The Cumberland River Project is a studio project from Hagen in Germany, making gorgeous folk songs with more than a hint of Americana present. I really enjoyed their latest release, A Place Called Earth, so I couldn’t help but conduct an interview with Frank Renfordt from the band.
By Jane Howkins
You released a single titled A Place Called Earth. What can you tell us about the track?
The Avatar movie The Way of Water inspired me to write this song. I woke up one morning with the chorus in my mind, it was an easy write.
How has the reception to A Place Called Earth been so far, and where can the song be purchased?
The song is available on all digital platforms like Spotify etc. I’ve got some great reviews.
Do you plan to release any more singles in the near future?
Yes. I release new music regularly, just follow me on Spotify, Instagram or Facebook to keep in touch.
Are there any plans to release an album or EP anytime soon?
I have already released two albums. One in 2020 and the other one last year, it’s called A Smell of Gravy and it’s a mix of country and Americana songs. I prefer now to release a couple of singles first, I think the songs get more attention when released as a single.
The band is the project of Frank Renfordt. Why did you decide to produce music under the moniker of The Cumberland River Project, instead of as a solo artist?
The Cumberland River Project is a real project, I work with many different singers and musicians. Partly these are friends of mine, partly hired session musicians. So this is not a band, it is a real project and I’m the man behind, writing or co-writing all the songs. I play bass and guitar by myself, but I see myself mainly as a songwriter.
Your music has a folky/Americana sound. What/who influences you most as an artist? What have you been listening to recently?
I like country and Americana music. I can’t say there is a specific musician or band who has influenced me. I like to tell stories with my songs. A Place Called Earth is not the most typical song.
Do you have anything else exciting coming up this year?
Sure, I have a couple of new songs finished. The next one is already out, it’s called On a Nashville Night and is kind of a country party song, a Nashville anthem.
You’re based in Hagen. How is the local music scene faring at the moment?
Hagen is a midsized city in western Germany and we have a couple of local bands and musicians, even some in the country genre. However, people today are less interested in ‘live’ music with local bands, although we have a very cool venue called Werkhof Hohenlimburg where you can see local artists and international bands regularly.
Do you have any tour dates lined up for the UK?
No, this is a studio project only. So far there are no live gigs planned, neither in UK nor in Germany.
Any last words for the fans?
I think there is a lot to discover regarding The Cumberland River Project, I have already released 37 songs and I’ve worked with more than 40 different musicians and singers. I think it’s worthwhile to listen to it more closely, especially if your are into country & Americana.