In a digital landscape often dominated by the coasts and the Nashville machine, Born & Bred Music is carving out a vital space for the raw, untamed sounds emanating from the heart of West Virginia. Our YouTube series, “Stomping Grounds,” isn’t just another collection of live performances; it’s a lovingly curated snapshot of a vibrant, often overlooked musical ecosystem.
Each episode drops the viewer into the intimate setting of the Born & Bred studio that lets the music breathe and the personalities shine through with an unvarnished honesty that’s increasingly rare in the growing world of digital music series. We didn’t set out to have artists that fit our perspective but rather allow them to present their perspective of music in West Virginia.
What makes “Stomping Grounds” so compelling is its dedication to showcasing the sheer diversity bubbling beneath the surface of the Mountain State. You might stumble upon the haunting, ethereal folk of The Moon My Twin one week, their intricate harmonies weaving tales of love and loss with a gothic Appalachian twist. Then, you could be thrown headfirst into the gritty, soulful rock of Last Year’s Model, their energy crackling with a restless spirit. The series isn’t confined by genre; it’s bound by a common thread of genuine artistry and a palpable connection to place. These aren’t just musicians playing songs; they’re storytellers carrying on a rich heritage, their instruments acting as conduits for the history and heart of West Virginia.
More than just a platform for exposure, “Stomping Grounds” feels like a community gathering, a virtual front porch where musicians can share their craft and viewers can discover something truly authentic. It’s a testament to the power of local music and the unwavering dedication of Born & Bred to nurture and amplify these voices. In a world saturated with manufactured pop and fleeting trends, this series offers a refreshing dose of genuine artistry, reminding us that some of the most compelling sounds are often found off the beaten path, deep in the stomping grounds of those who live and breathe their music.
We have handpicked the artists up until this point. But in future seasons we will be incorporating an application process that bands can use to be considered. The reality is that there is no way for us to feature every band that we’d love to and the requests to be a part of the series have grown increasingly with each new release. You will find the requirements in the application link below. Please note that applying doesn’t guarantee an appearance on Stomping Grounds. We will be working with a committee made up of members from our editorial team, our production partner, Mtn Craft, and our sponsor Stone Tower Coffee. We have been very fortunate to have both of these groups help us make this series a reality and value their input.
Our next video in the series drops next Monday, May 19th featuring the extremely talented folk group, Dalchord with a performance of their new single “Ain’t The Brightest Lightbulb” on the Stomping Grounds stage.
