Introducing Honky Tonk Americana Duo “The Waymores”
With their sophomore album “Stone Sessions” set for release on 8th April via Austin label Chicken Ranch Records and its lead single “Even When” out now, what better time to discover more about exciting duo “The Waymores“?
Hailing from the state of Georgia, Willie Heath Neal and Kira Annalise play authentic country music with an Americana flourish, combining elements of folk, blues and Honky Tonk into an instantly recognisable sound. The singing, songwriting and guitar-playing duo first met 14 years ago singing covers at a local bar, at the time each had touring bands which Kira explains “can stretch you financially“. She continues “After years of struggling, we finally decided to collaborate and play locally, as a duo, when we weren’t on the road. The more we performed together, we knew we had something special. We’ve been at it ever since“.
This cover version video of the John Prine/Iris DeMent classic “In Spite Of Ourselves” helped earn them quite a following, and it’s a great introduction to Willie’s husky baritone voice and Kira’s warm alto which harmonise so well together and compliment each other perfectly. Their EP “Weeds” followed, cut live in the studio with members of their touring band.
The duo’s love story parallels their musical path… it was a slow start but they have now been together for 13 years, with Willie determined to stay single as he was used to being alone but Kira not giving up that easily!
For their afore-mentioned upcoming album “Stone Sessions” , the couple have enlisted the help of producer, songwriter and pedal steel player Steve Stone… hence the title, of course! Most of the songs were written during the pandemic lockdown, with Willie and Kira recording their acoustic guitars and vocals in the studio before sending the tracks to the other musicians. The result has the feel and energy of a live session driven by the duo’s robust vocals, something which is immediately evident on the new single “Even When” . The Waymores explained to Americana Highways, who recently premiered the track’s video, how the song “reflects upon losses: People and situations that you thought you couldn’t live without. As time passes maybe you realise you were wrong and other times you weren’t. Some people really aren’t worth missing but no matter how many times you tell yourself that, it still stings when they go“. The brisk backbeat and concise guitar and steel solos give the tune a cheerful feel, contrasting nicely with the distressing lyrics.
Other highlights from the new album include “Die Right Here” which has the discreet stomp of a Waylon Jennings ballad highlighted by sighing steel and twangy guitar fills, and the cheating song “Caught” penned by Dale Watson which features Asleep At The Wheel’s Katie Shore on fiddle and showcases the duo’s exceptional vocal harmonies.
Pre-Order “Stone Sessions” here https://store.chickenranchrecords.com/products/the-waymores-the-stone-sessions-preorder
The Waymore’s produce, book and manage themselves and love being on the road, and pre-pandemic were touring 200 days a year. With the world continuing to open up once more, so will their live schedules and there are already shows across the US showing up on their website thewaymores.com where you’ll find more information and links to their socials.
Article written by Lesley Hastings (twitter.com/lesleyhastings)
