Woodsheep

The sound from the mountains of Appalachiahas long been swelling at its banks, on the verge of spilling over the confines of folk and electronic music convention. Andrew Preston and Austin Tackett – The Woodsheep – aim to highlight the diversity, creativity, and storytelling that abound in their ever-evolving eastern Kentuckyhome by shoring up their own roots. Preston, whose solo records have been featured at the International Bluegrass Music Association Songwriting Showcase and on several public radio venues and publications, and Tackett, a finalist for Hoedown In The Holler, met as Morehead State students at the Kentucky Center for Traditional Music in 2014. The folk/bluegrass duet quickly evolved its own sound; Preston’s experimental background and inclination to poetry coupled with Tackett’s guitar virtuosity and knack for hooks came a blend of folk, electronic, and Americana. The contrast between the two lent itself to a blend of simple and infectious melodies, soaring vocal harmonies, contemplative lyrics, and foot-stomping rhythm. Their shows have since gained a reputation for mixing light-heartedness and nostalgia with inspired lyrics and arrangements; original indie songs mingle readily with covers of some of the greatest Appalachian folk standards. In 2016, the Woodsheep were joined by bassist Melissa Caskey and drummer Matt Holleran. That same year, their debut record, Watching Mars, was released worldwide, followed by a regional record release tour.