ROLLINSVILLE — The hellbender is a North American salamander species that spends its entire life in the water. The eastern hellbender is the largest salamander on the continent, with sexually mature individuals sometimes growing to two feet or more.
These animals particularly interested folk-Americana musician Brittney Wagner, who shares the salamander’s Appalachian heritage. Now, she’s embraced its name in her new band, Brittney and the Hellbenders.
“I thought the name itself sounded like the vibe that I wanna go for," says Wagner, a Mountain-Ear employee, "a little outlaw country.”
Joining her in the new venture is Kirk Kubicek on drums, Colin Holmes on lead electric, and Robert Garland on bass. Wagner writes the lyrics for the songs the group works to flesh out musically.
“There’s been a lot of composition from the boys bringing stuff to the songs that I couldn’t bring myself, with their musical knowledge and instruments,” says Wagner. “It’s becoming a collaborative effort, as far as the full composition.”
Wagner has typically performed with jazz musician Jon “BlackDog” Ridnell during his time in the area. As Ridnell lives in New Orleans for half the year, she’s been working to find other outlets where she can perform collaboratively.
“This is the first time that I’m gonna be leading a group on my own,” Wagner says. “I’ve been in bands, but this is the first time I’ve ever led a band, so I’m really excited about it. It’s kind of a big moment for me.”
Wagner has always loved performing for others and sharing her lyrics with audiences. She’s excited to bring those lyrics in a new context with a fully formed band.
“I love when people tell me they can relate to my lyrics or that a song of mine has been stuck in my head,” she says. “I just love the relatability of playing to an audience and when people express that your music touches them and sticks with them.”
Brittney and the Hellbenders will perform their first gig at Howlin Wind Brewing and Blending, located at 51 A Main Street in Rollinsville, on Saturday, August 29, starting at 5 p.m.
