Mercenary Wind

Jamie Dose Unites with Asheville Musicians to Release “Mercenary Wind”- When the Storms Passed, the Song Remained

10.05.25 – ASHEVILLE, N.C. — In the literal wake of the devastation left by Hurricane Helene across Western North Carolina, it was inevitable that artistic voices would rise from the wreckage. In Appalachian tradition, song is born from sorrow — tragedy answered by music that heals and restores.
Such is the case with Asheville musician Jamie Dose, who, along with a group of local artists and a newly established studio in the River Arts District, brings the new single “Mercenary Wind.” Their collaboration is fueled by compassion for a struggling community, a belief that what’s torn down can rise again.
Following the path set by his earlier release this year, “Cavalry,” Dose once again gives voice to a community weathering both the storm and its aftermath. “Mercenary Wind” marks the second incarnation of this original song. The first appeared as a blues-rock track performed by his critically acclaimed band Velvet Truckstop. Now, the song reemerges as a progressive bluegrass composition, infused with the soulful weight of blues-rock and driven by Dose’s commanding vocals — an unexpected yet seamless fusion reminiscent of current groups like The SteelDrivers.
Dose's emotionally charged voice carries both desperation and resolve — a perfect fit for the raw intensity of “Mercenary Wind.” At moments, his delivery sounds like that of a town crier urging residents to seek higher ground, even as the song’s “wind” serves as a metaphor for turmoil within — the struggle between fleeing or standing firm.
The track features a powerhouse lineup of Western North Carolina talent: Ty Gilpin and Audie McGinnis on mandolin and guitar; Tommy Maher of Fireside Collective on resonator guitar; Jason Flournoy of Sons of the Stars on banjo; and bassist Sav Sankaran. Adding to the emotional depth, Abby Bryant’s blues-rock vocals soar alongside Dose’s lead, creating a harmony that’s both desperate and cathartic.
Dose’s connection to the song’s theme runs deep.
“In 2004, Hurricane Ivan dropped five trees on my house,” Dose recalls. “The trees came through the roof — over 30 trees were down on my property. It looked like a bomb had gone off. We were without power for 90 days, and it took over a year to rebuild.”
“I’ll never forget the sound the mountain made that night. It was a deep moan — like thousands of didgeridoos mixed with snaps, moans, and booms. That experience gave birth to ‘Mercenary Wind.’ It reminded me that nature is in charge. When Hurricane Helene struck, it felt eerily familiar — only this time, I knew so many others across our beloved region were living through the same chaos. That’s when the song took on new meaning. This acoustic version brings it full circle — back to my Appalachian roots, and to the shared resilience of Western North Carolina.”
“Mercenary Wind” stands as a reminder of the power of music to heal, unite, and bear witness — a song rising from the storm to carry the sound of survival.

Songwriter = James Dose
– James Dose – Lead vocal
Ty Gilpin-mandolin
Audie McGinnis – acoustic guitar
Abby Bryant – Background vocals
Jason Floyanoy – Banjo
Sav Sankaran – Bass
Recorded, mixed and mastered by Mark Scearce in the Ramp Studios/Shift Music in the R.A.D. Asheville, NC
Produced by Jamie Dose and Ty Gilpin