Folk Medicine

While Nashville is virtually synonymous with country music, just 25 minutes south, lurking in the giant's shadow, is Murfreesboro: a hotbed for musical talent in the southeast. Murfreesboro is the home of one of the world's best recording industry bachelor's programs. People from around the country move here to do one thing: make music happen. The bars and clubs have no shortage of live entertainment. On any night of the week one can hear the sounds of guitars bleeding into smoke-filled rooms. If Nashville is country, then Murfreesboro is his little brother, rock and roll.

On a dead end street about three miles away from Middle Tennessee State University's campus there is a hand painted sign nailed to a mailbox post that reads, "FM." Standing at the mailbox the sounds of music emanates from the house at the other end of the driveway. Walking through the backdoor of the one story ranch-style home, the room is filled with the aroma of cigars and incense. Sitting around a table are friends and members of Folk Medicine, laughing, smoking, and talking about their favorite subject: music.

Just beyond the kitchen is the creative center; microphone cords, amplifiers, pedals, lyrics, and plectrums cover the floor, an impressive array of guitars hang from the wall, and large P.A. speakers tower over a fine maple drum set. In yet another room, keyboards, chairs, a couch, recording mics, a violin, a saxophone and other objects orbit a Macintosh computer and a mixing console.

The members of Folk Medicine are busy mixing a track for their fellow artist, Big Fella. They not only compose, perform, and record their own material, but collaborate extensively with other artists, sharing their talent as musicians and recording engineers.

"The studio definitely doesn't gather dust," says bassist Dave Cavallario, as he carefully manipulates the keyboard on a laid back funky number, "it doesn't matter if its Folk Medicine music or not, we just love to make tracks!"

And this passion definitely shows on their productions; from R&B to heavy bluesy rock, their home studio enjoys a diverse palette. While juggling side projects, they are in the final stages of mixing their first full album, "Push Down and Turn."

"We have 13 or 14 tracks that are definitely album worthy material, but we will probably cut one or two to maintain continuity," says guitarist and engineer Ryan Moore.

"It's hard to decide though," says percussionist Joe Roberts, "everybody has different associations with different songs, and we all bring material to the table, so you tend to favor your own creation..."

"There are many trajectories and influences on this record, but it all has the signature Folk Medicine sound," says guitarist Ty Herman, "and we're not trying to be obscure, marginal, or cooler than thou -- we like pop and we're not afraid to use a hook."

Indeed, upon first listen of Folk Medicine's music, the melodies and arrangements are very accessible and stick in your head almost instantly. Matt Swanson's versatile and compelling vocal performances are embedded in highly creative pop structures that sound years ahead of the fodder of today, yet maintains a solid radio sensibility.

"This is music for the people," says Cavallario.

Listen for yourself--check out their music here online!

Band Members:

Pictures:
           
SonicBids Press Kit: Click Here