Parsonsfield
Folk · US · Active since 2011

Parsonsfield

Bright, banjo-driven Americana that feels like a weekend in the mountains. High-energy folk with theatrical flair and warm, communal harmonies.

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Intro

Parsonsfield, originally known as Poor Old Shine, emerged from the University of Connecticut's folk scene in 2011. Their sound identity is defined by a multi-instrumental approach that blends traditional bluegrass instrumentation - banjo, mandolin, and upright bass - with more eclectic additions like pump organ and theatrical percussion.

This versatility led to a notable collaboration with the theatrical production 'The Heart of Robin Hood,' which influenced their later, more cinematic arrangements. Their career arc shows a progression from traditionalist folk-pop toward a more experimental, 'chamber folk' aesthetic on later releases like 'Happy Hour On The Floor.' Critically, they are positioned as part of the 2010s Americana revival alongside acts like The Lumineers, but they are distinguished by a more technical, bluegrass-literate foundation and a quirky, theatrical edge. Their influence web connects the high-energy acoustic drive of Old Crow Medicine Show with the indie-folk sophistication of Fleet Foxes.

Our Catalog3 Albums · 2013 · 2020
The Sound · Center of GravityWeighted across the artist's discography. Tap a trait for examples.
Adjacent Artists
HH
Humming House

Shares bluegrass, mandolin, chamber folk, open_field (subgenre)

Railroad Earth
Railroad Earth

Shares bluegrass, mandolin, banjo, open_field (subgenre)

D
Driftwood

Shares bluegrass, banjo, open_field, folk rock (subgenre)

C
Cabinet

Shares bluegrass, mandolin, banjo, mountain (subgenre)

M
Miner

Shares mandolin, banjo, open_field, folk rock (instrumentation)

B
Briscoe

Shares banjo, open_field, folk rock, hand_played (instrumentation)

David Wax Museum
David Wax Museum

Shares chamber folk, hand_played, americana, indie folk (subgenre)

The Avett Brothers
The Avett Brothers

Shares bluegrass, banjo, mountain, folk rock (subgenre)

Twin Forks
Twin Forks

Shares mandolin, open_field, folk rock, hand_played (instrumentation)

Molly Tuttle
Molly Tuttle

Shares bluegrass, mandolin, banjo, open_field (subgenre)

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