With impressive three-part harmonies, a dedication to songwriting, and unwavering optimism, the Nashville-based band High South has developed a dedicated following across Europe, where they’ve been touring regularly there since 2015. Now they’re breaking into the American market with A Change in the Wind, a captivating project that draws comparisons to classic rock bands like the Eagles, Doobie Brothers, and Crosby, Stills and Nash.
The group – composed of Jamey Garner, Kevin Campos, and Phoenix Mendoza – sums up it this way: “As vocalists we are always drawn to harmony. It’s such a naturally pleasing sound that we’re absolutely hooked on — and it was never more prevalent than the 1970s. Every kid learns from their environment and we were all fortunate to have parents that exposed us to the music of this era. In a sense, it’s in our soul.”
With a desire to carry on that iconic ‘70s vibe, High South teamed with producer Josh Leo, known for his work with Glenn Frey, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Jimmy Buffett, and Kim Carnes, as well as No. 1 hits for country artists Love & Theft and Emerson Drive. Other collaborators on A Change in the Wind include engineer Niko Bolas (Neil Young, Don Henley, Warren Zevon), guitarist Jack Pearson (Allman Brothers Band), keyboard player Tony Harrell (Flying Burrito Brothers), drummer Nir Z (Genesis), and singer Raul Malo (The Mavericks).
Although the band released several singles internationally through Universal Germany, A Change in the Wind is their first release with distribution in America. The project’s empowering lead single, “Make It Better,” doubles as a mission statement for the band.
“We’re positive dudes,” Garner says. “We want to put forth a positive message. And we honestly believe that in the course, together we can make it better. That song is about people coming together. Even in the video, we made sure to show a lot of images of people coming together — people of all colors, all races, all genders, all religions.”
With Garner, Campos, and Mendoza trading out lead vocals, High South effortlessly embodies the enduring ‘70s mantra of peace, love and harmony. That upbeat spirit transcends geography, considering that they’ve performed multiple times in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, both on stage and on television.
“Because of the legwork that those two guys put in earlier, I have been able to see the world and sing these songs,” Mendoza says. “We made these wonderful things, we pulled them out of the air, and to be able to stand and sing your own words, regardless of the size of the crowd – that’s pretty awesome.”
Glide is very proud to premiere the full EP (below) for A Change in the Wind, a shining vocal choir gallop that is immediately reminiscent of CS&N, America and modern-day voices like Fleet Foxes. High South proves to be a champion of vocal harmony and effortlessly bridges the gap between pulling melodies, righteous musicianship and an all around 70’s California nostalgic vibe.
Nashville’s High South is heading out on tour to celebrate the release of their new EP! High South will be performing songs from their upcoming EP, Change in the Wind, which will be released on Friday, Oct 26, at Martyrs’ in Chicago on Wednesday, Oct 24, Rathskeller in Indianapolis on Thursday, Oct 25 and The Basement in Nashville on Saturday, Oct 27.
