Uploaded May 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago

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River Whyless recounts their App State beginnings, their collaborative approach to songwriting and Asheville’s influence on their music. They also discuss parenthood, Hurricane Helene and how memory, place and sound intertwine in their music. Hosted by PBS NC’s James Mieczkowski.

Watch River Whyless perform: youtube.com/watch?v=8lupQp9Tu6g

From the podcast:
00:00 – The origin of River Whyless
03:04 - Being a democratic band
09:57 - Asheville's influence on River Whyless
19:23 - Sense of place and recording philosophy
27:23 - Hurricane Helene's impact on the music scene
43:47 - Shaped by Sound setlist

Shaped by Sound
This PBS NC original series, which spotlights North Carolina’s thriving music scene, features artists from a broad range of genres, including indie rock, hip-hop, R&B, alt-country, jazz, bluegrass and folk. Each episode weaves a visually stunning live studio performance by an NC artist or band with an intimate conversation about their creative journey.

Shaped By Sound is a co-production of PBS North Carolina and the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. The series is presented by Come Hear North Carolina.

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