The gist of it...
Betsy from Mars is a Climate Justice folk-rock band based in Richmond, VA. Founded in the spring of '25 by singer/songwriter Betsy Podsiadlo and composer/pianist Dreia Burton, what started as a one off duo became a 7-piece outfit featuring Tom Jakob on 12-string guitar, April Freeman on drums, Avery Waddell on bass, Dawn Manning on flute and background vocals, & Ian Blackwood on mandolin and background vocals. The Betsy from Mars sound has been compared to Steely Dan, Weyes Blood, and one time Frank Zappa. As the project travels throughout Virginia and West Virginia, the combination of instruments and players shifts allowing the band to create a large variety of sounds while still sticking to their folk-rock roots. Betsy From Mars is currently in the process of finishing writing and recording the debut album with a goal to release in 2027.
Mission
We believe in climate change. We acknowledge our complicity in the climate crisis while also understanding that most of the damage is done by large corporations and billionaires. We denounce the existence of billionaires. We denounce fossil fuels. We denounce war and genocide. As a band we hope to bring more people into the movement, calling in while calling out.
The Earth is our mother, she takes care of us and deserves equal care from us.
All of our stickers are made from plant based biodegradable material, all of our tee shirts/textiles are second hand, and our posters are printed on recycled paper.
Personel
Betsy Podsiadlo - Lead Vocals & Fiddle
Betsy Podsiadlo is a vocalist, fiddle player, composer, educator and producer based in Richmond, VA. She holds a Masters in Music from the Mannes School of Music and a Bachelor of Music in Voice Performance from Westminster Choir College. In addition to Betsy from Mars she plays with Pollenbomb, Brookhouse, and Elsa Howell. Betsy is releasing a solo songwriting EP later in 2026 working title "The World Won't Have to Turn"
Dreia Burton
Tom Jakob
Dawn Manning
Ian Blackwood
Avery Waddell
April Freeman
