Article Contributed by Gratefulweb
Published on 2026-03-28
Beth Lee, songwriter and MerleFest Chris Austin Songwriting Competition first-place winner, announces the release of her debut single, “Demons In The Wind.” The song marks a pivotal new chapter for the Black Mountain, North Carolina based artist, one who has spent decades honing her craft before stepping fully into the role of recording artist and lead vocalist.
“Demons In The Wind” is an up-tempo blend of bluegrass and emotionally honest Americana storytelling. The song finds its footing at the intersection of self-reflection and hard-won liberation. Drawing on the imagery of a crossroads encounter, Lee confronts the inner critics and lingering regrets that shadow us all, and
ultimately to walk away. Lee says;
“The idea for “Demons In The Wind” came from an image of meeting the devil at a lonely crossroad on a misty morning. Mostly, we’re our own worst critics. This song is about sorting out the past and finding that we’re better off leaving it behind.”
The song opens with a meditation on youth and hindsight: the storms that tested us ultimately made us stronger. By the chorus, Lee offers a declaration both tender and triumphant — “Dark clouds have disappeared / I put my demons in the wind” — a line that captures the liberating release at the song’s emotional core. In the final verse, she arrives at hard-earned wisdom: “I was never perfect so I go easy on myself.” It’s a line that will resonate with anyone who has spent too long standing at the crossroads.
Recorded in Asheville, NC at Shift Studios, the track showcases the region’s deep musical well. Lee is joined by a lineup of Western North Carolina musicians: Audie McGinnis on guitar, Zane McGinnis on banjo, Sav Sankaran on bass, Ty Gilpin on mandolin, Lyndsay Pruitt on violin. Harmony vocals are contributed by Amanda Platt, the widely celebrated Americana and roots-country vocalist, whose voice adds another layer of emotional depth to Lee’s lead.
For Beth Lee, this release is not a sudden arrival.
“‘Demons In The Wind’ is the first in a series of original releases from Lee and a signal that the wait is over. Some artists find their voice early. Others spend years earning it, living every word before they ever sing it. The recording artist has arrived, and she brought the songs to prove it.
