Anya Hinkle is an Asheville, NC-based songwriter, steeped in the tones of roots and folk and seasoned by travels across the world. 2019 Merlefest Chris Austin Song Contest winner, “a burgeoning force behind the Appalachian roots revival…” (PopMatters), No Depression calls her 2021 release Eden and Her Borderlands “…one of roots music’s gems so far this year.” She tours extensively across the US, Japan & Europe and releases her newest effort, OCEANIA, in 2024 on Red Parlor Records. https://anyahinkle.com/

Hustle Souls, based in Asheville, NC, masterfully blend Retro-Soul, Brass Band Funk, and Singer-Songwriter Americana into a unique and captivating sound. Lauded by American Blues Scene as a “generation-jumping mashup of new school second line funk with old school vintage soul,” and described by Bluestown Music as “intimate soul…with a Curtis Mayfield like warmth,” the band has earned a spot as one of Music Connection Magazine’s “Hot 100 Live Unsigned Artists & Bands.”

Overflowing with energy and spontaneity , Hustle Souls features roaring B3 organ and jubilant brass, balanced with three-part vocal harmonies and a passion for songwriting. Their music has been praised by Aldora Britian Records as “worthy of being included in that brilliant soul music canon, a heritage that features some of the greatest performers and writers that have ever graced this earth.” https://www.reedyriverstringband.com

Ashley Heath is often described as “Velvet Soul” with her prolific songwriting, strong and airy vocals, bluesy guitar playing, and has garnered national and international attention with her latest album “Something to Believe” released by Organic Records in Asheville, NC in 2022. She also has two previous albums; “Where Hope Never Dies” recorded with her full band Ashley Heath and Her Heathens and “A Different Stream” recorded solo.

She has been voted Best of WNC by Mountain Xpress voters several years in a row for Vocalist, Songwriting, Blues, and Americana/Country and also winning Merlefest band competition in 2018. Heath has opened for headliners Pat Benatar, Anders Osborne, Black Joe Lewis, and many more acclaimed artists.

Heath has toured extensively in the United States, The Netherlands, Belgium, France, and Sweden.

https://ashleyleeannheath.com

The Feels are a female-fronted fusion of Indie-Soul, R&B, Funk, and Groove. With dreamy vocal harmonies interwoven throughout their original music, singer-songwriters Lange Eve and Sarah Roberts deliver a vibrant and energizing performance backed by the funky, throw-back grooves of Matt Gardner on lead guitar, Brian Grasso on bass, Matthew Roberts on drums, and their newest member: John Vinson on keys.

The Feels unites a mix of artists who have been infused in the WNC music scene for 20+ years- including members from Ménage, The Mojo Brothers Blues Band, The Afromotive, High Flying Criminals, Plankeye Peggy, and many more. https://thefeelsasheville.com/home

The music of Asheville, North Carolina based outfit Amanda Anne Platt & The Honeycutters is nuanced, bringing insight and wit to the stories Platt tells through songwriting. Lyrically driven, the band’s country roots music often inspires introspection, whether it be about life on the road, heartache or hope.

There is an empathetic and charming wit ingrained in Platt’s songwriting. She has a knack for accessing a deep well of emotion and applying it to her story-telling, whether she is writing from her own experiences or immersing herself into the melody of emotions in another person’s life.

Performing along with Platt, The Honeycutters are Matt Smith (pedal steel and electric guitars), Rick Cooper (bass/vocals), Evan Martin (drums/vocals), and Kevin Williams (keys/vocals). https://www.honeycutters.com/