Bluegrass Assurance: Eighteen Mile’s “Above the Clouds” Lifts the Spirit on Debut Single
By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine
Artist: Eighteen Mile
Eighteen Mile is an emerging quintet in the contemporary Bluegrass Gospel scene, hailing from South Carolina. The band is comprised of five young, talented musicians with deep roots in traditional bluegrass and faith: Hallie Ritter (Upright bass, lead vocal, songwriter), Carson Aaron (Acoustic guitar, mandolin, harmony vocal), Emily Guy (Vocal), Jack Ritter (multi-instrumentalist, presumably banjo or guitar on other tracks), and Savannah Aaron (Fiddle).
The members initially honed their skills and ministry focus as part of the Steve Pettit Band before collectively deciding to forge their own path. This background is crucial to understanding their sound, which is polished, spiritually centered, and rooted in the musical excellence of the genre. Their authenticity and commitment to their vision caught the attention of Mountain Home Music Company, which signed the group and released their debut single, “Above the Clouds,” in August 2025. The band takes its name from Eighteenmile Creek, a waterway in the Upstate region of South Carolina, symbolizing their small-town charm and authentic Southern roots.
Song Review: “Above the Clouds”
Eighteen Mile’s debut single, “Above the Clouds,” is a beautifully crafted piece of Bluegrass Gospel that seamlessly blends musical tradition with a contemporary message of enduring spiritual hope. Written and led by bassist Hallie Ritter, the song is a gently flowing meditation that taps into universal feelings of uncertainty and the search for unwavering faith.
Thematic Depth: A Spiritual Anchor
The genesis of the song lies in Ritter’s personal journey of “wrestling with uncertainty and learning to trust God more deeply.” This origin story translates into lyrics that are both vulnerable and resolutely comforting. The core message is encapsulated in the powerfully simple chorus:
This old world can’t hold me down, I’ve got another life I’ve found. And a greater God. This old rain can’t change my mind, I know the sun will always shine. Above the clouds.
The imagery of the sun shining “above the clouds” is a classic, effective metaphor for the constant presence of God and assurance of salvation, regardless of the ‘storms’—doubt, anxiety, or pain—experienced in earthly life. It’s a message of steadfast confidence delivered not with bombast, but with a quiet, certain strength.
Musical and Production Excellence: The Sound of Serenity
The production, helmed by the accomplished Andy Leftwich, is pristine and perfectly sympathetic to the song’s uplifting theme. The arrangement is built on a foundation of classic bluegrass instrumentation, executed with precision and a touch of airiness that suits the title.
Hallie Ritter’s lead vocal is warm and confident, possessing a maturity that anchors the emotional weight of the lyrics. She is expertly complemented by the rich, simple harmonies of Carson Aaron and Emily Guy in the chorus, where the voices blend to create that signature, spine-tingling quality expected of top-tier Bluegrass Gospel. The vocal arrangements are a clear highlight, showcasing the group’s natural chemistry and vocal talent.
Instrumentally, the track is a masterclass in supportive Bluegrass. The arrangement is spacious, allowing the individual instrumental voices to breathe. Savannah Aaron’s fiddle delivers an elegant signature figure that punctuates the song from start to finish, acting as a recurring motif of tranquility. Jack Ritter’s delicate guitar picking provides a gentle, hopeful undercurrent, while Carson Aaron’s mandolin weaves in tasteful accents. The instrumentation isn’t flashy or aggressive; rather, it is purposeful, working in perfect concert to “lift listeners up” and maintain a feeling of light, hopeful ascent.
Overall Impact: An Artist to Watch
“Above the Clouds” is far more than a solid debut; it is a statement of intent. Eighteen Mile demonstrates an innate ability to craft soulful, well-written songs that remain true to the Bluegrass Gospel tradition while resonating with modern listeners facing contemporary struggles. The song’s success, quickly hitting Number 1 on Gospel Radio Charts in the weeks following its release, confirms its immediate appeal.
The single is a beacon of hope wrapped in a polished, expertly played Bluegrass package. It’s an encouraging listen for anyone navigating the “clouds of doubt,” serving as a reminder that the light—both spiritual and emotional—endures, eternally shining “Above the Clouds.” Eighteen Mile has set an incredibly high bar for their forthcoming work, establishing themselves as essential artists to follow in the genre.