von Grey
On Feb. 19, von Grey found itself in an enviable position: making its network TV debut on “Late Show With David Letterman” while still unsigned. That’s just one of several profile-building appearances the Atlanta-based, indie alt-folk sister act has lined up since the October 2012 release of its self-titled EP on Music VG Records, including opening dates for Lindsey Stirling and Company of Thieves and appearances on “Conan,” “Rock Center” and at South by Southwest. (Up next: an opening-session performance at the NARM conference on May 8.) One listen to von Grey’s first single, “Coming for You,” explains the buzz. Crystalline harmonies, stirring lyrics and inventive melodies are the calling cards of siblings Annika, Fiona, Petra and Kathryn. Ranging in age from 12 to 18 and led by vocalist/songwriters Annika and Fiona, the sisters are also skillful musicians. “Our classical background makes us a little different from other alt-folk bands, and bands in general,” Fiona says of von Grey’s resonating appeal. “Like the Lumineers and other groups, we want to help open up people’s appreciation for entertaining instrumentation,” Annika adds. The act caught the attention of producer/engineer Nick DiDia (Bruce Springsteen, Train), who helmed the EP. His brother, Red Light Management’s Mark DiDia, signed von Grey in 2011. “Our goal is to keep putting von Grey in the right situations for people to naturally discover their music,” Mark says.