Take Note is a spotlight series that features musicians that can arguably be labeled ‘underground’ and that deserve your attention. Last month we featured Jon Bellion. For October, here is Beta Radio.
Who: Benjamin Mabry and Brent Holloman of Beta Radio
Source: Wilmington Star News
The folk duo of Beta Radio arrived at its Americana minimalist, homelike vibe in 2010 after brewing for ten years in the hip town of Wilmington, North Carolina, with the release of the Seven Sisters debut album. Whatever they did for ten years, be it hibernation, every artist should try. Their sound is straight euphoric.
For full disclosure, ‘minimalist’ describes their artistic style. The work they put into their music is anything but minimal. Together, Benjamin Mabry and Brent Holloman conquer vocals, guitar, glockenspiel, and piano. Mabry specializes on the harmonium while Holloman gets down on the bass and the banjo.
Why commit your ears to Beta Radio?
As the seasons change and you notice yourself reaching for pumpkin-themed objects, your pedestrian playlist is more than likely to change colors, too. What better epitomizes the fall than a new indie-folk band taking up your next queue?
Beta Radio is also local, so by not allowing your earbuds to give them a taste, are you really as progressive as you thought?
Three songs selected just for you
1. Either Way
Given their start with just about no resources except for their minds and instruments, Either Way proves Mabry and Holloman as artists in the most simplistic way.
2. Pleiades
Soothing. There doesn’t need to be much else said about this selection, except to note the title which shares meaning with the album title, Seven Sisters, in reference to the star cluster of mythological importance. Beta Radio did their homework and wrote poetry.
3. On the Frame
The Colony of Bees record, their sophomore album, expands from their subtle style of my top two choices, both from Seven Sisters. The richer sound is a consequence of their rising popularity, affording them the chance to record longer.
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