South for Winter - Single Review: Something In The Stars
I don’t think I will ever get
used to just how much amazing music there is out there for people willing to
look and forego popular radio stations. Last year I was asked if I would like
to review a duo, South For Winter, I had not previously come across, who were over here from
America where they are generally based. It was only on meeting them that I discovered
they were normally a trio, but the third member had not travelled. That night I
was blown away by Danielle Cichon (vocals) and Nicholas Stone (vocals, electric
guitar, acoustic guitar) and intrigued to discover that Danielle (from
Colorado) and Nicholas (from NZ) had met in Peru of all places, and discovered
they were kindred spirits in so many ways. I was fortunate enough to catch them
again the next night in a supporting role, and their set was way too short
(check out their debut Luxumbra and thank me later).
I am not sure I will forgive them for coming back to Aotearoa for way too short a timeframe this year (which meant I missed seeing them), but the migratory birds have a lot going on at the moment so it soon back to Tennessee where they now live for most of the year. However, they have left us with the first single of their next album, Of Sea and Sky, and when music is as beautiful as this, one must sit and be enraptured by the majesty of what is unfolding. The third member of the band, Alexander Stradal (cello, acoustic guitar, bass, vocals), has added some touches which bring in sadness and longing, with a cello adding additional depths probably not heard in this genre since the late great Harry Chapin. There is also a fourth person involved in this song, drummer Christopher Kearney, but he is incredibly restrained, adding just the right amount of bite.
Anyone who has seen these guys play know how the love for each other is apparent at all times, and now they are singing their story to each other, beck and call in some places and harmonies in others, but always full of passion and wonderment. The song is full of space, with plenty of room for two hearts to move between all the musical strands and find each other. Sublime.
About South for Winter
The band has landed accolades such as a Finalist for 'Best Group/Duo' in the 2023 International Acoustic Music Awards, Semi-Finalist in the 2023 and 2022 International Songwriting Competition, Official Showcase Artist at South by Southwest Music Festival in 2023, Official Showcase Artist at Folk Alliance International in 2024 and 2022, and 'Most Wanted' emerging artist at Falcon Ridge Festival in 2019. Their music has been praised by sites such as American Songwriter ("laden with delicate harmonies, intricate guitar-work, and earthy vocals... impeccable sound"), No Depression ("must-see artist"), For the Love of Bands ("a wonderful mix of indie and folk rock"), Grateful Web ("eclectic in the best sense of the word"), and AmericanaUK ("an ethereal, dreamy, journey...a journey well-worth taking").
South for Winter recorded their upcoming sophomore album, Of Sea and Sky, in Nashville TN alongside multi Grammy award-winning producer Matt Leigh (Willie Nelson, Sister Sadie). The album - out May 16, 2024 - has already received an outpouring of support, raising over $21,000 (>141% of its funding goal) for its upcoming independent release; achieving shoutouts from sites like No Depression Magazine and Grateful Web; landing on three Spotify editorial playlists with album singles; and having airplay from stations such as WMOT Roots Radio (Murfreesboro TN), WFUV Radio (NYC), Radio New Zealand, and WFMT (Chicago IL).
Visit the muzic.net.nz Profile for South for Winter
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