Chamomile and Whiskey

All it took was a bit of simple mixology to connect the dots for Marie Borgman and Koda Kerl, better known as the founders of deep-roots-rock outfit Chamomile and Whiskey. One evening Borgman and Kerl, native musicians of Nelson County, Virginia, combined chamomile tea with Evan Williams bourbon whiskey for an evening libation. Upon taste, the duo decided that the combo of chamomile and whiskey perfectly embodied the music they’d been creating—thus, Chamomile and Whiskey was born. Since then, the group has developed a more electric sound, adding members Drew Kimball on guitar, Stuart Gunter on drums, and Marsh Mahon on bass. On October 30th, the band will release their third LP, Red Clay Heart. Produced by Ken Coomer (Wilco, Uncle Tupelo), Red Clay Heart opens with a rollicking backbeat and harmonized guitars that would make Dickie Betts crack a smile. That tune is the album’s first single, “Way Back,” and Americana Highways premiered the accompanying music video yesterday noting, “...this video combines nostalgia with a heightened universal feel — we all miss ‘way back when.’” Filmed in the band’s favorite Charlottesville bar, The Whiskey Jar, Kerl reminiscences, “I guess this one comes from being in a small town scene for a long time and thinking about how much I used to care about things that don’t matter so much to me anymore,” says Kerl about “Way Back.” “I felt it would be a good song for our new lineup… more electric guitar, slightly tongue in cheek and a little “f*** it.” Fans can hear “Way Back” now at this link and pre-order or pre-save Red Clay Heart right here.