CR 003: Rising Appalachia's Leah Song on Cover Songs and Creative Sabbaticals

Rising Appalachia's co-frontwoman discusses the Slow Music Movement, the joy of being label-less, and the band's new album, "Folk & Anchor."

In 2006, sisters Leah Song and Chloe Smith released their debut album, Leah and Chloe, under the name Rising Appalachia. With a nod to their Atlanta roots and musical upbringing (a childhood steeped in Appalachian folk music, soul, and hip hop), the duo aimed to create a sound all their own. Seamlessly weaving world music, blues, folk, Americana, and spoken word, Rising Appalachia’s albums have featured a rich blend of traditional songs alongside contemporary originals, with many of the tracks bolstered by longtime band members David Brown (baritone guitar, upright bass), Duncan Wickel (fiddle, cello), and Biko Casini (drums and percussion). Offstage, the band members are deeply involved in social activism, and have long advocated for a more environmentally-friendly, community-based, sustainable method of touring.

This year marks a watershed moment for the band. After nearly two decades of constant touring and recording, Rising Appalachia is taking a break. Referring to it as a “creati…