The Montvales
photo credit : Emily Danielle Jones
Born and raised in Knoxville, TN, Sally Buice and Molly Rochelson of The Montvales spent much of their formative years busking amidst the Elvis impersonators and musical saw players of the town’s Market Square.
Some fifteen years later, the two are still at it-maintaining their study of the robust chaos of the commons as they tour the country playing their descriptive, textured songs on the self-described “feral outskirts of country music.” Their lyrics tackle everything from heartbreak to gentrification to abortion rights, pulling audiences in alongside their well-worn harmonies and nearly telepathic musical connection.
This duo has built a strong connection between activism and music, resonating deeply with audiences across Kentucky, Ohio, Texas, and Tennessee while staying true to their Appalachian roots. Their commitment to community-focused storytelling led to their invitation to perform at the 2025 Healing Appalachia Festival, a nationally recognized event dedicated to combating the opioid crisis in Appalachia through awareness, recovery support, and harm-reduction efforts.
In 2020, the Montvales recorded their first album Heartbreak Summer Camp in a living room. The stripped-down, DIY folksongs span their young adulthood, beginning in their teens and taking them through their mid 20s. Then, seeking a more polished, full-band sound, the duo recorded their next album Born Strangers at Sean Sullivan’s Tractor Shed Studio in Goodlettsville, TN, recruiting Nashville stalwart Mike Eli LoPinto (guitarist for Chris Stapleton, producer of Emily Nenni’s On the Ranch) to produce it. The record garnered them a dedicated cult following and has been featured by outlets such as Holler, American Songwriter, Twangville, and more.
The Montvales have shared the stage with bands like Willy Tea Taylor and The Fellership, The Local Honeys, James McMurtry, and Mama’s Broke. In 2025 they signed with Free Dirt Records to release the single “Loud and Clear” and plan to release their third full length album in spring 2026.
Look out for singles and a new release in early 2026
Now booking concerts and festivals in the US and Canada
“Subtle, beautiful observations and a blast of activism.”
- Americana UK
“The synergy between them makes you want to be a part of the party.”
- Melissa Clarke, Americana Highways
“bright and soulful harmonies”