From the album "Oh, Willie, Please..." (2013)
Vandaveer is an indie folk project from Washington, D.C., led by singer-songwriter Mark Charles Heidinger. The band has evolved from a solo venture into a collaborative effort, featuring vocalist Rose Guerin as a full-time member since 2009.
Known for their haunting interpretations of traditional folk songs and original compositions, Vandaveer creates music that blends indie folk sensibilities with the storytelling tradition of murder ballads and Appalachian folk music.
The band's approach to "Pretty Polly" showcases their ability to breathe new life into centuries-old tales.
"Pretty Polly" is a traditional murder ballad with roots in British folk music that made its way to North America through immigration. The song tells the tragic tale of Willie, who lures Polly to a remote location under the pretense of marriage, only to murder her. This haunting narrative has been passed down through generations and interpreted by countless artists, from early banjo recordings in the 1920s to modern folk revivals. Vandaveer's 2013 rendition brings a contemporary indie folk sensibility to this timeless and chilling story, maintaining the song's dark atmospheric power while adding their own artistic interpretation.