Artist of the Month (Jan 2026) – The Foreign Landers

As a mandolinist, David Benedict has become a staple in not only what I listen to, but also how I practice the instrument. He is also 1/2 of the brilliant duo The Foreign Landers. Rooted in bluegrass and Celtic tradition, the band creates their own sound  with reflective songwriting and enchanting singing shaped by lives lived across borders. Led by vocalist and banjoist Tabitha Agnew Benedict of Northern Ireland and mandolinist David Benedict of South Carolina, The Foreign Landers have built a reputation for music that feels deeply personal. We are super happy to highlight them as the first artist of the month for 2026.

Last September David shared a beautiful new tune from he and Tabitha. Of that tune I wrote “This new tune has echoes and faint whisps of early Nickelcreek, with its ethereal and flowing nature. The song, the instrumental, just float in an airy and gorgeous light. The harmonies underpining an creating a wonderful landscape that ebbs and flows. The arrangement really pulling you in and dancing around your head…And while, it is true that its a heck of a mandolin solo, its Tabitha Benedict’s vocal that steals the show for me. She just has one of those voices that is at the same seemingly effortless, but wildly impressive. While listening, you are engulfed in just how delicate but strong it can be in tandem. A true gift.”

The duo has a truly special musical bond that shines in their music and lucky for all of us, we don’t have to wait long for some more work to come from them. Their new album “Made to Wonder” releases on January 23rd.

“Am I made to wonder why everything slips away…?” This is the central question of transatlantic folk band The Foreign Landers’ sophomore full-length album, returning again and again to the tension between longing and hope. Carried by complex harmonies, acoustic interplay, and a sound rooted in tradition, this new music from the award winning duo grows out of shared life and faith, shaped by the belief that wonder points to Someone greater than ourselves.

You can pre-order the new record here and stay tuned for more on the new record and the band over the course of this month.