State Champion – Sincerely howled, sloppily executed, stripped down grunge-folk out of the basements and garages of Louisville, KY

“I like a clean, polished product as much as the next music fan, but I’m also the first to admit to having a soft spot in my heart for the kind of gritty, unshaven folk tunes that singer-songwriter Ryan Davis pulls off so well… Davis is not necessarily what you’d call a technically precise or polished singer, but when I first heard his signature wail on “Come See What I Have Done,” from the band’s debut album Stale Champagne, I stopped in my tracks. He packs a lot of power. His lyrics are unusual, and the themes heartfelt. The songs of State Champion definitely have a country twang to them, but they’re by no means simplistic or formulaic. Most of the tracks on Stale Champagne are faster and more upbeat than “Come See What I Have Done,” but they all retain the rambling melodies and compelling narratives, along with an added weight that might not come across on this track. Maybe it was the raw, informal production that got me, or maybe it was the naked, honest words, and how they’re delivered. Either way, I think State Champion is a band to watch.” – All Songs Considered/Second Stage (NPR)

Emily White has been described as “raw, candid, just plain invigorating music” by nowontour.com, and has been likened to artists like Lisa Loeb, Ani DiFranco, and Jonatha Brooke.

“[White stands out] conspicuously from the pack… with her hushed, preternaturally haunting vocal delivery (and bewitching sense of indie-rock-informed melody).” -Connect Savannah, 3/09