Ancient Morning: The Ethereal Sound of Modern Psychedelic Folk

Ancient Morning is the acclaimed musical project of singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Elias Vance, crafting a distinct blend of psychedelic folk and ambient rock. Hailing from Portland, Oregon, the project achieved a notable commercial milestone with its 2021 album Horizon Lines debuting at number 12 on the Billboard Top Alternative Albums chart.

Early career

Elias Vance formed Ancient Morning as a solo endeavor in 2015, initially recording lo-fi demos in his home studio. These early experiments, characterized by layered acoustic guitars and atmospheric textures, caught the attention of the independent label Whispering Pine Records, which released the debut EP First Light in 2017.

Breakthrough

The project's breakthrough arrived in 2019 with the critically acclaimed sophomore album Ceremonial. Released through the larger indie label Secret Road, the album's lead single Golden Hour gained traction on streaming platforms and alternative radio, propelling the album to sell over 100,000 copies and earn a gold certification in Canada.

Key tracks

Golden Hour — This breakthrough single defined their signature sound with its hypnotic 12-string riff and became a staple on adult alternative radio.

Ceremonial — The sprawling title track showcased the band's ambitious, multi-movement composition style and album-oriented approach.

Dust & Light — A collaboration with vocalist Kaitlyn Raithel, this 2021 track expanded their audience through its haunting harmonies.

Horizon Lines — The lead single from their charting album marked a turn toward a more expansive, production-heavy sound.

Sleepwalker — This fan-favorite deep cut from their debut LP remains a centerpiece of their immersive live performances.

Following the success of Horizon Lines, Ancient Morning embarked on extensive touring, including a notable co-headlining run with like-minded act Hovvdy in 2022. Their music has since been featured in several television series soundtracks, most prominently in the drama The Wilds. The project continues to evolve, with Vance recently hinting at new recording sessions exploring more electronic textures within their psychedelic folk framework.

Listeners who enjoy the textured, introspective sound of Ancient Morning often find resonance with other artists in the modern folk and ambient sphere. Explore Big Thief for similarly raw songwriting and lyrical depth. The atmospheric guitar work of Bon Iver shares a kinship with Vance's layered productions. For a parallel in crafting expansive, mood-driven albums, consider Fleet Foxes. The meditative quality of Grizzly Bear also aligns with the project's detailed compositional style.

The music of Ancient Morning maintains a strong presence on radio, particularly across a network of adult alternative and independent music radio stations. Their singles are frequently featured in the rotations of non-commercial public radio stations and specialty shows dedicated to modern folk and psychedelic rock, ensuring their sound reaches a dedicated and growing audience through the airwaves.

You can hear the evocative music of Ancient Morning on various radio stations featured on our website. Discover their discography and listen to their latest tracks through the curated alternative and folk radio stations available on onairium.com.