Fräkmündt

History

Folk group Fräkmündt got its start in 2009, formed by Käthi, Chregu, and Res. A year later, they put out a demo tape titled Losid vo Bärge ond Tal alongside their first album, Urbärglieder. That same year, hurdy-gurdy player Anneli (Anna Murphy) came on board. The band tried for a spot in the 2011 Eurovision Song Contest with the song "D'Draachejongfer" during the 2010 pre-selection round, but they didn't advance to the finals. Shortly after, they released the concept EP Uufwärts e d'Föuse, bärgwärts e d'Rueh. In 2011, Guschti, who had been a session guitarist, became a full member. Late that year came their second full-length record, Heiwehland (Land of Nostalgia), with drumming from Eluveitie's Merlin Sutter and guest vocals from Chrigel Glanzmann (also of Eluveitie) and opera singer Christiane Boesiger. Chregu left the band in 2012. The following year, drummer Hans Hagu and cowbell player Ursula Schälle joined. In 2013, Fräkmündt switched labels, signing with Auerbach Tonträger (a Prophecy Productions sub-label), and issued their album Landlieder & Frömdländler as a digi-CD, a vinyl edition with a poster, and a limited book version that included a bonus CD.