The Montvales

Born and raised in Knoxville, TN, Sally Buice and Molly Rochelson of The Montvales spent much of their formative years busking amidst the Elvis impersonators and musical saw players of the town’s Market Square, honing their uniquely boisterous harmonies and perfecting the art of people-watching. Some fifteen years later, the two are still at it-maintaining their study of the robust chaos of the commons as they tour the country playing their descriptive, textured songs on the self-described “feral outskirts of country music.” Their lyrics tackle everything from heartbreak to gentrification to abortion rights, pulling audiences in alongside their well-worn harmonies and nearly telepathic musical connection.

In 2020, the Montvales recorded their first album Heartbreak Summer Camp in a living room. The stripped-down, DIY folksongs span their young adulthood, beginning in their teens and taking them through their mid 20s. Then, seeking a more polished, full-band sound, the duo recorded their next album Born Strangers at Sean Sullivan’s Tractor Shed Studio in Goodlettsville, TN, recruiting Nashville stalwart Mike Eli LoPinto (guitarist for Chris Stapleton, producer of Emily Nenni’s On the Ranch) to produce it. The record garnered them a dedicated cult following and has been featured by outlets such as Holler, American Songwriter, Twangville, and more.

The Montvales have gone on to share the stage with bands like Willy Tea Taylor and the Fellership, The Local Honeys, James McMurtry, and Mama’s Broke, and have appeared at festivals such as Healing Appalachia and the Old Quarter Songwriter Festival. In 2025 they signed with Free Dirt Records to release the single “Loud and Clear”, with a hint at more new music to come.

“The synergy between them makes you want to be a part of the party.” - Melissa Clarke, Americana Highways 

“Addressing issues ranging from self-determination to money, (Born Strangers) is also infused with opinions on gender. According to both performers, music allows each to express deeply-held beliefs – such as thoughts on reproductive freedom – in a way they believe might be more unrestrained and effective than what other communication methods might allow. This freedom to express a range of beliefs – popular, unpopular, controversial, mundane, weird, hyper-personal, or anything in between – lures many to make a life of music. The power of this isn’t lost on The Montvales…It’s something some of their musical heroes understood well, acts such as The Indigo Girls and The Chicks. The Montvales clearly aim to be just as forthright.” 

—The Bluegrass Standard 

“I deeply appreciate message-driven music that doesn’t hit you over the head with its message but rather lures you in with listenability, letting the impact of the lyrics build subtly. Born Strangers is a masterclass in this technique. The first track, “Woman of God,” lets you know this won’t be an empty-headed affair or a collection of well-trodden cliches…Every one of the 12 songs on Born Strangers manages to sound distinct while contributing to an effortlessly cohesive feel. The Montvales have created a gorgeous, thoughtful album that contains enough unique instrumental elements and intriguing lyrics to yield more meaning and enjoyment from every replay.” 

—Adventures in Americana 

“Subtle, beautiful observations and a blast of activism.” 

—Americana UK

“...bright and soulful harmonies…” 

—Glide Magazine 

"The record is seemingly full of potential singles and standouts that seem poised for radio play, accompanying scenes on movie screens ringing out through large venues and beyond." "...soaring harmonies, raw emotional delivery and peaks of life-lived heartbreak and enthusiasm.” 

—Cincinnati CityBeat