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The Castellows’ Harmony-Filled Start Lights Up Railbird Festival 2025 Day 2

By Larry Philpot on June 17, 2025

The Kentucky sun was climbing high on June 1, 2025, when The Castellows opened Day 2 at Railbird Festival. Their 1:00 p.m. set on the Limestone Stage brought sisterly harmonies and neo-traditional country to Lexington’s Red Mile. Consequently, the early crowd, sipping coffee and settling in, warmed to their tight vocals. For 30 minutes, the trio from Georgetown, Georgia, set a bright tone, kicking off the festival’s second day with charm.

File Photo: The Castellows perform in Lexington Kentucky at the Railbird Festival on June 1, 2025. (Photo Credit and Copyright; Larry Philpot/SoundstagePhotography.com)

Their performance was a blend of classic country and fresh energy. For instance, they started with “Sober Sundays,” its gentle strum drawing fans closer. Meanwhile, Lily Balkcom’s lead vocals shone with a crisp, heartfelt twang. The band—three sisters playing guitar and banjo—kept the sound tight, with Ellie Balkcom’s banjo adding spark. Moreover, “Hurricane” got the crowd swaying, its story of resilience hitting home. By the end, with “Miss America,” fans clapped along, hooked on their warmth.

From Georgia Fields to Nashville Stages

The Castellows—Lily Balkcom (born 1999), Ellie Balkcom (born 2001), and Powell Balkcom (born 2003)—hail from Georgetown, Georgia. Raised on a farm, they grew up singing in church, inspired by their grandmother’s Dolly Parton records. Lily, at 10, picked up guitar after hearing Patsy Cline’s “Crazy.” Ellie, meanwhile, gravitated to banjo, drawn to its bluegrass snap. Powell, the youngest, learned guitar to join her sisters, fueled by family jam sessions.

Their music took shape in high school, harmonizing at local fairs. Consequently, they started posting covers on social media in 2020, catching attention during the pandemic. By 2022, they’d signed with Warner Music Nashville, releasing their debut EP, Polished, in 2023. For example, their single “Sober Sundays” climbed country charts, earning streams and festival slots. Now based in Nashville, The Castellows blend traditional country with modern polish, often compared to The Chicks for their harmony-driven sound.

Bands and Bandmates

The Castellows are the primary project for all three sisters, with no other major band affiliations noted. Their lineup is:

Lily Balkcom – vocals, guitar
Ellie Balkcom – vocals, banjo
Powell Balkcom – vocals, guitar

They’ve shared stages with acts like Midland and Little Big Town but haven’t formed formal collaborations. Meanwhile, their sisterly bond is their biggest draw, with no public romantic ties to other artists. For instance, their focus stays on music, with interviews highlighting their family-driven creative process. Their tight-knit dynamic fuels their authentic sound, resonating with fans.

Television, Film, and Awards

The Castellows’ media presence is growing but still modest. They performed on CMT Campfire Sessions in 2023, singing “Hurricane.” Additionally, their song “Sober Sundays” appeared in a 2024 episode of Walker, boosting their streaming numbers. For awards, they haven’t landed major ones yet, but they won the 2024 Georgia Music Awards for New Artist of the Year. Moreover, they were nominated for the 2025 Academy of Country Music (ACM) New Vocal Group, a nod to their rising star. Hall of fame inductions are far off, but their trajectory suggests future honors.

Biggest Songs

The Castellows’ music is gaining traction on streaming platforms and country radio, with a few standout tracks:

“Sober Sundays” – Written by Lily Balkcom, Ellie Balkcom, and Powell Balkcom, this 2023 single has millions of streams.
“Hurricane” – Penned by the Balkcom sisters and Natalie Hemby, this 2023 track is a live-show favorite.
“Miss America” – Written by the Balkcoms, this 2024 song from their EP Polished is climbing charts.

Controversies

The Castellows have stayed clear of major scandals, keeping their image squeaky clean. However, in 2023, a minor online stir erupted when fans debated their cover of The Chicks’ “Landslide.” Some called it too derivative, but the sisters brushed it off, saying it was a tribute. Consequently, the issue faded fast, with most fans praising their authenticity. Otherwise, their focus on family-friendly music keeps them out of headlines, letting their harmonies shine.

The Railbird Kickoff

At Railbird, The Castellows brought Georgia sunshine to the Limestone Stage. Their set felt like a front-porch singalong. For instance, “Sober Sundays” opened with Lily’s clear vocals, backed by Ellie’s banjo twang. Meanwhile, their banter—about growing up on a farm—drew laughs from the crowd. Powell’s guitar strums in “Hurricane” added grit, earning cheers from early arrivals.

Their stage setup was simple—two guitars, a banjo, and three mics—but it packed charm. As a result, the crowd, a mix of country fans and festival newcomers, leaned in, some snapping photos. During “Miss America,” the sisters invited fans to clap, sparking a rhythmic wave across the infield. Moreover, their cover of Dolly Parton’s “Jolene” was a crowd-pleaser, with their harmonies nailing the classic.

Yet, the set had a small hiccup. A brief mic feedback squeal during “Hurricane” startled some, but Lily’s quick joke eased the mood. Additionally, the early 1:00 p.m. slot meant some fans were still trickling in, grabbing food. Nevertheless, those present were hooked, swaying to the sisters’ tight vocals. By the end, the Limestone Stage buzzed, with fans chatting about their fresh sound.

The Castellows’ performance was a perfect Day 2 opener, blending tradition with youthful energy. For example, their story about singing in church as kids felt personal, connecting with the crowd. Meanwhile, their music carried a timeless quality, appealing to both older and younger fans. Consequently, they proved they’re more than a viral act, setting a warm tone for the day. Their set was a reminder of Railbird’s knack for showcasing rising talent.

As they left the stage, fans lingered, swapping stories about the sisters’ harmonies and hunting for merch. Their performance showed why Railbird loves new voices. The Castellows brought heart, family, and a touch of Georgia grit, making the Limestone Stage their own. As a result, their music echoed across the infield, a bright start to a packed day. The Kentucky sun seemed to shine a little warmer as their final notes faded.