Ursa Major

Formed in the nether regions of suburban Pennsylvania in early 2008, with roots stretching from Indiana to New Jersey, Ursa Major fell together by chance and travel, meeting one another on the road touring as separate folk acts. After recording a self-titled EP in March of 2008, the band completed a DIY summer tour, playing back porch style folk music from New York City to St. Louis. Ragged from the road, the boys took the fall to nurse their wounds and get a proper record together. December 2008 saw the creation of “Songs for Haney”, a collection of original compositions and Traditionals dedicated to the boys late mentor, folk hero, and thrill seeker, Haney Washburn. After releasing 200 hand packaged copies of the record, Ursa continued to gig in and around Philadelphia and Pittsburgh – their two hometowns. In summer of 2009, the boys picked up a drummer, got themselves some amplifiers, and hit the road again heading north through new England for two weeks, still managing to fit everything into a four door sedan. As of now, the boys even have themselves a bass player. They’re holdin up in Pittsburgh recording and distracting themselves. A 7” is to be released soon in addition to a 45 or two with highlights from a recent taping session on a weekend trip to Philadelphia.