Recorded and Produced at Bailey Studio, Asheville, NC. Lyrics, chord progression, and vocal melody by Ryan Jerome Stout. Drums, bass, electric guitar, production, and atmospheric wonderment by Matthew Bailey.

Cheerful Tears and Other Nonsense

Rats!!!

rats!!!

Born and raised in Trenton, NJ. A "hero's" journey of sorts: Trenton to West Virginia to Portland (OR) to Asheville (NC) to Cincinnati back to Jersey (home) - in Atlantic Highlands, NJ. Kid Elder's goal is stories expressed through textural auditory soundscapes (sometimes with words). KE expresses himself through (an attempt ; ) to incorporate all musical genres to explore and dance and meditate and sing. Kid Elder can play your wedding or your funeral, your birthday or you holiday, your Tuesday brunch or your Saturday night rager. Always ready to play no matter the circumstance - all-music all-the-time!

Stephen Evans & the True Grits
Folk Rock Band

After many years of vacillating between being a professional musician and building a nest in Asheville, NC, Stephen Evans finally asked his friends, Brian Shoemaker (bass), Sam Hess (drums), and Woodstock (mandolin), to form the True Grits and make some music together.

     Then in 2015, Stephen Evans & the True Grits released their first LP "Something to Bleed".  Excited to release more music, they followed with their 2017 EP "Under the Bridge."  Both records received local and regional praise for their passion and unique creativity.

     Stephen's strong melodic songwriting style is a blend of vivid imagery, darkness, and hopeful optimism.  There's no denying the feeling that shines through with his evocative vocals and lyrics.  Songs like 'The Garden', 'Cherokee Hills', 'Shining Star', and '1000 Roses' are beacons of his folk rock song craft. 

     With radio play on Western North Carolina radio stations, as well as shows around the region, Stephen Evans & the True Grits are becoming a local favorite.  Two singles, ‘Ghost Among the Trees’ & ‘Winning the Day’, have been released from their new album "Buzz of Bees" which will be released in December 2022.  Look for Stephen Evans & the True Grits to make their mark with this beautiful album.

rats!!!

kid Elder