Palmyra, a folk band, performed at the Newport Folk Festival on Sunday, marking their third appearance at the event.
The trio has played approximately 150 shows and recorded a new album in the past year.
“We’ve been keeping busy, for sure,” said one of the band members during an interview with What’sUpNewp on Saturday.
After performing on the bike stage for the past two years, Palmyra has been invited to play on the larger Harbor Stage this year.
“It’s like the ultimate dream to be here in any capacity,” said a band member. “To be asked to play a bigger stage is crazy. The Harbor Stage is one of my favorites, if not my favorite.”
“It’s the historic folk festival,” one of them noted. “It’s crazy to be on the grounds that so many legendary artists have been. And, like, so much change has happened here and so much history.”
Palmyra announced their debut record will be released on Oh Boy Records, which is also re-releasing their EP “Belladonna” from last year.
“We’re, I mean, beyond honored to be a part of such a historic label, such a great label,” a band member said. The EP will be available on vinyl for the first time, with a release date of Aug. 1.
The band officially announced this news during their set on Sunday.
For fans looking to support Palmyra, the band encourages attending their live shows. “Come see a show if we’re in the area, that’s the number one way,” they said.
Oh Boy Records Announcement
Oh Boy Records shared the following press release on Monday, July 29, announcing the signing of Virginia-based Trio Palmyra On Stage At Newport Folk Festival;
Introducing an undeniable, multi-faceted trio of talent, Oh Boy Records is honored to announce the signing of Virginia-based band Palmyra to their roster of recording artists. Palmyra, named one of NPR’s “Best New Artists of 2024,” is a unique blend of traditional folk string instruments, lush harmony, and earnest songwriting. Their sound, often described as a distant cousin to The Avett Brothers and the Wood Brothers, nods toward Appalachian and Midwestern Americana, with intricate arrangements that create the illusion of a full, larger-than-three ensemble. Jody Whelan and Fiona Whelan Prine joined the band on stage during their set at the legendary Newport Folk Festival to announce the band’s addition. Oh Boy is set to release the band’s 2023 6-song EP, Belladonna, on vinyl, with new music slated for release in 2025.
Click HERE to purchase Belladonna.
“We’re so excited to welcome Palmyra to Oh Boy! The energy and vitality of their performances grab you right away, but what really stays with you is the depth of their songwriting – songs that tackle the struggle to make sense of yourself and the world around you,” says Jody Whelan, Managing Partner, Oh Boy Records. “I think they’ve been able to resonate with audiences so deeply because of the honesty and vulnerability in their songs. This is music that is much needed in the world.”
“To say we’re proud to be signed to Oh Boy would be an understatement. It’s the honor of a lifetime to be brought into the Prime family fold through a label and legacy that we consider to be a North Star for acknowledging the power and importance of great art,” says Palmyra’s Sasha Landon.
“Since its inception with John, Oh Boy has always championed honest, intentional, damn good songwriting, and we are honored that they’re holding us in that same reverence as the folks we look up to – Arlo, Dan, Kelsey, Swamp Dogg, Tré, Emily, and of course, John. What a gift,” added the band, who have opened for Watchhouse, Mipso, and Illiterate Light.
Established in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley and now based in Richmond, Palmyra captures the collective spirit of three Virginia natives, Teddy Chipouras, Manoa Bell, and Sasha Landon. The breakout folk trio has worked diligently to cement themselves as an unmistakable force in the Americana music landscape at large. Their forward momentum is propelled by their craftsmanship and dedication to an intimate performance experience; at the heart of Palmyra is the evident love and regard that the three musicians share for each other and their craft. Their hard work has been recognized by institutions including the historic Newport Folk Festival, American Songwriter, The Boston Globe, NPR, Under The Radar Magazine, Americanafest, and Merlefest. They were named one of NPR’s “Best New Artists of 2024,” a testament to their talent and dedication.