Pop Break Live: Delta Rae at World Cafe Live in Philadelphia
Words & Photos by Cathy Poulton
Philly was treated to a special night of music Tuesday August 22 when country band Delta Rae hit the stage at the World Cafe. Lucky fans got to hear songs from their new critically acclaimed EP A Long and Happy Life” The setlist was perfect. They played some old favorites to get the crowd going like “Run,” “Bottom of the River,” and “Dance in the Graveyard.” They even threw in a kick-ass version of Shania Twain’s “Man! I Feel Like A Woman!”
However, it was their new stuff that really shone.
“Ain’t Love” and a “A Long and Happy Life’ were the perfect crowd pleasing sing-alongs and the beautifully written “No Peace in Quiet” provided one of two magical moments that made the show even more memorable.
The biggest moment of the show was undoubtedly the emotional rendition of their song, “All Good People.” The song was originally penned in response to the shooting at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina, on June 17, 2015. However, given the events that happened in Charlottesville, VA, the band instead dedicated the song to the memory of Heather Heyer who was killed in Charlottesville and to all victims of racism. The song has exploded on the internet, with Rolling Stone picking it up. The performance was really moving. You could hear a pin drop. It was really special.
The band formed in Durham, North Carolina in 2009. Originally it was a four piece consisting of three siblings from the talented Holljes family (Brittany, Eric and Ian) as well as singer Elizabeth Hopkins. A year later they added bassist Grant Emerson and drummer Mike McKee to the mix.
It’s been fun watching this band evolve over the years. I was introduced to their music by local radio station WXPN. The station supported them early on in their career and continues to show them the love. They recently changed labels which could always be difficult but this is no cookie-cutter band. They are still doing their own thing, just kicking it up a notch. There are a few genres that come to mind when listening to their music like country pop, country alt and maybe a bit of folk yet there is something so unique about their sound that I can’t really compare them to anyone when asked. That’s a compliment.
Its been a long road for the band. They’ve been doing the grueling festival circuit/small clubs for years and it seems like its all finally coming together. They got a nod from Rolling Stone this year as one of the top new 10 country acts to watch. Not quite new to old fans though. They have been everyone’s “little secret” for a long time now. Not only are fans drawn to the band for their gorgeous harmonies, thought provoking lyrics, and beautiful melodies but to the band members themselves for their compassion towards others. It’s not always about the music. Their simple message to fans is to just love one another and be kind to others. It’s endearing and it’s just another reason why their shows feel so joyous and celebratory in nature — Like we are all in this together.
They are simply a breath of fresh air.
