Rising Appalachia, founded by sisters Leah and Chloe Smith on their Georgia back porch, has blossomed from fiddle and banjo tunes into a celebrated Americana and world folk ensemble. The band, featuring David Brown, Duncan Wickel, and Biko Casini, blends Appalachian, Irish, and traditional influences with heartfelt songwriting. Over nearly two decades, their music, marked by performances at NPR's Tiny Desk and Preservation Jazz Hall, has charmed audiences worldwide while staying deeply rooted in folk traditions. Under the alias Castanea, Rising Appalachia’s David Brown explores new musical frontiers. Merging acoustic and electronic elements, his innovative sound intertwines upright bass, baritone guitar, turntables, and production. Named for the resilient chestnut tree, Castanea embodies transformation, offering a rich fusion of traditional and contemporary influences to captivate modern listeners.
Featured Song:
The members of Rising Appalachia learned the Namibian children’s song "Tulli Tulli" from Ghanaian/Nigerian choir director Fred Onovwerosuoke. Originally a “play song” using made-up lyrics and sounds, this interpretation approaches it as a tranquil lullaby, its layered harmonies evoking a rich, timeless beauty. Castanea reimagined the piece, blending its traditional roots with lush electronic textures, creating a transcendent fusion of ancestral melody and modern soundscapes.
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