July 12, 2026 · 3 min
Darkest Fictions, Fairy Tales & Summer Shows!
The stories behind the songs Darkest Fictions and Fairy Tales, plus upcoming show dates for Mayberry Wine.
Hello Luvers!
We've been busy in the studio. So this week, we've got stories about two new releases. If you haven't heard them yet, here's where you can find Darkest Fictions & Fairy Tales — our two latest singles.
We had a great (hot) outdoor show at the Peppermint Palace a couple of weeks ago. And you've got two (cooler) chances to catch us before fall. Read on for details!
Upcoming shows
- July 19 at 8 pm, Keegan's Public House - Woodstock
- Aug. 29 from 7-9 pm, Sautee Nacoochee Center
The story behind Darkest Fictions
Steven sent Kristi an audio file with the note, “The first line of this song is 'Throw your dreams across my tomorrows.' I need more lyrics”
Kristi sent back a tone poem about a couple picking up and moving stakes to start over in a better land. Before finalizing the lyrics, Steven massaged a couple of the lines to inject more hope. For example, “Sing and circle round the mothers” evolved from a defensive position to one that could “keep them safe and let them rage.”
In the studio, Kristi and Steven had fun figuring out how to replace MIDI drum tracks with real percussive instruments. They combined several drums and shakers to create the just-right groove.
The result: Another Reese's love song, where Kristi's dark lyrics fuel a sunshine-filled Steven riff, resulting in a head-bobbing summer classic. When you listen to this track, we want you to feel like you're on a tandem bike, escaping from zombies, but you're not panicked because your best friend's in the other seat and they know you'll escape with all the contents of your picnic basket intact.
The story behind Fairy Tales
If you've ever met someone and wanted to become part of their story, this song is for you.
Kristi writes novels, which inspired the main metaphor Steven wrapped this song around. He first played it for Kristi the night before their debut show at Madlife's Undiscovered Artist's Showcase on Feb. 13, 2024. The first time they played it for an audience was at Waller's Coffee Shop in May 2024.
“Write me into your fairy tales of poetry and prose,” Steven sings. He actually recorded his vocals and various guitars several times before settling on the tracks you hear in the final song. Kristi plays the bass and the chimes.
Hear the flute? That's the musical debut of Kristi's mother, Diane Casey.
While Kristi and Steven were recording this song, they were both involved in a production of A Midsummer Night's Dream at the Sautee Nacoochee Center. In it, Kristi played Oberon, King of the Fairies. Steven played Theseus, Duke of Athens/King of Men. Jason Taylor Allen snapped the “Fairy Tales” song image after one of their evening shows.
Please let us know if you have a local music venue you'd like us to bring our magic to by replying to this email. And if you enjoy our music, please share it with your friends!