Photo credit: Dominque Shaw
Nantahala makes the kind of music you don’t realize you’re missing until you hear it. A hyper-local gem, described by a fan as, “good friends with mad talent,” The indie folk outfit from the North Carolina Piedmont are as happy and aglow playing around a backyard campfire as a large venue or festival.
Luxurious harmonies take front and center, formed by Mary Johnson Rockers and Miriam Chicurel-Bayard whose unsinkable bond and musical journey began as teenagers along the Nantahala River bordering their two home states. Since the late 90s, with different iterations (solo and as Mary Johnson Rockers and the Spark) they’ve released 3 full-length albums and one EP with accolades. They are noted for "songs that are catchy, well written and eclectic...nearly irresistible" (Chris Parker, Indyweek) and Mary’s solo album was praised for “a voice built for singing of lingering touches and songwriting skills built for the subtle but lasting detail” (Rick Cornell, Country Standard Time). Together with longtime collaborator and percussionist Robert Cantrel (Tim Smith Band, Drowning Lovers, Paperhand Puppet Orchestra), bassist John Gillespie (Nikki Meets the Hibachi, Drowning Lovers), and lead guitarist Ian Leinbaugh (Blindog), Nantahala features some of the area's best talent and delivers an intimate but powerful set that will move listeners to lean in for more.
The Good Luck Sessions, a studio EP recorded at The Rubber Room and Good Luck Studio in Chapel Hill, NC, is the first release under the Nantahala moniker. The project began in 2018, and with persistence, love and skill, it showcases some of the band’s current and former members and the expert ear of engineer FJ Ventre. The Good Luck Sessions was crowd-funded with an early release made to backers, and now available for streaming and order.
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