BLUE SKIES 2025

feat. Jake “MJ” Lenderman / Amelia Meath (Sylvan Esso) / Sam Beam (Iron & Wine) / Matt McCaughan (Bon Iver) / Jason Ross (Seven Mary Three) / Brad Cook (Waxahachee) / Phil Cook (Megafaun)

This is a fun story …

In January 2025, Charlotte agency Mythic called with a project for the EDPNC (The Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina). They had an idea for an anthemic, music-driven film to promote the state’s strategy of driving economic growth and development. Central to the idea was the desire to have the music performed by North Carolina-based musicians.

With that in mind, BANG partner Brian Jones called Seven Mary Three frontman Jason Ross, his longtime friend and collaborator who lives in Chapel Hill. Because Hurricane Helene had just devastated much of Western North Carolina, they quickly hatched the idea of a “two for one” - record a song to support North Carolina economic development while using some of the budget to make a donation to disaster relief for North Carolinians affected by Hurricane Helene.

After speaking to Jason’s pal, Durham-based producer, Brad Cook, the idea of a “Super Group” of North Carolina artists was born. Cook leaned on his close relationships throughout the NC music community and pulled in several friends including Ashville’s Jake Lenderman, Chapel Hill’s Amelia Meath and Durham-based Sam Beam. Rounding out the group and providing the musical foundation was brother Phil Cook and drummer Matt McCaughan, both of Durham.

Through the artists collective efforts, we were able to direct a majority of the budget toward making a $100,000 donation to the North Carolina Community Foundation (NCCF), helping to directly support the disaster relief efforts for those affected most by the Hurricane in Western North Carolina.

Contact:

Brian Jones | brian@bangworld.com | +1 917.450.7536

Alec Setten | alec@bangworld.com | +1 718.873.7453