Arden, North Carolina (October 20, 2020) — For more than a quarter of a century, Acoustic Syndicate has been setting the pace for a style of music that fuses southern roots music, bluegrass, rock and roll and a healthy dose of improvisation in an approach that now permeates the American music scene. Hailed as a progenitor of and inspiration to generations of jam and jamgrass bands, the group has released seven albums and taken its distinctive, North Carolina-bred sound across the country more times than any of its members can recall. Now, as they head for the studio to begin working on their first new recordings in years, the quartet has signed with Organic Records.
“We are thrilled and truly honored to join the Organic Records family,” the band notes. “Music has the power to unite and heal, things we need now more than ever. We can’t wait to reconnect with old friends and meet some new ones along the way as we enter our 22nd year invigorated with new material and a fresh perspective.”
Comprised of three cousins — Steve “Big Daddy” McMurry on guitar and lead vocals, along with brothers Bryon McMurry (banjo, guitar, vocals) and Fitz McMurry(drums, vocals) — and longtime bassist Jay Sanders, the group’s North Carolinaroots are solid indeed. The McMurry family has been farming in Cleveland County, near Shelby (home to banjo pioneer Earl Scruggs), for literally hundreds of years, while Sanders is deeply planted in nearby Asheville’s booming music scene. From those beginnings, Acoustic Syndicate’s music has grown organically, earning them a loyal following and appearances at memorable events such as Bonnaroo and Farm Aid. Says Paul Kerr of JamBase, “Their modern take on traditional bluegrass and rock values culminates in a glimmering, driving sound rich with acoustic textures and glowing vocals.”
“Acoustic Syndicate has been an artistic leader in our musical community for more than enough years to make them a true institution,” notes Organic RecordsMarketing Director, Ty Gilpin. “Many of their songs are soundtracks to our lives. We are excited to support their continued legacy, and to introduce them to even more fans as they create new music in this latest stage of their career — a new era not only for them, but for all who remain inspired by this meaningful music.”
Find and follow Acoustic Syndicate on your favorite streaming platform now before they begin releasing new music in 2021.
About Acoustic Syndicate
Acoustic Syndicate is a musical institution. Since 1994, their unique blend of bluegrass instruments, rock sensibilities, and conscious songwriting has inspired a generation of musicians. Through 7 albums, thousands of performances, and tens-of-thousands of miles, Acoustic Syndicate has long been heralded as one of the important influences on the modern roots-music revival.
Always a family affair, the band is fronted by Steve McMurry on guitar and vocals, and his cousin Bryon McMurry on banjo, guitar, and vocals. Their signature three-part blood harmony is rounded out by Bryon’s brother Fitz on drums and vocals. Multi-instrumentalist Jay Sanders holds down the bass with deep pocket and style.
If there was ever a band that could capture the universal truths of life from the roots up, it’s Acoustic Syndicate.