Sorrel

Founded in 2015 by brothers Seth and Isaac Ratliff, Sorrel is an Appalachian indie band based out of Tri-Cities, TN/VA. Sorrel’s music is reminiscent of American traditional music like blues and old-time country while reaching out into folk, soul, and indie. The brothers' instrumentation—a mixture of guitars, keys, and banjo—provides a textured musical bed for their expressive vocals and evocative lyrics.



Seth and Isaac Ratliff grew up in Southwest Virginia—in coal country, the heart of Appalachia. Their musical style is informed by the bluegrass, country, blues, and gospel music they were surrounded by growing up, and their introspective, sometimes plaintive songwriting tone follows a tradition of lament established by mountain folk and mining songs in Appalachia and carried on by the likes of Doc Watson and Jean Ritchie.

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Still, the brothers' modern influences are evident. Their warm, Americana-style electric guitars evoke a Real Estate vibe; their impressionistic lyrics and octave vocal melodies are reminiscent of Bon Iver; and their rich, reverbed vocals and layered studio harmonies call to mind Fleet Foxes.

With music that caters to both the new and the old, Sorrel perks up the ears of musical modernists and traditionalists alike.

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Sorrel released Window Shades, their first studio single, in summer 2019. It can be found on Spotify, Google Play, or wherever music is streamed.