While their presence has been felt, and their ties to Music City over the years have certainly been persistent, English folk rockers Mumford & Sons haven’t properly played Nashville in four years. Hard to believe, huh? Save for an outing at Bonnaroo last summer, the group’s upcoming April 15 performance at Bridgestone Arena with Blake Mills will be Nashville’s first chance to see Mumford live since the release of both their 2012 sophomore effort Babel, and last year’s decidedly rock-leaning departure Wilder Mind. And, while tickets currently seem to be sold out (or, at least, very close to it), you’re in luck, because we have a pair of tickets to give away to one lucky reader! Find out more about the show below, and read on for a chance to win a pair of tickets!
MUMFORD & SONS
Formed in late 2007 in London, indie folk rock quartet Mumford & Sons enjoyed a fast, influential rise to international stardom not long after the release of their critically-acclaimed 2009 debut, Sigh No More. Inarguably one of the most visible, popular figures in the new wave of alt folk that has gripped audiences and dominated the radio over the last several years, the band grew to love American roots music in their teens, influenced by artists like Old Crow Medicine Show and Emmylou Harris, and forged a literary, eclectic offshoot of the sound that has managed to resonate with millions. After just a couple years on the club circuit, the group soon found themselves making international television appearances, debuting at popular festivals, and even performing at Bob Dylan and The Avett Brothers at the 2011 Grammys, all of which helped make their sophomore effort, 2012’s Grammy Award winning Babel, one of the most successful rock releases of the last decade.
The band, at least some of whom partially reside here in Nashville, have seemed to slow down just slightly in recent years, taking a short but well-deserved breather before pivoting in sound and style for their third LP, last year’s Wilder Mind. Trading the traditional folk instruments that characterized all of their earlier work, the album features electric guitars, drums, and not a banjo to be heard, all the while maintaining the core strength of songwriting that has always been the band’s biggest asset. Success aside, it’s hard to deny the impact Mumford has had on the musical landscape at large, and, inarguably, for every banjo-toting folk rock group paying proper homage to the roots of the scene, there’s another two or three just aping the style because it’s suddenly popular; because of this, it’s not just refreshing, but necessary, to see such a huge band flex their range and cement their longevity. Mumford’s upcoming show will surely be a mix of old and new songs; they’ve been an incredible live force from the start, and only seem to get better with age. The only burning question on our minds is, will we be treated to the return of The Anal Beatles or Salvador Dali Parton after? Only time will tell.
BLAKE MILLS
Singer-songwriter and producer Blake Mills was born and raised in Los Angeles, where his career has flourished over the last several years. He co-founded Simon Dawes, the band that would eventually give way to Dawes, with high school friend Taylor Goldsmith, before switching gears to become a touring guitarist, producer, and solo artist. Mills has toured with Jenny Lewis, Julian Casablancas, and Band of Horses, among others, and has provided session work for a diverse array of acts, Conor Oberst, Weezer, Lana Del Rey, and The Avett Brothers, among them. His 2010 debut album, Break Mirrors, became something of sleeper success story, and helped Blake nab production work for Alabama Shakes, Conor Oberst, Fiona Apple, and more, even earning a Grammy nod for the Shakes’ Sound & Color. Mills’ sophomore effort, Heigh Ho, dropped in 2014, featuring an exciting cast of collaborators, and, somehow, he’s still finding time to tour amidst his many other musical obligations.
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ENTER TO WIN TICKETS
Enter to win tickets by filling out the form below. After you have entered, there will be the option to share this contest via social media. For each person that you refer to the contest, you will receive an additional entry. If you experience any trouble with the contest widget, or have any questions, feel free to email us at [email protected].
Winner will be announced Wednesday, April 13 at 12 p.m. CDT, and will receive one pair of tickets. Good luck!
[contesthopper contest=”71958″]
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Mumford & Sons and Blake Mills will perform Friday, April 15 at Bridgestone Arena. The show is all ages, begins at 7:30 p.m. (doors at 6:30 p.m.), and tickets are currently unavailable.
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