This series is based on old folk songs known as murder ballads, which originated in the Appalachian region of the southern United States. The lyrics are a narrative of misdeeds, murder, misogyny, retribution, retaliation, and occasionally justice. Scots-Irish settlers brought “broadside ballads” with them to America. Over time, they adapted the lyrics to better reflect their surroundings and community, including actual names and places pertaining to local and regional murders. These songs are mysterious and at times blunt. I am interested in giving faces to the names and capturing some of the spookiness and mystery I have found in these old recordings.