Young Mountain Magic
Every so often I have the honor of interviewing a young up-and-coming talent in the mountain music world.
This time I talked with 16-year-old Rainier Finley, a student at Rabun Gap Nacoochee School. He has a deep love for just about everything that crosses his path. He’s even right at home in academia (4.5 GPA) and athletics.
Rainier began playing fiddle at age five. He laughed pretty hard when I asked why he waited so long. His musical journey was laid out like a highway. He learned to sail on a mountain wind with scales and arpeggios undulating, moving rhythmically through dozens of traditional tunes.
And yes, even at five, Rainier didn’t hesitate to grab a fiddle and hop on that melodious flying carpet.
Along the way he connected with three other fine young musicians: Maddox Wilson (vocals and guitar), his pal from Summit Charter School, and Ayden and Ethan Chapell, brothers from South Carolina who play banjo and bass respectively.
Their quartet, YMM: Young Mountain Magic, has musical credits galore including scores of performances and individual awards for mountain music and Bluegrass, followed by streams of dedicated fans.
These musicians share a deep passion for traditional mountain tunes, intricate tunings, complicated pickings, along with Scottish folk tunes, chording, and techniques like sliding.
With support from NC’s JAM (Junior Appalachian Musicians) and SC’s YAM (Young Appalachian Musicians), organizations that provide space to learn and play traditional Appalachian music, members help keep cultural music alive.
Even though JAM’s focus is traditional, members embellish their style with country, classical (Rainier studied classical violin early on), jazz, rock, folk, and more. Other instruments like harmonicas, mouth harps, and light percussion join their instrumental and vocal compositions.
Speaking of composing, Rainier and YMM are enthusiastic about performing their own original songs and experimenting with harmonies.
JAM members receive professional instruction from celebrated talent. Balsam Range, Earl Scruggs’ recordings, Osborne Brothers, Billy Strings, Neil Young, and many more contribute to their development.
Join local JAM Programs that support the growth of talented, eager students: BlueRidge JAM (NC): jamkids.org; blueridge YAM Program: yamupstate.com; Young Mountain Magic booking and gigs: sites.google.com/view/youngmountainmagic/home.
Favorites Count: 0