WAKE FOREST, NORTH CAROLINA — The Wake Forest Listening Room shows with Momma Molasses and Sarah Siskind at Magnolia Roots will go on as scheduled this weekend, March 13 and March 14, unless they hear differently from the artists. So, come out and support live, original music if you can. The musicians – and the venues – will appreciate it. Check social media for updates here.
Sarah Siskind is one of today’s most respected and covered songwriters as well as a stand-out independent artist. Armed with a striking vocal style and solid guitar and piano work, she has toured with Bonnie Raitt, Paul Brady, Grammy winner Bon Iver (who also famously covered her song “Lovin’s For Fools”), Lee Ann Womack and The Swell Season.
Her songs have been recorded by Alison Krauss (the GRAMMY nominated “Simple Love”), Wynonna, Randy Travis and many more. The hit TV show Nashville featured 22 of Sarah’s songs, including the unofficial theme song “A Life That’s Good.” Her songs can also be heard on MTV’s Teen Mom 2, MTV’s Awkward, ABC’s Pretty Little Liars, Lifetime’s Army Wives and HBO’s The Wire.
“Modern Appalachia,” slated for release in 2020, is Sarah Siskind’s most vulnerable and personal album to date, generously showcasing a reconnection to her roots in North Carolina. Recorded at Echo Mountain Recording Studio in Asheville, this album is conversation about humanity and how we relate to each other and to ourselves. Originally conceived as a way to describe a music style or sound, “modern appalachia” became much more over the last few years as Sarah settled back into her home state. It is a feeling; a little wild, a little old-fashioned. It’s a way of life; progressive, but rooted in long standing patterns.
The album features North Carolina musicians Jeff Sipe (drums), Mike Seal (guitar) and Daniel Kimbro (bass). Bill Frisell graces the title track “Modern Appalachia” with his masterful touch while Justin Vernon (Bon Iver) lends his unmistakable vocals to “Carolina.”
Sarah was also showcased at the 2019 AmericanaFest in Nashville: “In partnership with the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum, the Americana Music Association will also present a North Carolina-focused songwriter session at the museum’s Ford Theater on Saturday, September 14. Singer-songwriters BJ Barham, Jonathan Byrd and Sarah Siskind will give attendees insight into their respective creative processes and how their N.C. origins inform their music today.”
Born and raised in North Carolina, Sarah built her musical career in Nashville, TN. Her 2009 release “Say it Louder” was crowned ‘Americana Album of the Year’ at the Nashville Music Awards. In 2011, Sarah’s album “Novel” highlighted her as the sole musician, producer and engineer. Bonnie Raitt had this to say about it: “With Novel, Sarah has created another extraordinary collection of some of the most beautiful and unique songs you’re likely to hear. She continues to be one of my favorite singers and songwriters. She absolutely knocks me out.”
Sarah returned East in 2012 and now resides in her home state of North Carolina. The return to mountains and nature inspired her to write the boutique EP “In the Mountains”, whose title track was quickly picked up and covered by Nicki Bluhm and The Gramblers. Performing at SXSW in Austin, TX later that year, Time Magazine called Sarah “one of our favorite 5 voices” at SXSW.
In July 2013, Justin Vernon’s Chigliak Records re-released Sarah’s debut full-length album “Covered” which she recorded at age 22 but could not properly release due to illness. The album is now available worldwide and highlights the guitar work of Bill Frisell.
Learn more at https://sarahsiskind.com.
Currently based in Bristol, VA. , and originally from the Pines of North Carolina, (just south of the Pedimont in Carthage, NC) Momma Molasses’ music is soul stirringly resonate, and smothered in good old fashioned folk sentiment; blending Americana, Old-Time, Alt-Country, Pedimont Blues, Swing, Appalachian, and Bluegrass music into a uniquely timeless sound. Harnessing her rolling contralto voice which scales over homespun finger-picked guitar, her sound is warm, rich, and passionate, with songs that embrace, and captivate listeners.
Momma Molasses is the musical project of singer-songwriter Ellen “Ella” Patrick. Growing up with a deep love of music, Patrick began playing stringed instruments at an early age while singing gospel music in church, and learning folk ballads from her parents dusty late 60’s record collection. She spent most of her childhood summers in a Swamp south of her home in Moore County, where she began playing for friends around the campfire, or sneaking out in canoes after dark to sing by herself to the moon. While in college at Warren Wilson, just outside of Asheville, NC Patrick became greatly influenced by Appalachian folk music, and took classes in old-time, murder ballad singing, and bluegrass music.
Three years ago, Patrick decided cook up some songs of her own, with a recipe consisting of equal parts Southern Appalachia, 1940’s Country Swing, and 1960’s folk revival. With her sweetly stirring voice, Momma Molasses has been likened by listeners to Patsy Cline, “Mother” Maybelle Carter, early (pre-rock n’ roll) Janis Joplin. Now with two years of touring under her belt, and a self released EP, Momma Molasses recently released a new album “Anthems from a Broken Heart”. Chronicling the process of falling “out of love” and into self-respect, the album is a collection fit for those broken by past relationships, aiming to bring a sense of power, self-worth, and clarity from the knowledge that loneliness, heartbreak, and hope all walk hand in hand.
For booking contact: mommamolassesmusic@gmail.com
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