FRETLAND

Soft & airy Americana

The family quilt of Americana music is long and well worn. With stitches that took hold hundreds of years ago, the legacy of forlorn lyrics sung over spare, twinkling instrumentation depicting long nights, whiskey glasses and love that too often walks out the door extends further than any can remember. And it will continue well past anyone kicking up mud today. But with each passing sunset, we can see new patches added to the legacy. And the next name to be sewn in is FRETLAND.

The band plays songs that dash over hills, harmonize with the breeze and coax honey from tall trees. Founded by Hillary Grace Fretland, the group also includes the tasteful Jake Haber and subtle Luke Francis on bass and guitar and Kenny Bates on drums. FRETLAND’s self-titled, 11-track debut album, which is due out in early 2020, includes the epic “Long Haul,” reflective “Have Another Beer,” and the revelrous "Friendly Fire." Their first single has already received high praise from The Boot and American Songwriter Magazine.

While still getting footing on their newest plateau, FRETLAND has lots to enjoy in the view behind them. The band corralled two sonic stalwarts for their first full-length record, including engineer Nich Wilbur (Angel Olsen, Black Belt Eagle Scout) and Seattle-area sage Trevor Spencer (Father John Misty, Fleet Foxes), who mixed the record. The band, rife with energy and momentum, has already created one of those strong foundations that allows for a long story to unfold in great detail and with much revelation.

Pretty Gritty

Soulful Americana

Pretty Gritty might be another duo emerging from a sea of female/male acts as of late, but there is nothing typical about these two. Sarah and Blaine have cultivated a sound that is both timeless and classic, yet they still succeed in bringing something fresh to the table, pushing rootsy-Americana sounds into an edgy, alternative space. These two have carved out a reputation as a must-see live act, allowing them to open for such acts as The Wood Brothers (SalmonFest 2016), Michael Franti & Spearhead (SalmonFest 2018), Chris Eldridge, Tim O'Brian, Tony Trischka (Charm City Folk & Bluegrass Festival 2013), Rod Picott, Lake Street Dive, Ben Sollee & the Kentucky Native and Joe Newberry.

Both members utilize their multi-instrumental skills to sing, play stringed instruments and hold down back-beats, all simultaneously for a truly engaging experience. But they are not simply just entertainers. It is their mesmerizing vocal harmonies and beautifully crafted songwriting that really tug at the heartstrings and earn them life-long fans. The duo originally formed in Maryland in 2010, but after completing two (completely DIY) national tours, Sarah and Blaine decided to relocate to Portland, Ore. At first they hit the streets, busking downtown, but it didn't take long for folks to take notice. Pretty Gritty are now playing at venues all over the Pacific Northwest. They have successfully completed several tours, covering ground all over Oregon, Washington, Montana, Colorado, Utah and Alaska.

Pretty Gritty's self-titled debut album (2012) features the well known jam/festival scene artist, Keller Williams, as the voice of the devil on the track titled "Hellhound Blues." This freshman attempt won them two Indie Music Channel awards, Best Country Song and Best Folk Song.

In 2015, Pretty Gritty began their relationship with producers Fred Cannon & Paul Buono at Creative & Dreams Music Network (Nashville, Tenn.,) where they recorded their Lonely Road EP (released February 2016). Pleased with the experience, everyone decided to continue the relationship and return to the studio to record a full album, Seven Year Itch which was released in March 2018 and has been receiving rave reviews and radio play across the United States, Canada, the UK and other places throughout Europe.

"There is something simply divine coming out of Portland, Ore., and it's the duo Pretty Gritty. Their release Seven Year Itch is a colorful palette of their songwriting and multi-instrumental skills. Sarah and Blaine have a sound that is a timeless treasure, they also succeed in bringing something fresh to the rootsy-Americana genre. Pretty Gritty is a flawless fit."

Website:

http://www.prettygrittymusic.com

Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/prettygritty