5 Country Music Bands You Need to Know
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Check out our list of 5 country music bands you need to know! From up-and-comers to legends, these artists are sure to give you a good time.
The Band of Heathens
If you’re a fan of country music, then you need to check out The Band of Heathens. This band has a unique sound that combines country, rock, and blues. The Band of Heathens is made up of five members who all contribute to the songwriting. This band has released six studio albums and has toured all over the world.
Band history
The Band of Heathens is a country music band formed in Austin, Texas in 2005. The band’s sound has been described as a mix of country, folk, rock, and blues. The band is composed of singer-songwriters Colin Brooks, Ed Jurdi, Gordy Quist, Trevor Nealon, and Richard Millsap. The Band of Heathens has released seven studio albums, four live albums, and one live DVD.
Why they’re worth checking out
The Band of Heathens is an alternative country and Americana band from Austin, Texas. Formed in 2005, the band has released seven studio albums, three live albums, and a greatest hits album.
The Band of Heathens’ music is a blend of country, rock, folk, and blues. The band’s sound has been compared to that of the Grateful Dead, The Allman Brothers Band, Neil Young, and Ryan Adams.
The Band of Heathens has been praised for their live shows and their songwriting. The band has been nominated for several awards, including two Grammy Awards.
If you’re a fan of country music or Americana, then you should definitely check out The Band of Heathens. You won’t be disappointed.
The Turnpike Troubadours
Although they’re from a state more known for its country music, the Turnpike Troubadours are one of the best current country music bands. Hailing from Oklahoma, this band has a unique sound that combines country, folk, and rock influences. Their lyrics are thoughtful and often tell stories about the lives of regular people. If you’re a fan of country music, or just looking for a new band to check out, the Turnpike Troubadours are definitely worth a listen.
Band history
The Turnpike Troubadours are an American country music band from Oklahoma that formed in 2007. The band is composed of lead singer and guitarist Evan Felker, bassist RC Edwards, fiddle player Kyle Nix, and drummer Ryan Engleman. The group has released five studio albums – all on indie label Bossier City Records – and have produced fourteen singles, of which nine have charted on Billboard Country Airplay. Their highest-charting single is “The Housefire” at No. 40.
The Troubadours self-released their debut album Bossier City in 2007. They followed with a self-titled album in 2008 and Diamonds & Gasoline in 2010. The latter album caught the attention of Mike Cameron, who signed the band to his independent label Bossier City Records. Cameron also produced the band’s fourth album, Goodbye Normal Street (2013), which was recorded in Nashville and featured guest appearances by John Fullbright and Jason Isbell. In 2015, the Troubadours released their fifth studio album, Turnpike Gates.
Why they’re worth checking out
The Turnpike Troubadours are a country music band from Oklahoma, formed in 2007. The band is composed of Evan Felker (lead vocals, guitar), Ryan Engleman (guitar, mandolin, banjo, vocals), Kyle Nix (bass guitar, mandolin, vocals), Gabe Pearson (drums) and R.C. Edwards (fiddle, viola).
The Troubadours have released five studio albums – Diamonds & Gasoline (2010), Goodbye Normal Street (2013), The Turnpike Troubadours (2015), A Long Way from Your Heart (2017) and self-titled album The Turnpike Troubadours – as well as one live album, Live in OKC 05.19.13.
Their music has been described as “red dirt” and “Texas country”, blending elements of traditional country music with that of outlaw country and rock. Fellow Oklahoman Woody Guthrie has been cited as an influence on the band’s music.
The Troubadours’ most recent album, A Long Way from Your Heart debuted at number four on both the US Billboard 200 chart and the Top Country Albums chart. It is their highest-charting album to date.
The Railers
If you’re a fan of country music, then you need to check out The Railers. This band is composed of four incredibly talented musicians who have a passion for country music. They’ve been making music together for over 10 years and their passion shows in their work. The Railers have won multiple awards and have been praised by critics for their unique sound. If you’re looking for a new country music band to listen to, then you need to check out The Railers.
Band history
The Railers are a five-piece band from Nashville, Tennessee. The band is composed of vocalist/guitarist Matt Story, lead guitarist Tyler Gordon, bassist Jared Hampton, drummer Bernie Kopell and keyboardist/vocalist Jeff Pescetto.
TheRailers were formed in early 2013 by brothers Matt and Tyler Story after the dissolution of their previous band, The Bluegrass Betrayal. The two were quickly joined by bassist Jared Hampton and drummer Bernie Kopell, both of whom had played with Matt in The Bluegrass Betrayal. The final piece of the puzzle was keyboardist/vocalist Jeff Pescetto, who had also played with The Bluegrass Betrayal.
The band spent the next few months honing their sound and writing songs for their debut album. In September 2013, they entered the studio to begin recording. Their self-titled debut album was released in May 2014 to positive reviews.
Since its release, The Railers have toured extensively throughout the United States and Canada in support of the album. In addition to headlining their own shows, they have also opened for such acts as Chuck Ragan, Dave Hause and Caitlin Rose. They have also appeared at festivals such as SXSW, CMJ Music Marathon and Canadian Music Week.
