music
Appalachian Awakening: Rewriting American Music Culture
AVERY COUNTY, N.C.—If there is such a thing as the classic Appalachian success story, the rise in popularity of the outside-the-box band Cigarettes at Sunset would be that story.
TL;DR
- Cigarettes at Sunset formed in Banner Elk, NC, in 2022, practicing in the Edge of the World Snowboard Shop.
- The band has over 225,000 monthly Spotify listeners and a unique sound they call "Possum Rock."
- Their music fuses lyrics about small-town life with indie-rock, blues, and traditional mountain fiddle, influenced by violinist Sarah Vann's classical background.
- The band's debut EP, "Possum Rock," released in March 2026, reflects the rugged, independent spirit of Appalachia.
- The band's success highlights a national trend of Americans seeking authentic music rooted in Appalachian culture.
- Experiencing events like Hurricane Helene has reinforced the band's commitment to creating music that embodies resilience.