One of the highlights of this year's recent South By Southwest conference was the appearance of a gifted performer who's currently garnering raves for her uncanny ability to blend the folk and art traditions into highly listenable, highly moving work that may otherwise defy comparison.
That performer was Vermont-based singer-songwriter Anais Mitchell--whose latest album, Young Man In America, is an ambitious set that depicts an artist growing by leaps and bound. Her lyrics, her memorable vocal approach, the sophisticated musical arrangements all demonstrate a maturity that's startling at first listen, and highly unique at the very least.
Y! Music was fortunate enough to speak with Mitchell and capture two superlative performances at our private "studio" at SXSW. The performances were memorable, the singer herself was warm and very friendly, and it was one of the better things we witnessed there this year, to say the least. See for yourself--we think you'll like what you see.