Emmylou Harris

The Memphis Dawls are known as the crowning jewel of the Memphis folk scene. The core group is made up of three veteran musicians who have played with several successful local bands. Brought together by their similar tastes in melody and style, and maybe a slight nod from fate, Holly Cole (guitars, vocals) Jana Misener (bass, cello, vocals), and Krista Wroten (violin, mandolin, accordion, vocals) deliver hauntingly romantic and lyrical folk music with a modern flare.

The themes of the band’s music tend to lean toward the power of love and heartache, just like their musical mentors: Dolly Parton, Emmylou Harris and Linda Ronstadt. Their harmonies and music push folk, country and rock through the filter of southern hymns. Religious only in the context of their dedication to their respective crafts, they deliver a unique and hypnotizing sound that jumps from genre to genre. The Dawls are not afraid to be inventive, exploring soundscapes ranging from complex vocal harmonies similar to bands like Fleet Foxes to the more intricate string arrangements of The Decemberists.

Stream The Memphis Dawls EP on Spinner’s Listening Party

Press Quotes:

“Utterly unlike anything else happening on the scene today.”
-Mark Jordan (The Commercial Appeal)

“Call it “cello rock” or “chamber pop” or whatever you want, the debut EP by Cole,
fellow Heathen Krista Wroten, and Jana Misener is unabashedly beautiful.”
-Chris McCoy ( Live From Memphis)

“The Memphis Dawls and their take on Americana through a hymnal filter have
been building buzz in Memphis over the past year. Offering a wonderful show, the
Dawl’s charm is something not to be missed.”
-Charles Gray (The Vinyl District)

“With the Memphis Dawls, Cole teams with cellist Jana Misener (Giant Bear) and violinist Krista Wroten (currently playing in Amy LaVere’s band, but also a member of the Heathens) for a prettier, softer folk sound built on lilting strings and harmony vocals. It’s an old-fashioned but timeless sound.”
-Chris Herrington (The Memphis Flyer)

Noteable Performances:

Opened 2 shows for Jack White this past spring during his solo tour
Appearance on The Warm Up at Ardent Studios
Appearance on BalconyTV Nashville
Appearance on Music in the Hall in Oxford, MS
Showcase Artist @ International Folk Alliance Conference 2012 Memphis, TN

Upcoming Shows:

May 17, 2012 – Memphis, TN @ Laurelwood Unplugged: The Memphis Dawls
May 18, 2012 – New Orleans, LA @ Checkpoint Charlie’s
May 18, 2012 – New Orleans, LA @ WTUL New Orleans 91.5FM
May 19, 2012 – Bay Saint Louis, MS @ The Mockingbird Cafe
May 20, 2012 – Lafayette, LA @ Artmosphere
May 24, 2012 – Oxford, MS @ Two Stick Sushi Bar
May 25, 2012 – Birmingham, AL @ Moonlight on The Mountain Concert Series
Jun 2, 2012 – Memphis, TN @ Swanky’s
Jun 6, 2012 – Jackson, TN @ The Downtown Tavern w/ Randolph Robinson
Jun 23, 2012 – Fairhope, AL @ Fly Creek Cafe
Jun 29, 2012 – Chattanooga, TN @ JJ’s Bohemia w/ Brown Chicken Brown Cow & Strung Like A Horse
Jun 30, 2012 – Asheville, NC @ Jack of the Wood
Jul 1, 2012 – Knoxville, TN @ Preservation Pub
Jul 27, 2012 – Fort Smith, AR @ R. Landry’s New Orleans Cafe

Review Copies and Guest List Spots are available upon request!

Press Inquiries: rachel@kang-a-roo.com

Booking: curry@kang-a-roo.com

Holly Cole, Jana Misener & Krista Wroten began creating music together in high school.

Although the surroundings were less than romantic, their sound was powerful even then. Holly Cole released her first solo EP back in 2007 and then a full album with her backing band The Heathens last year. it was then when she started to play again with Wroten who had been touring with Amy Lavere. Cole also asked Misener to play on the record and threesome began planning an EP to showcase some of Holly’s more romantic and lyrical songs. It was clear once they recorded together, that the group wanted to explore their new sound more fully.

The girls took have taken cues from artists like Emmylou Harris, Dolly Parton and Linda Ronstadt. Folk and classic country provide a foundation while the heavy string laden R&B songs from Otis Redding to Minnie Riperton make up the walls and roof. Including Jonathan McLaren on vibraphone and drums, and Nahshon Benford on trumpet and euphonium allowed the band to explore even more territory. A typical live show can take a listener from a warm morning in the arms of a lover to a cold night alone lost in a desert and then, thankfully, back again. They also know how to whoop up the crowd into a frenzy when the atmosphere calls for it, just like at any good hootenanny!

On April 17th they’ll release their self-titled EP nationally and embark on a southeastern tour. Stay tuned for more details.

Introducing The Memphis Dawls

Press Quotes:

Noteable Performances:

Upcoming Shows:

Review Copies and Guest List Spots are available upon request!

The Memphis Dawls Release Their Self-titled EP Nationally