When you think of the South’s great music towns, Asheville, North Carolina, immediately comes to mind. The food and craft beer scenes in this Southern gem rightfully loom large, but with legendary clubs such as The Orange Peel and The Grey Eagle, in-demand studios like Echo Mountain Recording and Citizen Vinyl, the former home of the first radio station to broadcast bluegrass, the music scene continues to thrive. “There’s nothing better than grabbing a bite in downtown Asheville or a refreshing pint at Wicked Weed Brewing and then walking down the street for a show at The Orange Peel, one of my favorite clubs in the world,” says Matt Hendrickson, a G&G contributing editor, who selected the music for our limited-edition vinyl compilation, in a new Coke-bottle-green color, as he had done for the first one. “I started this project when it was cold and gray in the middle of January, so it has a more mellow, contemplative vibe,” Hendrickson says. “But I think it’s the perfect record to play in the quiet of an early summer morning or for the last stragglers at a late-night bonfire.” Six of the album’s ten tracks are from bands based in or around Asheville– five of which will perform at AVLFest’s second annual festival on August 1–4. Roots rockers Town Mountain open the album, followed by the dynamic bluegrass and acoustic sounds of the Resonant Rogues and Tyler Ramsey. Showing off Asheville’s eclectic side are the indie pop stylings of beloved local acts Floating Action and the Alex Krug Combo. Of course, G&G Vol. 2 also features a few of G&G’s favorites: “I will listen to anything John Moreland puts out,” Hendrickson says. “He’s the only repeat artist from G&G Vol. 1 and deservedly so.” Two of 2024’s most buzzed-about artists, Madi Diaz and Taylor McCall, also appear. “Madi Diaz will be a break-out star this year,” Hendrickson adds. “She’s written songs with Kacey Musgraves and Maren Morris, but 2024 is her year to shine.” Once again, the fine folks at Citizen Vinyl pressed the project, yet another piece of fabric that makes Asheville such a wonderful place to play—and hear—excellent music.
Get your copy for $30 at GGFieldshop.com
