Southern Raised Welcomes New Member with Soulful Rendition of "Down to the River to Pray"

Have you ever heard a song that makes you feel like you’re being baptized in sound? Southern Raised, a band known for their unique blend of bluegrass, classical, and gospel influences, has just released a moving performance of the timeless spiritual, “Down to the River to Pray.” But that’s not all – this video also marks the introduction of their newest member, Maggie Farnum! The band’s website offers more insight into their unique sound.

“Down to the River to Pray”: A Song of Hope and Heritage

“Down to the River to Pray” is a song with deep roots in American history. Emerging from the spiritual traditions of the early 19th century, it has resonated through generations, carrying themes of faith, redemption, and community. The song gained renewed popularity after its inclusion in the film O Brother, Where Art Thou?, introducing its simple yet powerful melody to a wider audience.

Southern Raised’s version honors this rich heritage while adding their own signature touch. The four-part harmony is particularly striking, creating a rich tapestry of voices that elevates the song’s emotional impact. Matt Reith lends his voice to the harmony, Emily Reith takes the lead, and Alex Clayton and Maggie Farnum round out the harmonies, blending their voices into a cohesive and uplifting sound. Their arrangement seamlessly weaves together bluegrass instrumentation with classical sensibilities, resulting in a performance that feels both ethereal and deeply rooted.

Matt Reith also served as the video director, capturing the essence of the song with a visual style that complements the music’s heartfelt message.

Welcoming Maggie Farnum to the Southern Raised Family

Southern Raised is thrilled to welcome Maggie Farnum as the newest member of their musical family! Maggie’s arrival marks a new chapter for the band.

“We’re so excited to have Maggie with us,” says the band. “We look forward to releasing the new music we’re working on!”

Maggie steps into the role previously held by Lindsay, who recently decided to step down from the band. The band and their fans wish Lindsay all the best in her future endeavors. The band is grateful for the time they had with Lindsay.

The band hopes that their fans will all give Maggie a warm welcome as she embarks on this exciting journey with Southern Raised. While details about Maggie’s specific musical background aren’t available, she brings a fresh energy and vocal talent that promises to enhance Southern Raised’s already captivating sound.

Southern Raised: Where Classical Meets Bluegrass

Southern Raised is more than just a band; they’re a family of award-winning musicians. Trained in classical music but raised in the bluegrass-soaked Ozark Mountains, they’ve crafted a distinctive sound that bridges seemingly disparate genres. Their music is a testament to their unique upbringing, blending the sophistication of classical compositions with the down-home charm of bluegrass, the fervor of gospel, and tinges of Celtic melodies. They’ve created a sound all their own, showcasing the Iron Horses Bluegrass Rocket Man story.

Their dedication shines through in every performance. Southern Raised has earned accolades for their energetic stage presence and their commitment to creating music that resonates with audiences of all ages.

Support Southern Raised and Help Their Music Flourish

Want to help Southern Raised spread their music even further? There are several ways you can support their journey:

Subscribe to their YouTube channel: Liking, sharing, and subscribing to their channel helps their videos reach a wider audience, introducing more people to their unique sound.
Become a Patron: Join their Patreon community at www.patreon.com/southernraised for exclusive content, early access to new music, and the opportunity to directly support the band’s creative endeavors.
Shop for CDs and Merchandise: Show your support by purchasing their CDs and merchandise from their website: http://southernraisedbluegrass.com.
Take Music Lessons: Southern Raised offers music lessons via Zoom! Inquiries can be sent to southernraised@centurytel.net.
Book Southern Raised for Events: Bring their captivating performance to your event by contacting them at srb@southernraisedbluegrass.com or visiting their website: http://southernraisedbluegrass.com.

Credits

A huge thanks to everyone involved in bringing this beautiful rendition of “Down to the River to Pray” to life:

Harmony – Matt Reith
Lead – Emily Reith
Harmony – Alex Clayton
Harmony – Maggie Farnum
Video Directed by: Matt Reith

Conclusion

Southern Raised’s rendition of “Down to the River to Pray” is a testament to the power of music to connect us to our roots, uplift our spirits, and bring us together. With the addition of Maggie Farnum, the band’s future looks brighter than ever. Be sure to follow Southern Raised’s journey as they continue to create music that touches the heart and soul.