Mountain power: Hundreds of artists come together for 'Caverns of Gold' album
J.D. Pinkus. Garret K. Woodward photo
In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, there has been numerous initiatives put forth by local Western North Carolina musicians to raise funds and provide aid to those in need in our backyard.
From benefit concerts to much-needed supply drives, backyard jam sessions and art functions, all with the same ethos in mind: “anything helps and everything counts.” Which is why this latest musical project — “Caverns of Gold” — is so impressive in nature when it comes to collaboration, camaraderie and community.
“What this project has taught me in that, even in hard times, we can find moments of joy and should allow ourselves to feel them,” said Alex Deutsch. “Art might not be all we need, but it sure is a positive force for good.”
A compilation album featuring melodies from 280 artists, “Caverns of Gold” was initially conjured by a handful of local artists and folks heavily involved in the WNC music scene, including Deutsch, Joe Hooten, Jason Bugg, Kelly Minnis and Chad Nance.
“We all play in several musical projects based out of Asheville,” Deutsch said. “[And] we had similar ideas to do some sort of compilation album to utilize the vast WNC music to raise money.”
Proceeds from the sales of the digital album will go to BeLoved Asheville, a storied nonprofit providing immediate resources to those affected by the recent natural disaster.
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“We chose BeLoved Asheville because it has a wider scope,” Deutsch said. “They were supplying, feeding and housing people even before the storm and have stepped up in huge way to help WNC post-Helene.”
The album itself is priced at $10. Folks can also donate more that the retail cost of the record to the cause. To that, there was a “Caverns of Gold” album release and benefit show earlier this month at the Sly Grog Lounge in Asheville. Since its release, “Caverns of Gold” has raised over $10,000 and counting.
“We’re all big believers in the mutual aid model of support,” Deutsch said. “We also wanted [the album] to be accessible to most people. So, despite ending up with about 20 typical albums worth music on this compilation, we set a minimum price of $10, though people [are] welcome to donated more and many did.”
Clocking in at 19 hours, the album itself is an incredibly intricate collage of marquee acts, regional heavy-hitters and rising local artists — the sum of which being this melodic ode to the human spirit in the face of unimaginable tragedy and despair.
Underhill Rose. Sandlin Gaither photo
“We have such a wide and diverse music scene and we wanted to showcase it,” Deutsch said specifically of the WNC musicians and groups involved. “We all have a stake in our community and think everyone deserves an equal voice in representing and supporting it.”
In terms of national artists, R.E.M., Drivin N Cryin’s Kevn Kinney, Leftover Salmon, Steep Canyon Rangers, Milk Carton Kids, North Mississippi Allstars, Larry Keel, Tyler Ramsey, Jay Gonzalez, Dangermuffin, Dylan Walshe, Acoustic Syndicate, Papadosio, Abe Partridge and moe. each offered up a track.
“[‘Caverns of Gold’] also [exposes] a wide audience outside the region to what those of us who live here already know — we have a world-class music scene filled with an immense amount of music,” Deutsch said.
From our neck of the woods, it’s the rich, vibrant talents of local/regional musicians: the late Malcolm Holcombe, Underhill Rose, The Get Right Band, Dulci Ellengerger, J.D. Pinkus, Andrew Scotchie, Powder Horns, Santiago y Los Gatos, The Dirty French Broads, The Moon & You, Arnold Hill, The 40-20-10s, Drunken Prayer, Planefolk and more contributed numbers.
“Many [from WNC] who [donated songs] just got power back, had their homes destroyed [or] still don’t have potable water. They enthusiastically set aside their troubles and [donated] their talents,” Deutsch said. “The beauty of that generosity is matched only by that of the music this project has gathered together.”
Want to donate?
A vibrant compilation of songs from over 275 acts from Western North Carolina and beyond, the “Caverns of Gold: A Benefit for WNC Hurricane Relief” album is now available for purchase.
The release seeks to raise crucial funds for those affected by Hurricane Helene, with 100% of the proceeds benefiting BeLoved Asheville, a local nonprofit dedicated to providing immediate assistance and long-term support for those affected by the disaster.
The cost of “Caverns of Gold” is $10. To obtain the digital album, go to cavernsofgold.bandcamp.com.
