Whitney Dean, one half of the folk-pop duo the Sweeplings, found his musical partner in an unexpected way. His wife, while watching America’s Got Talent, noticed Cami Bradley’s voice and immediately knew she would be a perfect collaborator for her husband. Dean, who had previously been part of John Paul White’s pre-Civil Wars solo project, reached out to Bradley via Facebook. This led to a flight to Spokane, WA, and the beginning of a fruitful partnership.
The Sweeplings, consisting of Bradley and Dean, released their debut album “Rise & Fall” in early August after numerous living room and studio sessions, Skype calls, and cross-country trips. The album is a testament to their dedication and the seamless blending of their talents despite the physical distance between them.
One of the standout tracks from “Rise & Fall” is “Carry Me Home,” a song that has become a staple in their live performances since the album’s release. Dean describes the song as deeply personal, inspired by the loss of loved ones in their lives over the past year. The song is written from the perspective of the one leaving, offering a comforting message to those left behind that their loved one is at peace and ready to be released.
“Carry Me Home” premiered on NPR in July 2015 and was officially released as part of the album in August. The song’s poignant lyrics, “Lay down my bones knowing I’ll be in a better place/Release my soul, carry me home,” resonate with listeners, capturing the universal experience of loss and the hope for peace in the afterlife.
The song’s impact extended beyond the album, as it was featured in the official trailer for the final season of the Netflix series Longmire. This exposure helped the song reach a wider audience, further cementing its place in the hearts of listeners.
In 2018, the Sweeplings signed with Nettwerk and released an acoustic version of “Carry Me Home” ahead of the deluxe re-release of “Rise & Fall.” This version stripped down the song to its core elements, highlighting the raw emotion and intimate harmonies that define the Sweeplings’ sound.
Critics have praised “Carry Me Home” for its haunting beauty and emotional depth. Popdust described the song as floating across vast landscapes of dusty tones, while NPR likened it to Dean’s previous work with John Paul White of The Civil Wars, calling it a dark, expansive piece of rootsy pop. iTunes recognized the song’s impact by including it in their list of the 25 best singer-songwriter tracks of 2015.
The Sweeplings’ music transcends the boundaries of the Folk/Americana genre, with each song crafted as if it were a scene in a film. Their melodies and harmonies create vivid imagery, drawing listeners into a cinematic experience. The duo’s powerful narratives and emotional depth make their music not just something to be heard, but something to be felt.
The partnership between Bradley and Dean is unique, with both artists bringing their own experiences and perspectives to the table. Despite the physical distance between them, they have managed to create a cohesive and compelling body of work. Their spouses also play a crucial role in their creative process, helping to write, travel, and dream with the same goals in mind.
The Sweeplings’ debut album “Rise & Fall” is a testament to their talent and dedication. The album features 11 songs, each one showcasing their ability to blend haunting melodies with heartfelt lyrics. The deluxe edition of the album, released in 2015, includes additional tracks that further highlight their musical chemistry.
In addition to “Rise & Fall,” the Sweeplings have released several other projects, including the “Sweeplings – EP” in 2014, “Covers, Ch. 1 – EP” in 2016, and singles such as “LOVE.” in 2019, “You Find Me” in 2019, and “Deep & Wild” in 2020. Each release showcases their growth as artists and their ability to connect with listeners on a deep emotional level.
The Sweeplings invite their listeners into a unique sonic experience that is both haunting and hopeful. Their music captures the essence of human emotion, offering comfort and solace to those who need it most. “Carry Me Home” is a shining example of their ability to create music that resonates with listeners, providing a sweet reminder that even in loss, there is peace to be found.
Source: NPR, Popdust, iTunes, Deadline Hollywood, Elmore Magazine, The Birmingham News
