For Upstate, the last few years have been a time of profound exploration and self-discovery.As the band knocked off milestone after milestone on the road, their sound, their lineup, andeven their name all underwent dramatic metamorphoses. Challenging andthrilling all atonce, those changes have finally culminated in the sextet’s dazzling new album, a collectionthat showcases both their remarkable growth and their adventurous blend of folk, R&B, jazz,gospel, and rock and roll.Recorded primarily over six days at the Clubhouse studio in Rhinebeck, NY, ‘Healing’ is theband’s first release with new member Allison Olender, their first with four contributingsongwriters, and their first since shortening their name from Upstate Rubdown. It’s also theirfirstproject to be produced by Wood Brothers percussionist Jano Rix, who helped the groupembrace their transformation and lean in to their unique lineup without sacrificing any of thegorgeous harmonies, eclectic arrangements, and unforgettable performances that havedefined the band since their earliest days.Upstate first emerged from New York’s Hudson Valley in 2015 with their critically acclaimeddebut, ‘A Remedy.’The Poughkeepsie Journalraved that the group “need[s] nothing morethan their voices to channel rhythm and stoke your emotions,” whileChronogramhailed their“infectiously sunny organic stew,” andThe Altcalled them “toe-tapping, contagious, andfun.” The album earned the band festival performances from Mountain Jam to FreshGrass, aswell asa slew of national headline dates and support slots with everyone from The FeliceBrothers and Phox to Marco Benevento and Cory Henry.Upstate is:Melanie Glenn, Mary Kenney, Allison Olender-VocalsHarry D’Agostino-BassRyan Chappell-MandolinDean Mahoney-Cajón