The Wildmans sign with New West

The 12-song set was produced by Nicholas Falk and recorded by Chris Bittner at Applehead Recording in Woodstock, N.Y. The sound is a mix of Americana, Alt-Country, bluegrass and folk with the brother-sister duo of Aila and Elisha Wildman being joined by Dori Freeman, Sam Leslie, Sam Fribush, Redd Volkaert and Falk.

The Wildmans were born near Floyd, Va. where there was a lot of bluegrass and old time music.

As kids, Elisha picked up the guitar and mandolin, while Aila reached for the fiddle. They became enamored with their instruments, which parlayed itself into a presence at regional festivals and also winning numerous renowned competitions around Southern Appalachia. Both are recent graduates of Berklee School of Music in Boston. "With 'Longtime Friend,' we've naturally progressed under the indie-folk umbrella," Aila said, "But, we still are doing old-time tunes, which ties us to our roots and how we grew up."

"Bluegrass and old-time is something natural to our musicianship. The other natural counterpart of that is growing it and taking it in different directions, which is something that's always naturally happened in that music, anyways."

Gram Parsons was an influence as well. "Gram's harmonies with Emmylou Harris are really inspiring," Elisha said. "And also, how he kind of helped create this genre that's unique and really blends a lot of the aspects of music we like together, to create a new thing. His songwriting has always been inspirational."

Elisha said, "It feels good to not try to fit into something. To just be true to ourselves and kind of let loose." There is a genuine attitude of curiosity, exploration and discovery in the melodic hearts of The Wildmans.

The track listing is:
1. Take Me
2. Sometimes
3. Hot Burrito #2
4. Before I Go
5. The Route
6. Longtime Friend
v7. Any Day Woman
8. Luxury Liner
9. Hog Eyed Man
v10. Absolute Zero
11. Autumn 1941
12. Old Cumberland The Wildmans Live:
April 10 - Asheville, NC - Grey Eagle
April 17 - Carrboro, NC - Cats Cradle
April 22 - Lexington, KY - The Burl (opening for Big Richard)
April 23 - Louisville, KY - Zanzibar
May 16 - Sevierville, TN - Blooming BBQ & Food Festival
June 25 - Newport, KY - Southgate House Revival
June 26 - Peninsula, OH - G.A.R. Hall
June 27 - Chicago - Hideout
June 28 - Eau Claire, WI - Blue Ox Music Festival
June 29 - Davenport, IA - Raccoon Motel
July 10 - Nashville - Skinny Dennis (Record Release Show)
July 19 - Beech Mountain, N.C. - Party On The Mountain