Despite incorporating traditional folk elements such as the banjo and mandolin, Michigan-based band The Northern Skies is quick to point out that it doesn’t play conventional folk music.
“‘Folk Rock with Teeth’ was something that we came up with to describe our music because we wanted to relate to audiences that we aren’t the traditional folk music,” said vocalist Eric Engblade. “We have a wider appeal than just regular folk music.”
The Northern Skies will attempt to relate to an Athens audience tomorrow night at Jackie O’s Pub & Brewery, 24 W. Union St.
Bassist Nicholas Cole-Klaes and percussionist Paul Wozniak round out the three-piece ensemble, yet the group embraces guest artists. These guest artists further add to the band’s unique, non-traditional folk sound. Most recently, Randall Moore of The Ragbirds was featured on The Northern Skies’ single “The Northern Islander” playing the didgeridoo.
The band has been together for approximately six years, but it hasn’t always gone by the same name.
“Before (we were The Northern Skies), we were called Drake,” Cole-Klaes said. “But we were forced to change our name because of the Canadian rapper.”
With a sound far from Drake’s (“What? I think our sounds are identical,” Cole-Klaes said), the group adopted a new name. Soon after, The Northern Skies faced more change as two members of the original band left the group.
“They left to pursue other musical interests,” Cole-Klaes said. “For the most part, with the trio setup, we have a more straight-ahead sound. We’ve all had to work a little bit harder to fill the gaps, and it took a little getting used to, but now I think that we’re stronger as a unit than we have ever been.”
The trio is currently in the midst of its May East Coast Tour, during which they will play 23 shows in 26 days. The tour leads up to the release of the band’s third full-length studio album, Thick as Thieves. Following the May tour, they will head out to play several festivals.
Cole-Klaes said it’s a grueling schedule, but that he feels fortunate.
“It’s been really incredible to meet people, to be able to travel the country,” he said. “We have been so blessed with people putting us up.”
In fact, because so many people have been willing to give the band lodging while on the road, Cole-Klaes said they no longer worry about hotels.
“It really has been a great way to experience the goodness of humankind,” he said. “And I just hope our luck doesn’t run out.”
Although The Northern Skies played at Jackie O’s as recently as March, Cole-Klaes said he looks forward to returning to Athens after a warm reception from both the crowd and the bar staff. In addition, Engblade said he hopes the show brings people together.
“Music can bring people together and I think, in a small way, we do that at our shows,” Engblade said. “I just hope that people have a really great time at our show.”
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