Dave McGraw & Mandy Fer

Dave McGraw and Mandy Fer are natural explorers. McGraw spent a decade as a wildlife biologist, working everywhere from Mexico to the Grand Canyon. Fer logged some time in Spain, where she studied music and local culture.

Together, the two songwriters have built a music career on those travels, funnelling everything into a mix of rich, detailed folk music and rootsy Americana. Dave and Mandy's debut duo album Seed of a Pine was recorded in Chicago during the summer of 2011 with renowned producer Zach Goheen and includes contributions from a litany of acclaimed musicians, including Wisconsin singer-songwriter Peter Mulvey, Po'Girl/Birds of Chicago songstress Allison Russell, and JT Nero (Birds of Chicago).

With this release of the songwriters' first official collaboration, the duo's striking ability to blend their lush folk and Americana-influenced styles is on full display.