Posted on: July 12, 2008 Posted by: James McQuiston Comments: 0

South85, an up-and-coming Americana band based in Upstate SC, releases its debut CD, “El Camino”, today.  “El Camino” is a perfect calling card for the band’s sound and attitude, showcasing a catalog of top-notch  original tunes by songwriter, bandleader, and harmony vocalist Kathy Osborne, delivered in standout classic country style by lead vocalist Tracy Wyatt. These two highly engaging front persons deliver a cowgirlish take on love and life amid sweet vocal harmonies and crisp band arrangements in a solid country/rock/ bluegrass vein.  South85, named for the southern highway of their home region, will celebrate the release of “El Camino” at the Plum Hollow Festival on Friday May 30th in New Prospect, SC. The group will share the stage with festival founder Barney Barnwell, Shelby-based bluegrass rockers Tater, and other regional alt-bluegrass acts.  CDs will be available for sale at this show, and online at www.south85.com .

Directions to Plum Hollow can be found at http://www.moonshiners.com

Formed in the spring of 2006, the band’s frontwomen both hail from the greater Spartanburg SC area.  Tracy Wyatt, lead vocalist of the group, calls Gaffney home, while songwriter and bandleader Kathy Osborne, grew up in Campobello and now resides outside of Charlotte in Clover, SC.  Joining the girls on stage and in the studio are multi-instrumentalist Mike Bader  (electric and acoustic guitar, dobro, banjo, and mandolin), Ashley Conine (harp, guitar, mandolin), and veteran drummer Ray Mitchell (Rank Outsiders, Bill Noonan Band).  The group has quickly gained notice for its outstanding live performances and original music, winning “Best Female Vocalist” and “Most Promising Artist” at the 2007 Charlotte Music Awards.  They have also been featured in The Charlotte Observer as one of “Four Regional Acts that “Could Go Big.”  On June 12th, they play The Marion Country Music Festival to include Gretchen Wilson, Sugarland, Hank Jr, Skynyrd, and more.  To hear songs from El Camino and view the band’s schedule, bio, and photos, please visit http://www.south85.com and http://www.myspace.com/south85band.

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