Nashville, Tenn. – The Band of Heathens continue their rise on the American music landscape by landing a coveted spot on Austin City Limits‘ historic 35th season and garnering a 2009 “New and Emerging Artist” nomination from the Americana Music Association (AMA). The Austin-based five piece are part of an illustrious class for the 2009-2010 season of Austin City Limits which includes established superstars Dave Matthews Band, Beastie Boys, Pearl Jam and Elvis Costello. The coveted PBS TV taping coupled with their recent nomination pays tribute to the band’s commitment to creating and performing quality music.
Since the unveiling of their independent release a year ago, The Band of Heathens have been building on their much deserved momentum and converting fans to their Americana grit and soulful sound with a robust tour schedule of more than 280 performances, television appearances, festival participation and a huge online presence. They recently earned major praise from Wall Street Journal pop music critic, Jim Fusilli, who while at South by Southwest in March wrote “The Band of Heathens, an Austin-based group, played the best set I came across during my five nights in town,” With a new full-length studio album in the works and a host of tour dates, there are only good things to come in 2009.
As their dedicated fans already know, The Band of Heathens’ live show is a must-see and the guys continue to keep up their aggressive touring schedule throughout the summer months with upcoming sets at the internationally recognized Summerfest and Mile High Music festivals. The band will perform their soulful live show in both clubs and outdoor stages from California to the Southwest, and all points in between, undoubtedly winning over fans in each new city.
Living and performing in Austin, The Band of Heathens has been fortunate to collaborate with some well-known Texas artists. Ray Wylie Hubbard produced their studio record which also features guests Stephen Bruton, Patty Griffin and Gurf Morlix. Ed Jurdi, Gordy Quist and Colin Brooks are each showcased in their vocal delivery, songwriting and guitar interplay. The unified front downstage is cemented by a heavy groove courtesy of Seth Whitney on bass and John Chipman on drums.
The much publicized creation of The Band of Heathens adds to their charismatic appeal. The band came to be while the five members were playing in different bands respectively in the “Live Music Capital of the World,” Austin, Texas. The fellas started jammin’ together at Momo’s and it was clear that they were victims of fate more than circumstance. That these guys came together is surely no accident. Music this soulful and tight can’t be anything short of preordained. “This ain’t genericamericana. This is greasy and right,” says KGSR Content Manager and recognized music tastemaker Jody Denberg.
There is never any doubt the band is having as much fun as their listeners and touring throughout the United States has added nuance to their songs. There is a comfort and ease in the material and lyrics; a perfect marriage of roots and jam which allows the casual tone of the songs to work anywhere from a back porch party to a packed club, to just makin’ you feel good about being stuck in traffic.
In 2009 and beyond, The Band of Heathens are connecting people through the music, online and through live performance…you have to listen to believe!
