetic, slyly subversive rock record inspired by the music and events of his adolescence. These eleven portraits of teenage life draw a direct line from the tumult, thrill, depression, and anger of youth to the chaos of the present.
Now, Chris Milam is set to release his third album, Orchid South: a kinetic, slyly subversive rock record inspired by the music and events of his adolescence. These eleven portraits of teenage life draw a direct line from the tumult, thrill, depression, and anger of youth to the chaos of the present.