Get to know Delta Rae (playing XPoNential Festival this month)

Delta Rae began in 2009 as a four-piece group made up of three siblings (Ian, Eric, and Brittany Hölljes) and their childhood friend, Elizabeth Hopkins. Soon after they began playing music together, the four became six with the addition of bassist Grant Emerson and drummer Mike McKee. The name “Delta Rae” reigns from a fictional character the siblings mother told them stories about; she was a majestic woman who had the power to summon Greek Gods to the Earth. The six-piece Americana folk group embodies this name into their music by telling tales of their own. After releasing their self-titled EP and becoming well known for their impressive live performances, they came out with their official debut full-length, Carry The Fire, just last month. The album has a little bit of everything: from folk to bluegrass to pop; they incorporate dynamic harmonies and rich melodies full of raw and soulful emotion. Some songs on the album may be deep and dark such as the track, “Is Anyone Out There?” referring to Ian’s lonesomeness when he worked at a desk job 40 hours a week. But their spirit is in full throttle throughout the 12-track album, especially their hit single, “Bottom of the River”; a haunting, gospel tune with a spark of southern roots. You can watch the official video for it below. Delta Rae plays the XPoNential Festival on Saturday, July 21st at Wiggins Park.