Nashville, TN (Top40 Charts/ Lotos Nile) Nashville based singer-songwriters Ben and Emily Roberts, better known as the duo Carolina Story, are pleased to announce the release of Chapter Two today. The name Carolina Story was inspired by a promise they made to each other in North Carolina that they would commit themselves as a couple to making music together, blending a matrimonial partnership with their creative partnership, and living that journey through music made together for others and performed for them on the road. Chapter Two continues their narrative after last year's Chapter One (#6 iTunes singer/songwriter chart; Top 10 Americana radio chart) release. This second original 6-song EP marks not only a cycle of growth in the duo's writing and performing but also some changes in the storyline of their "Carolina Story" as husband and wife.
Carolina Story recently announced to their fans they are starting a new chapter in their own lives with the addition of a new "band member." Ben and Emily are expecting their first child this fall and they will be sharing their wondrous journey to parenthood while balancing a troubadour life with their followers. Daily Parent (DailyParent.com) will continue publishing an ongoing web series titled "Folktales & Lullabies" into 2015, covering varying topics including pregnancy and parenting issues, the birth and early moments in the new family's life. The premiere, which aired on June 17th, is available now at Daily Parent.
Ben Roberts says, "We're so excited for people to hear these songs on Chapter Two. The timing of new music releasing that has been our baby for so long coupled with the inexhaustible thrill of our first child being born in the same year has us feeling so thankful and looking forward to turning the page into a new season as a band and our lives as new parents."
Carolina Story has even more good news to celebrate. All "three" of them will step into the inner circle of the Opry stage for their debut performance at the Grand Ole Opry on June 28th. Ben and Emily will wear Manuel Couture designed clothes for the special night. Manuel has been described as the "Rhinestone Rembrandt," his iconic style has helped mold the image of country and rock legends like Elvis, Bob Dylan, Hank Williams and Johnny Cash. Manuel was so taken with the duo and how they reminded him of a young
Emmylou Harris and Gram Parsons that he invited them to play his 81st birthday party and his wedding reception earlier this spring.
Roberts reflects on his upcoming Opry appearance by stating, "Three years ago or so Emily and I went on a tour of the Grand Ole Opry with her mother and sister who were visiting Nashville. It was a very memorable experience getting to go backstage and see all the dressing rooms. They even let us go out on the stage and the first thing that caught my eye was the circle. Emily's mom asked us to step into it to take a picture of us standing where some of our biggest influences once stood and sang. I politely declined, citing my respect for that hallowed circle and replied by saying that the only way I'd ever step foot into that spot is if I was asked to. It's pretty surreal to have that opportunity before us now. When we step out there and into that sacred circle, it will be hard to describe and keep our composure in the magnitude and honor of that moment."
These 21st century troubadours tell stories full of realism with melody and harmony that have an effortless way of resonating with all who listen. Songs like "Crash & Burn" and "
I Won't Let You Down" seamlessly cross the boundaries between Americana and country music and reflect a more mainstream release than most acoustic efforts. "When I Was Just A Boy" will be the subject of music video captured over the course of Emily's pregnancy and the music video will debut as part of the series for DailyParent.com.
Chapter Two, which is currently in the Top 5 most added on the Americana radio chart was produced by GRAMMY award-winning producer
Blake Chancey (Dixie Chicks,
Waylon Jennings, Mary Chapin Carpenter) and recorded at Disgraceland, surrounded by Nashville-based folk and country all-stars Chad Cromwell (Neil Young, Mark Knopfler) on drums, bass player Michael Rhodes (Steve Winwood, Rodney Crowell), award-winning artist/songwriter Darrell Scott on mandolin/acoustic guitar/bouzouki, Billy
Panda on guitar (Garth Brooks, Kim Carnes) and steel player Dan Dugmore (Linda Ronstadt,
James Taylor).
In the past five years, Carolina Story has played in excess of 650 shows across 43 states. The pair will continue touring this summer to support the release of Chapter Two, stops of note include their Grand Ole Opry debut June 28th and their EP release at
Douglas Corner Cafe June 29th in Nashville, followed by a performance at City Winery in
Chicago on July 9th. For a full schedule, visit: https://www.carolinastory.com
Chapter Two track list:
1.
Almost Over Now
2.
Crash and Burn
3. When I Was Just A Boy
4. The Stranger
5. I Won't Let You Down
6. I'm Gonna Love You Forever
