This year the crowds were introduced to a Boston-based band, Della Mae, whose new album, “This World Oft Can Be” will be released on May 28 (their self-released first album, “I Built This Heart”, made an impressive debut).
This Q&A was borrowed from their website (I was curious why the band chose the southern name Della Mae being that they’re based in Boston):
Q. If everyone in Della Mae is from a different state how did you all “get together”?
A: Kimber Ludiker (Fiddle) had the idea of starting this band over three years ago in Boston, MA. It started out as a joke under the name Big Spike Hammer. The idea was to dress in power suits and play “Mangrass”…..whatever that means! After a few fun shows Kimber decided the band had potential. The name changed to a more feminine Della Mae, and she began to assemble women from all over the country. Only three years later Della Mae has come into its own with a release on Rounder Records and tours worldwide. Della Mae represents 5 states (WA, WY, CO, VT, SC), and many different musical influences!
Q: Why Boston of all places?
A: There is an incredible community of musicians in Boston, not to mention several fine schools. The Boston scene is supportive, and burgeoning with inspirational songwriting, and musicianship. While two ladies still live and work out of Boston, we are proud to call Nashville home for the remaining three members of Della Mae.
Q. Where does the name “Della Mae” come from?
A: The name Della Mae comes from the Osbourne Brothers song Big Spike Hammer.
“Hey hey Della Mae, why do you treat me this way?”

Della Mae, Boston, MA – L to R: Courtney Hartman, Jenni Lyn Gardner, Shelby Means, Celia Woodsmith and Kimber Ludiker

Lead singer, Celia Woodsmith

Mandolinist, Jenny Lyn Gardner

Guitarist, Courtney Hartman (also plays the banjo), and Jenny Lyn Gardner

Bass player, Shelby Means, and National Fiddle Champion, Kimber Ludiker

Guitar and banjo player, Courtney Hartman

Bass player, Shelby Means
