(Artist Report)

Written by: Ginny Gaines 

Hiss Golden Messenger is a folk band from Durham, North Carolina, that started in 2007. The band is led by singer and songwriter M.C. Taylor. Their music is a mix of folk, blues, country, and rock, and they have become popular for their unique sound and meaningful lyrics.

M.C. Taylor and Scott Hirsch formed Hiss Golden Messenger after their previous band, The Court and Spark, ended. They released their first album, Country Hai East Cotton, in 2009 in a limited edition of 500 copies. This was followed by their international debut album, Bad Debt, in 2010.

The band's third album, Poor Moon, came out in 2012 and got good reviews. Their fourth album, Haw, released in 2013, helped them become more well-known in the Americana music scene. In 2014, they signed with Merge Records and released their fifth album, Lateness of Dancers.

In 2016, they released their next album titled Heart Like a Levee. This album has 11 songs on it that include "Biloxi," "Smokey's Song," "As the Crow Flies," and "Highland Grace." This album has a more upbeat and hopeful tone. The band released their album titled Hallelujah Anyhow in 2017. This album has 10 tracks on it that include "Jaw," "Harder Rain," "I Am the Song," and "John the Gun." This album was well received.

Hiss Golden Messenger released their next album titled Virgo Fool in 2018. This album has 11 songs that include "Rock Holy," "Joyce & Joel," "Back to the River Again," and "Hard Promises." In 2019, the band released their album titled Terms of Surrender. This album has 10 tracks on it that include "I Need a Teacher," "My Wing," "Happy Birthday, Baby," and "Down at the Uptown." To date, "I Need a Teacher" has almost 18 million streams on Spotify alone! This album was nominated for Best Americana Album at the Grammy Awards.

In 2021, the band released their album titled Quietly Blowing It. This alum has 11 songs on it that include "Way Back in the Way Back," "Mighty Dollar," "Painting Houses," and "Sanctuary." The track "Sanctuary has more than 21 million listens on Spotify. Their album titled O Come All Ye Faithful was also released in 2021. This album has 9 tracks that include "Hung Fire," "Grace," and "Shine a Light." In 2023, Hiss Golden Messenger released their latest album titled Jump for Joy. This 14 songs on it that include "Alice," "Shinbone," "Jesus Is Bored," and "Feeling Eternal." Fans and new listeners seem to be enjoying the band's latest album.

Fans of Hiss Golden Messenger have come to really enjoy their lively concerts, where they showcase their musical skills and M.C. Taylor's engaging stage presence. They've played at many festivals and venues, including the Newport Folk Festival in 2021. They have upcoming shows at places like Thalia Hall in Chicago, The Oil Can in Columbus, and The Ark in Ann Arbor. With their unique blend of genres and heartfelt storytelling, they have become a significant force in the modern folk music scene.

That will do it for this report on Hiss Golden Messenger. In closing, please just know, Soundwave Music Media will be here and I will always do my best to bring you the rock music report! Please consider supporting me and the crew by purchasing a Soundwave shirt or hat and support our sponsors! Until next time... Rock on friends!🤘

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