Mercersburg Alums Nab Record Deal
The Hello Strangers, a band that includes four Mercersburg alumni, has won a recording contract and radio distribution package.
Sisters Larissa Chace Smith '97 (vocals/guitar) and Brechyn Chace '03 (vocals/harp/accordion), Dave Holzwarth '78 (bass), Katie O’Neil '97 (drums), and friend Kevin Shannon (guitar) were awarded first place on January 18 in AirPlay Direct's "Win an Americana Record Deal."
The contest, which was announced last October, is a dream come true for the Mercersburg-based band. Their prizes include an IMI Records contract, 12-song studio recording, AirPlay Direct radio distribution and marketing package, and two live performances at Hard Rock Nashville.
"What is so exciting about this contest is that we get to work with a team of well-seasoned industry pros on a project that we were already working on: the release of our first full-length album," says Larissa.
Larissa and Brechyn formed The Hello Strangers in 2006 while they were living in Austin, Texas. The duo penned one of their most popular songs, "Pregnant in Jail," in Texas; however, the mountains of their hometown lured them back to Pennsylvania. Upon returning to Mercersburg, the sisters recruited Dave, Katie, and Kevin to join the band in 2008 and have never looked back.
The Hello Strangers' style is a mix of folk traditions of the U.S., modern indie rock motifs, Texas country-folk, and roots rock. For more information about the band, visit www.thehellostrangers.com.
*Article written for Mercersburg Academy's Alumni News page and can be found HERE*
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