With their unparalleled ability to blend pop craftsmanship, folk sensibility, and the influences of ’60s classic rock and ’90s alternative, The Nields have created a distinctive musical style that defies categorization. Their songs, imbued with intelligence and occasional humor, offer poignant observations on life’s unexpected twists and turns. Apple Music describes their sound as “equal parts The Beatles, the cranberries, and Joni Mitchell,” a testament to their unique fusion of melodic sensibilities
"The Nields have carved out a singular style that combines pop craftsmanship, folk sensibility, ‘60’s classic rock and ‘90’s alternative––always with an intelligent (occasionally humorous) take on the curve balls that life continually serves up. It's a sound Apple Music describes as “equal parts The Beatles, the cranberries and Joni Mitchell.” With their finely tuned melodies and the natural exuberance, 21 albums, major and independent record and publishing deals, performances with 10,000 Maniacs, The Band, James Taylor, and the Indigo Girls, the Nields have indeed paid their dues, to answer the question they pose in their most beloved song “Easy People.” (“Haven’t I paid my dues by now? And don’t I get the right to choose?”)
With the release of their latest album, Circle of Days (June 2023), the Nields offer their most ambitious yet familiar collection to date. During the pandemic, Nerissa and Katryna took their dogs on a daily walk to a lake in the woods near their homes in Western Massachusetts. Katryna, a photographer, took a picture of the lake in the same location every day. As they walked, they talked about the new album they wanted to make. What if there were a song for every month in the calendar year?
In that spirit, Circle of Days was born. Some of the songs are clearly linked to a specific moment in the calendar, such as “Darkest Day of the Year,” for the winter solstice. “Brigid” is an Imbolc song, and “Death and Resurrection” has Easter, as well as all sorts of Pagan spring rituals, written all over it. But others are more abstract, like “Angel on the Roof,” which mentions empty silos and the need for a harvest. Musically, the songs run the gamut from “Magnificat,” a folk-country ballad reminiscent of Patty Griffin or Nancy Griffith, to the joyful 70s pop of “That’s What We Do,” to the roots rock of “Comic Books and Movies.”
""I can't believe we get paid to do this!"" says Nerissa. ""I think the audience picks up on our gratitude pretty quickly, that we are so happy to be singing for them.” Katryna adds, “A lot of people say to us that they came in depressed and they left full of joy and hope. And there's really nothing better than that."""
