Rising Appalachia

Rising Appalachia is an internationally touring folk ensemble steeped in the soul of the South. It is the brainchild of Atlanta-raised sisters Leah Song and Chloe Smith. They have that touch that only siblings can have.

Fresh off the press, they present their first album of cover songs, Folk & Anchor, a carefully curated collection of remakes. From Bob Dylan to Hozier, Erykah Badu to Beyonce, hear these songs in a voice uniquely their own. Recorded at Echo Mountain in Asheville, North Carolina, the band has leaned into new renditions of old favorites.

Rising Appalachia makes music as a reflection of their times, blending Americana with lyrics, rhythm and poetry of our times. The band's unique sound is shaped by Leah and Chloe's soulful vocals, simple instrumentation, and seamless harmonies, rooted in multi-generational music of the South. They are joined by musicians who bring Appalachian, Irish, Americana, Latin, and world roots influences.

Full-time members:
- David Brown — upright bass, baritone guitar
- Duncan Wickel — fiddle, cello
- Biko Casini — drums and percussion

Expect a boot-stomping banjo tune alongside an acapella ballad, all mashed up with breathtaking cello, a flatpicking guitar medley, and undeniable groove.

Their journey has taken them around the world: sailboat tours across British Columbia, street theater festivals in Southern Italy, a full-time busking career in New Orleans, and traditional song studies in Ireland, Bulgaria, Latin America, and beyond. They continue to immerse in community building, cultural exchange programs, traditional folkloric studies, and music gatherings.

Their nearly two-decade dedication has led to acclaimed appearances at Telluride and Bluegrass Festival, Preservation Jazz Hall, Bob Boilen's Tiny Desk Concert, Red Rocks, and many more. Sixteen years and seven studio albums in, this is their first full cover album and welcomes you into an ambitious adventure.

Come and make this music your own