‘Fool Me’ is the third single from the Sydney-based band’s forthcoming album. Photo: google
Sons Of The East, the indie-folk band from the Northern Beaches of Sydney, Australia, are pleased to announce the release of their newest single “Fool Me” and its companion video. Premiering exclusively via Atwood Magazine who celebrated the song as “an instant classic,” adding that it is a “folksy anthem for reveling in the moment: a soundtrack for feeling good and celebrating connect, arriving just as our world starts to open up.” Listen to and watch the video for “Fool Me” now at this link. (Sons Of The East, 2021)
When asked about the track, the band told Atwood Magazine that they are “big fans of the Faces and Stones, and knew that if we wanted that vibe we needed to keep it as loose and fun as possible. It started with just banjo and guitar, and then piano became the signature voice of the track. We loved the honkytonk vibe, the idea that you could be sitting around at 1a.m. in a bar singing along to the piano and at any moment the whole thing could unravel. When it came time to shoot the film clip, the same rules applied.”
Sons Of The East is made up of Australian bandmates Dan Wallage, Nic Johnston, and Jack Rollins who have already seen their music achieve 150 million streams and over 30 million YouTube views as their popularity continues to soar worldwide. The band’s motley acoustic electric sound has become a unique and charismatic trademark: soulful, joyous, and irresistible.
“Fool Me” is the third single from the band’s forthcoming album set to release later this year. Previously released singles include “You Might Think” and “On My Way,” both of which are available everywhere now. They will hit the road in 2022 for an Australian capital city tour, followed by a headlining tour through Europe and North America.
Young musicians can register online to perform onstage at MerleFest. Photo: google
Over the past two decades, hundreds of young musicians have taken part in the Acoustic Kids programming at MerleFest presented by Window World. This year, the showcase’s 20th anniversary, young musicians from the MerleFest audience will once again step on stage and perform in Andy May’s Acoustic Kids Showcases during the festival which takes place in Wilkesboro, North Carolina, on September 16-19. Some participants are just learning to play their instrument, some play just for the fun of it, and some go on to international renown. Young musicians must register online before August 4 to participate in Acoustic Kids. “Acoustic Kids looks forward to our 20th MerleFest this September!” said Lauren May, Acoustic Kids facilitator. “Each year, it is a joy to provide festival stage performance opportunities for young musicians attending the festival and support them in them sharing their talents with the MerleFest audience.” (MerleFest, 2021)
This year, Acoustic Kids guidelines are a little different than usual in order to make up for MerleFest’s cancellation in 2020 and to accommodate the change in dates for 2021. Those who would have been age-eligible (16 or younger) for Acoustic Kids, MerleFest 2020, will be eligible for AK MerleFest 2021.
Their accompanists may be any age, and mixed-age groups are accepted—including family bands. Music teachers often accompany their students, using the program to give their students a real-life performance experience that is difficult to find elsewhere. No matter their skill level, Acoustic Kids celebrates young musicians’ achievements, and each year, a stream of young musicians heads to MerleFest to create their own “Music, Moments, and Memories” in Acoustic Kids Showcases. A festival wristband is required to participate, but there is no additional charge. Parents can find the registration page here. Please visit the Acoustic Kids website for further details and other important information concerning this year’s showcases.
Acoustic kids performers will be in good company on stage at MerleFest, joining a host of fellow MerleFest first-timers at the 2021 festival. Melissa Etheridge, Mavis Staples, Sturgill Simpson, Iron Horse Bluegrass, Creole Stomp, Charley Crockett, Joe Troop (of Che Apalache), Nefesh Mountain, Kelsey Waldon, Sierra Ferrell, One Fret Over, Amythyst Kiah, Chatham Rabbits, and Hogslop String Band will all be making their debut at MerleFest this year.
MerleFest wants to remind everyone that early bird ticket prices are still in effect until September 15.
Finally, the Chris Austin Songwriting Contest judges have been announced. This year’s panel of music industry professionals includes Dolphus Ramseur, Amythyst Kiah, Darin & Brooke Aldridge, and The Milk Carton Kids. CASC is one of the most acclaimed songwriting contests in roots and Americana music and has a reputation for launching careers as well as drawing attention to important new talent. The contest is split into four genre-based categories including bluegrass, general, gospel, and country. First through third place winners will be chosen by these judges in each category at MerleFest 2021.
MerleFest was founded in 1988 in memory of the son of the late American music legend Doc Watson, renowned guitarist Eddy Merle Watson. MerleFest is a celebration of “traditional plus” music, a unique mix of traditional, roots-oriented sounds of the Appalachian region, including old-time, classic country, bluegrass, folk and gospel, and blues, and expanded to include Americana, classic rock, and many other styles. The festival hosts a diverse mix of artists on its 13 stages during the course of the multi-day event. MerleFest is the primary fundraiser for the WCC Foundation, funding scholarships, capital projects, and other educational needs.
SA Examiner 