Iris Summerlin (she/they) is a musician and writer from NC. Her music carries influence/experimentation from genres including contemporary folk, blues, and alternative/indie rock. Her lyrics explore a myriad of themes surrounding rage, grief, romance, politics, protest, and other reminders of sentience.

RIYL: Courtney Barnett, Big Thief, Wet Leg, and Fiona Apple

Cloverr is a Carrboro, NC-based indie rock band. Led by sisters Kyla and Zaria, the band draws on their Appalachian roots, with influences ranging from bluegrass to '90s grunge.

RIYL: Wednesday, Momma, Indigo De Souza, and HUM

Hazel is a North Carolina crunge band based in Carrboro/Chapel Hill, blending grunge, country, emo, indie rock, and metal. Pairing the fragility of Appalachian twang with heavy-hitting guitars straight out of ’90s alternative rock, Hazel creates a sound built on both power and restraint.

Drawing influence from TOOL, Incubus, Alice In Chains, and country music, the band tells deeply human stories of longing, obsession, vulnerability, and feminine rage. On their debut album, massive, soaring guitars collide with delicate ornamental riffs that nod to the band’s Southern roots, creating a sound that feels familiar while genre bending in ways that are completely new. 

RIYL: Incubus, TOOL, Alice In Chains