The Railers are currently working on their sophomore album, which is scheduled for release in early 2016.
Why they’re worth checking out
Each of these five country bands have something special that makes them worth checking out, whether you’re a diehard country fan or just dipping your toes in the genre. From old-school honky tonk to modern Americana, there’s a little something for everyone on this list.
The Railers are a three-piece band from Nashville, TN who blend classic country sounds with elements of folk, rock, and pop. Their 2016 debut album, “Drinkin’ Songs,” was praised by critics for its catchy songwriting and tight instrumentation. In 2017, the band released a follow-up EP called “All Aboard,” which featured more of their signature sound.
The Railers have a growing fanbase thanks to their dynamic live show, which often features intricate three-part harmonies. If you’re looking for a new country band to check out, be sure to give The Railers a listen.
The Dixie Chicks
The Dixie Chicks are an American country music band which was formed in 1989 in Dallas, Texas. The band is composed of sisters Natalie Maines, Emily Erwin, and Martie Maguire. The Dixie Chicks achieved commercial success with their hit single “Cowboy Take Me Away”, which reached number one on the Billboard Country charts in 2000.
Band history
The Dixie Chicks are an American country music band which formed in Dallas, Texas in 1989. The band is composed of founders Martie Maguire and Emily Erwin Robison, and lead singer Natalie Maines. The group achieved commercial success on the strength of their debut album, Wide Open Spaces, which was released in 1998 and quickly reached No. 1 on the Billboard country music charts. The album’s title track and lead single, “Wide Open Spaces”, went to number one on the country charts and became the group’s most successful single; it would eventually be certified as an RIAA 4× Platinum single. “You Were Mine” was also a top-five hit for the group; both it and several other singles from Wide Open Spaces were later certified as platinum or higher by the RIAA.
The band released its second album, Fly, in 1999. With fly, the group once again found great commercial success; the album would eventually be certified as 12× platinum by the RIAA for sales of over twelve million copies in the United States alone. Its first three singles – “Ready to Run”, “Without You”, and “Goodbye Earl” – were all number one hits on the country charts; “Goodbye Earl” would also earn wearing a Grammy Award for Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal.
Why they’re worth checking out
The Dixie Chicks are an American country music band which formed in 1989 in Dallas, Texas. The band is composed of founding members Martie Erwin Maguire and Emily Erwin Robison, and lead singer Natalie Maines. The trio released their debut album independently in 1990, and after signing with Monument Records and Sony Music Nashville in 1993, they released their second album, “Home”, in 1996. “Wide Open Spaces”, the band’s commercial breakthrough album, was released in 1998 and led to their first Grammy Award for Album of the Year for the album “Fly”.
The group’s fourth album, “Home”, was released in 2002 on Columbia Records. The album was a critical and commercial success, earning the group two more Grammy Awards for Best Country Album and Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal for the single “Long Time Gone”. In 2006, the Dixie Chicks released their fifth studio album, “Taking the Long Way”. The album was produced by Rick Rubin and includes twelve tracks; four of which were co-written by Maines. The first single from the album, “Not Ready to Make Nice”, peaked at number one on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart, becoming their first song to do so. It also became their first career single to be certified Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).
The Dixie Chicks have won 13 Grammy Awards (more than any other all-female group in history), as well as five Academy of Country Music Awards and six Country Music Association Awards. They have sold more than 30 million albums worldwide (15 million in the US) and are currently working on new music.
Lady Antebellum
If you are a fan of country music, then you have probably heard of Lady Antebellum. This band has been around since 2006 and has won multiple Grammy Awards. They are known for their hit songs “Need You Now” and “Just a Kiss”. If you are looking for a new country music band to listen to, then you should definitely check out Lady Antebellum.
Band history
The group formed in 2006, comprising Charles Kelley (lead and background vocals), Dave Haywood (background vocals, guitar, piano, mandolin) and Hillary Scott (lead and background vocals). Lady A was founded by Kelley and Haywood in Nashville, Tennessee. The three collaborated on their first single “All We’d Ever Need”, which was released in February 2008 from the EP All We’d Ever Need. The song became the top country song of 2008, reaching Number One on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart that year. The EP was re-released as a full-length album in April 2009 with four additional songs. The album’s second single “Lookin’ for a Good Time” was released in June 2009 and reached Number One on the country chart in January 2010.
Why they’re worth checking out
Lady Antebellum is a country music group that formed in Nashville, Tennessee in 2006. The trio is composed of Hillary Scott (lead vocals, guitar), Charles Kelley (lead vocals, guitar), and Dave Haywood (background vocals, piano, guitar). Their first album, self-titled Lady Antebellum, was released in 2008 on Capitol Records Nashville and marked the top ten of Billboard’s Hot Country Albums. The album was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and produced three singles: “I Run to You”, “Lookin’ for a Good Time”, and “Love Don’t Live Here”. 2009’s Need You Now brought the band their first Grammy Award for “Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals” as well as their first number one hit on the Billboard Hot 100 with lead single “Need You Now”. It became their second album to achieve platinum status in the United States and produced three more singles: “American Honey”, “Our Kind of Love”, and “Hello World”.
