The Civil Wars On World Cafe
The Civil Wars performed on World Cafe.
Set List
- "Forget Me Not"
- "20 Years"
- "Poison and Wine"
John Paul White and Joy Williams hail from very different parts of the country (Alabama and California, respectively), and both are free spirits when it comes to their solo music careers. But when the two crossed paths at a songwriting camp in Nashville, the rest, as they say, is history. Both knew that they had some special collaborative magic, and they've managed to mix their songwriting styles into something truly moving.
Months after meeting, they played a show in Nashville where their future producer was present — and entranced. Their second show was taped and released on their website, and has since been downloaded by 100,000 people — and that number is growing every day. The Civil Wars' sparse, melodic pop, full of retro country influences, is powerful yet tempered. It's accessible as well — White and Williams count country-pop princess Taylor Swift as a big fan.
The Civil Wars' full-length debut, Barton Hollow, was released in February, and its emotional chamber-folk really showcases White and Williams' chemistry. Hear the duo talk about their songwriting and play a few songs live, including "Poison & Wine," which was featured on Grey's Anatomy.
This World Cafe segment originally aired May 10.
More World Cafe
World Cafe
John Mayer On World Cafe
Mayer reflects on his personal history and public image, and also plays songs from his new album.
World Cafe
Janiva Magness On World Cafe
The blues singer plays songs from her new album, Stronger For It, live in the studio.
World Cafe
The History Of The Wrecking Crew On World Cafe
The author of The Wrecking Crew talks about the influential group of 1960s musicians.
Comments
Please keep your community civil. All comments must follow the NPR.org Community rules and terms of use. See also the Community FAQ.
NPR reserves the right to read on the air and/or publish on its website or in any medium now known or unknown the e-mails and letters that we receive. We may edit them for clarity or brevity and identify authors by name and location. For additional information, please consult our Terms of Use.