Folk Soul Revival is Calling It Quits
Country and roots revivalist band Folk Soul Revival is calling it quits after almost 13 years. Announced in late April, the band has booked some final shows throughout 2021, and then will be going their separate ways. Originally from Wise, Virginia, the band amassed a strong following from their regular appearances at major roots festivals in the Southeast, as well as touring some 100 dates a year during their prime.
“It is with great sadness that after almost thirteen years of this musical journey, we have made the decision to pack up the instruments and explore new avenues in our lives,” the band said in a statement. “This decision was a difficult one to make, but ultimately is in all of our best interests moving forward. We would like to thank everyone that has supported us over the past thirteen years. Our families, friends, fellow musicians, and especially The Congregation.”
Formed in 2008, Folk Soul Revival’s regular appearances at places such as the Carter Family Fold, FloydFest, and especially the Bristol Rhythm and Roots Reunion ensconced them as fan favorites. They have also shared the stage with the likes of Dr. Ralph Stanley, Old Crow Medicine Show, Jason Isbell, Eric Church, and others on tour. Their last album was a 2018 self-titled effort that won the band high praise. Based in the heart of the country music homeland at the crossroads of Kentucky bluegrass, old-time Appalachian, and original country, Folk Soul Revival spun all of these influences into their music.
“We could not have had the small amount of success we were able to achieve without YOU!” the band says. “We are truly grateful for all the experiences we were able to have along the way. Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU!”
The final lineup of the band includes Justin Venable, Brandon Sturgill, Daniel Davis, Chad Light, and Justin Louthian. You can see the final tour dates from the band below, culminating appropriately with the Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion on September 10th and 11th.
6/17/21- Virginia/Kentucky District Fair- Wise, VA
7/23/21- Virginia Highlands Festival- Abingdon, VA
8/05/21- August Under The Stars- Kingsport, TN
9/10/21- Bristol Rhythm and Roots- Bristol, TN/VA
9/11/21- Bristol Rhythm and Roots- Bristol, TN/VA
May 17, 2021 @ 10:29 am
Sad to hear this, I always enjoyed seeing them at Rhythm & Roots… seemed kind of like a backhanded compliment when they said “we could not have had the *small* amount of success we had without you”. Maybe I’m just too sensitive these days.
Still a shame though, I always appreciated these guys.
May 17, 2021 @ 12:48 pm
Too bad. I thought these guys improved with each album. I listened the crap out of their last album. Hopefully some of the members will show up in other projects.
May 17, 2021 @ 9:24 pm
Too bad. Their last (self titled) album may be the most underrated album of the last several years…next to Blake Berglund’s album “Realms”.
May 18, 2021 @ 8:18 am
They were always great. But they were never the same, especially to us local fans, after the passing of Allun Cormier. Had Allun remained alive, they would have been even bigger than they got. He was the heart and soul. His writing and vocal prowess unmatched. “Chinatown”
May 19, 2021 @ 11:57 am
I tried some variation of East and Tennessee for my username here on back. You maybe beat me to it. I was scraping the bottom of the barrel by the time I found one I thought I’d remember. Glad someone had it though! Seems like this place feels less like the place I grew up everyday. Good to see some passion and positivity for this music around here again. This is the first time I’ve encountered it (without seeking it out) in some time now. It sorta blows my mind how disconnected most have become from music around here. We’ve kept retreating to more secluded areas and have even considered bailing out of TN altogether but, I’m not sure there’s anywhere left to retreat anymore. I guess we’ll just hold up and hope we start seeing more folks like you around again.
You made my day!
May 21, 2021 @ 11:16 pm
Man, Cormier had a KILLER voice. I still listen to those songs all the time. Never got to see him play live, though.