OurStage Snapshot: Mason Brothers

Hometown: Richmond, VA

Sounds Like: Nick Drake, Adem, Iron & Wine

The Story: Brothers Christian and James Mason have been making a name for themselves with gorgeous acoustic ballads reminiscent of singer-songwriters from the '70s. On their first full-length album, 'The Sun, the Moon and the Sea,' the duo finger-pick their guitars to create rich textures in the vein of Nick Drake, and sing with the hushed restraint of Elliott Smith. The brothers' tunes have ended up on CMJ radio charts and placed 2nd in the Folk channel on OurStage, as well as earning them opening act slots for Magnolia Electric Company and indie darlings Mates of State. For all the attention they've gotten, mainly through grassroots marketing, the two should be commended as much for their promotion skills as for their music. Keep an eye on these two.