A folk-pop singer/songwriter in the lineage of Carly Simon, Joni Mitchell, and Carole King, Lauren Balthrop makes captivating, candid music propelled by her crystalline voice. Her second album, Things Will Be Different, is a dynamic folk-pop collection of 11 songs that examines nostalgia in all its brutal and benignly beautiful forms. The album comes out August 12, 2022 via Nashville’s newly minted Olivia Records. Lauren has found her voice in these recordings. The album was produced by Nick Kinsey (Waxahatchee, Kevin Morby) and features musicians Ellen Kempner (Palehound), David Lizmi, James Paul Mitchell, Matt Combs, Jared Samuel (Invisible Familiars), Matthew Douglas (Mountain Goats), Kevin Copeland, Steven Bernstein and Maya DeVitry.

Prior to moving to Nashville, Lauren lived in Brooklyn for over a decade and was a member of numerous bands (Balthrop, Alabama / The Bandana Splits / Elizabeth & the Catapult / and Dear Georgiana). She sang on notable records by Bob Weir, Kevin Morby, Benjamin Booker, Elizabeth and the Catapult, amongst others. She has also toured and performed with Kevin Morby, Lucius, Sara Bareilles, Bob Weir, Benjamin Booker and Michaela Anne over the last few years.

Violet Bell is re-wilding Americana. On their upcoming album Shapeshifter they reimagine the ancient story of the selkie, a mythical seal that can shed her skin to become human. At the album’s heart is an exploration of identity and belonging beyond cultural norms.

Omar Ruiz-Lopez was born in Panama and raised in Puerto Rico, while Lizzy Ross grew up in Maryland and NYC. Given their wildly different backgrounds, Violet Bell has a unique perspective on the roots music traditions that inform their sound. Currently based in North Carolina, they’re tending to traditions and creating a new way forward with like-minded musical innovators.

Violet Bell recorded Shapeshifter with Grammy-nominated producer Jason Richmond (Avett Brothers) and musical guests Libby Rodenbough and Joseph Terrell (Mipso), Tatiana Hargreaves, and Joe Troop (Che Appalache).