The Breedings are a Nashville based band of brother and sister Erin and Willie Breeding. Willie writes the songs, his sister Erin sings. They describe their music as "emotional and boozy, melodic and catchy" classic country, and their live show hammers home the power of Erin's voice and Willie's lyrics. I met the Breedings a few years ago when they played Lambstock in Patrick Springs, Virginia, and from that day have wanted to bring The Breedings to Montgomery. That goal will be realized this weekend: The Breedings will play a $5 happy hour show in the A&P Lofts courtyard (behind Pine Bar and True) Friday from 5:30 - 7:30, and again on Saturday at the Montgomery Street Fair at 2:30 p.m.
The band came together in New York City, where Erin would visit Willie to sing with him at his shows. Erin also sang harmonies on Willie's solo albums, leading one reviewer to say Willie was being outsang by his back-up singer. Realizing their complementary styles combined to form something greater than themselves, they moved to Nashville in 2011 and have been playing and recording since.
Their first album, Laughing at Luck, is available to stream on their website and can be purchased online. Laughing at Luck falls closer to "rock" on the "country <--> rock" spectrum, with songs likeWhen it All Comes Down and I Know I Say leaving their chugging drums and guitars behind when Erin and Willie sing power choruses in perfect harmony. Another stand-out track, Everything You Wanted, is arranged with a soulful combination of organ, guitar, wood block, and horns, adding musical depth to an already lovely song. Their newest album, Fayette, leans further toward more classic country; The Breedings described the album as "ten songs the listener is as likely to consume on a Saturday night with drinks as the next morning with the resulting remorse and coffee."
The Breedings are excited about the connection between Hank Williams and Montgomery, and I expect we'll have at least one whiskey drink by Hank Williams's grave before they head back home. Make plans to support this great band on their first trip to Montgomery.
Photo Credit: Will Holland