Wood & Wire, ‘North of Despair’ [Exclusive Premiere]

Austin-based bluegrass quartet Wood & Wire are premiering their new track "North of Despair" exclusively for readers of The Boot. Press play below to listen.

With its twangy vocals and bright banjo, "North of Despair" is a tribute to the folks who love musicians and make their work possible. "They are the reason we get to try and make the world a little better through music," explains the band's Tony Kamel.

"South of rich, north of despair is the blissful zone of existence we get to live in as musicians," Kamel adds. "That's due in large part to the wonderfully supportive significant others we have at home."

Comprised of songwriter and guitarist Kamel, bassist Dom Fisher, mandolinist Billy Bright and banjo player Trevor Smith, Wood & Wire cut their teeth in Austin's roots music scene. "North of Despair" is the title track of the band's forthcoming album, which will pay tribute to the hardworking people of the great state of Texas — farmers, hunters and other blue-collar heroes — while exemplifying Wood & Wire's unique sonic blend of hard country lyrics and frenetic bluegrass picking. The band's members count Texas-born singer-songwriters including James McMurtry and Willie Nelson amongst their influences, as evident on "North of Despair."

North of Despair the album is set for release on April 13 on Blue Corn Records.

Listen to Wood & Wire, "North of Despair":