Asheville, NC’s Unspoken Tradition, in cooperation with Mountain Home Music, has released a music video for their current single, Company Man.
It’s the story of a hard working man, written by Tim Stafford and Mark Bumgarner, that both offers praise for the titular character, and those many like him, while also finding a touch of heartbreak in such a seemingly dreary life.
Guitarist Audie McGinnis says that the song fits the band’s image.
“When Unspoken Tradition first started trying to find our niche, we branded ourselves as ‘working class bluegrass.’ Though we’ve grown and evolved, that is still very much who we are.
Company Man perfectly exemplifies this slogan. Our nation was built by folks just like the man portrayed in this song. I’ve known, and was even raised by a few of them. I’d like to think that the men and women this song was written about would appreciate our music.”
The video depicts Unspoken Tradition dressed as workers, out amongst the western North Carolina mountains, offset by black & white images of American workers of yesteryear.
Ty Gilpin, who plays mandolin with the group, offers a bit more insight into the presentation.
“This video was shot by Mountainwater Films at the site of the former Enka plant in Candler, North Carolina. It’s a haunting reminder of the industry that used to thrive in Appalachia. The song and video illustrates the bane of the working class. The ones that chose to sacrifice for the sake of the well-being of their family. This song, both celebrates the working class hero, and laments their fate.
Thanks to Mark Bumgarner and Tim Stafford for writing this song that reflects the path of so many Americans.”
Along with Audie and Ty, Unspoken Tradition includes Zane McGinnis on banjo, Tim Gardner on fiddle, and Sav Sankaran on bass.
Check out the Company Man video.
The single for Company Man is available now from popular download and streaming services online, and to radio programmers via AirPlay Direct.
