Folk Alliance 2019 in Montreal did not pan out exactly as I planned…I caught some wonderful music and some audio for this podcast but for the most part, I spent the entire week trying to navigate and operate with incredible back and hip pain…what I thought was sciatica turned out to be, among other things, a couple of stress fractures in my lower back. I will always be most grateful for two things from that trip...the kindness and assistance shown to me by my travelling Kansas City music family and the discovery of the musical tour de force known as Rising Appalachia.

As world travelers for nearly two decades, Rising Appalachia are now merging multiple global music influences with their own southern roots. Founded by sisters Leah Song and Chloe Smith, the band has established an international fan base due to relentless touring, tireless activism, and no small degree of stubborn independence. But it wasn’t always so. The sisters have morphed into this musical life coming to realize that performing could be just one component of a greater overall vision – one that includes advocating for social, racial and environmental justice, and Indigenous rights.

When I discovered that Rising Appalachia would again have an Official Showcase at Folk Alliance 2020 in New Orleans, I knew I had to try and have a conversation with at least one of the sisters for this podcast. Ironically within a few days of that discovery, Rising Appalachia’s team reached out to me as a registered Folk DJ at the conference, asking if I wanted an interview opportunity in New Orleans. Leah Song aka “The Hustler”  and I did sit down late one afternoon for a lovely chat. She could not have been more engaging and accommodating. Enjoy this conversation that highlights the dynamics of being a female led band, the importance of stewardship and cooperation from the male band members, creating a complete aesthetic by adorning themselves with wearable art made by friends and fans, and the band’s commitment to what they call the “slow music” movement. Enjoy my time with Leah Song of Rising Appalachia.