Led by the lyrical craftsmanship of singer, guitarist, and songwriter Clint Roberts, the distinctly Appalachian, old-time sound of Asheville’s Holler Choir combines haunting harmonies, stirring string compositions, and heart-wrenching ballads, yet hardly conforms to a stereotypical genre. Call it a confluence of old-time, Americana, and bluegrass, but, by its own exceptional design, the sound and atmosphere of Holler Choir are singular. Robert’s wordcraft and explosive vocal range is met with the dulcet clawhammer banjo plucking of long-time collaborator Helena Rose and the sturdy timekeeping of upright bassist Norbert McGettigan. With a rotating cast of gifted musicians featured on Holler Choir’s recordings and electrifying live performances, it’s no wonder they are the band to watch in 2023.
The band’s inception began when recording Robert’s 2022 solo release, entitled “Mountain Air”. That fortuitous collaboration of gifted roots musicians at Asheville’s Crossroads Studios proved to be the genesis of an unmistakable new sound built on that shared experience. Produced by Grammy award-winning multi-instrumentalist, Michael Ashworth, of The Steep Canyon Rangers, the five-song EP lit the fuse and Holler Choir was well on its way to delight audiences throughout the southeast and beyond.
For their debut full-length record, Songs Before They Write Themselves, Holler Choir again teamed up with producer Michael Ashworth. Released in summer of 2023, the album was tracked in the historic Echo Mountain Studio’s church room and boasts the engineering prowess of Jason Richmond (Avett Brothers, Rising Appalachia), and was mastered by Grammy Award-winning engineer, Kim Rosen.
According to Roberts “Holler Choir” could be a double entendre. A choir that hollers, or a choir from the hollers of western North Carolina. What their sound and vision exude leaves the meaning up to you.
Today Glide is offering an exclusive premiere of the band’s new song “Ain’t Too Soon,” which does a lovely job of capturing their creative approach to crafting emotionally resonant folk-grass. The band’s layered strings manage to accentuate the poignancy of the lyrics and the vocals without overwhelming them, offering a song that pulls you into the feeling of being a wallflower. Roberts inserts plenty of personality into the song that allows it to connect in a deeper way. Reminiscent of fellow North Carolina bands like the Avett Brothers and Watchhouse, this tune makes it clear that the Holler Choir is crafting the kind of folk-bluegrass hybrid music that appeals to listeners outside of both genres.
Clint Roberts describes the inspiration behind the tune:
“Honestly speaking, this song was partially inspired by stimulants. When I was a student at Appalachian State University in Boone, NC, I felt socially alien from within one of my friend groups one evening at a bar. This song has a very “wallflower” attitude, and there are a lot of anti-religious sentiments that I felt intensely when I was in my early 20’s. I’m more open-minded about people’s faith now, but I love the passion here.”
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