BMLG Showcases Delta Rae’s Breakout Harmonies

Delta Rae. Photo: BMLG

Scott Borchetta, Founder/CEO of Big Machine Label Group, welcomed a slew of industry tastemakers to the back room of his 16th Ave. bungalow on Nov. 1 to preview new music from new six-piece outfit, Delta Rae.

Delta Rae is siblings Ian Holljes, Eric Hölljes and Brittany Hölljes, together with longtime friend and lead vocalist Liz Hopkins in addition to accompaniment from Mike McKee (drums) and Grant Emerson (bass).

With over 50 songs and an EP already on the shelves, the Valory Music Co. act sampled six titles, including their joyous, lead single “A Long And Happy Life.” The showcase also touched on their current single, a ballad titled “No Peace In Quiet,” which began going for adds on Oct. 16. “No Peace In Quiet” is a play on words about the silence band member Eric Hölljes experienced after a breakup in his home city of Durham, North Carolina, and influenced his move to Nashville. The band just released a music video for the single.

The acoustic afternoon began with the upbeat, amiable “I’m Moved South” and finished with an a capella encore at the urging of Borchetta, titled “Bottom Of The River.”

Although “A Long And Happy Life” was recorded with producer Dann Huff, Delta Rae was brought to the Big Machine Label Group by Borchetta’s VP of A&R, producer Julian Raymond.

“Julian had been working with Delta Rae for a lot of years,” said Borchetta. “He pretty much brought Delta Rae with him when he came to Big Machine. He said, ‘You have to see and experience this.’ If you haven’t seen Delta Rae yet, you will understand our excitement. They’re great storytellers that are true to the art. They deserve your attention.”

Delta Rae has already headlined 60 shows across the nation on their A Long And Happy Life Summer Tour 2017, booked by Madison House. They have previously performed at major festivals such as Bonnaroo, Farm Aid, Lollapalooza and Austin City Limits, in addition to earning national media attention.