Willow Way are an indie-folk rock/Americana band fronted by sister singer-songwriters, Melanie Schmidt & Jenn Easley. Their vocal harmonies and folk-influenced songwriting derive from influences such as First Aid Kit and The Civil Wars.
Melanie Schmidt: vocals & acoustic guitarJenn Easley: vocals & keysDustin Maynord: electric guitarJames Dixon: bassKyle Mayfield: drums
- "Best Americana Country" Roswell Film Festival 2017
Willow Way began in 2013 as an acoustic folk duo, comprised of sisters Melanie Schmidt and Jenn Easley. Their heavy harmonies and acoustic guitar, parlayed with banjo and mandolin, were inspired by the Civil Wars, Brandi Carlile, and pioneers of outlaw country. In 2016, Dustin Maynord and Kyle Mayfield joined Willow Way, both former members of dream-pop band, The Uglysuit. Their electric, pop-rock influences merged with the acoustic-folk style to create an Americana, indie-folk sound comparative to Swedish indie folk duo, First Aid Kit. Bassist James Dixon joined shortly after, bringing additional folk-rock influences. The band has recorded two full-length albums (2017, 2025), one EP, and two singles. Willow Way has been licensed by Netflix, USA, The Discovery Channel, The Oprah Winfrey Network, E! Television, MTV and has played local and regional stages.