Listeners can pick up traces of everything from grunge to rockabilly in the course of a set, united by Cannon’s soulfully heartfelt singing and Brown and Hogg’s solid, supple foundation. In that tradition, Whiskey Myers are grand southern eclectics, pulling in an array of influences and seamlessly mingling them. Often reduced to a one-dimensional stereotype, the kind of music that inspired Whiskey Myers-artists like Lynyrd Skynyrd, the Allman Brothers, and Hank Williams, Jr.-is actually multifaceted and inventive, drawing from country, R&B, psychedelic rock, and stringband traditions. The resultant sound, taken to its apex on Early Morning Shakes, is hard-driving and immediate, steeped in the rich legacy of southern rock. What came next was a blur of gigs, songs, struggles, and victories: With each show, their natural bond as friends continued to grow into a formidable musical telepathy, and with each song they composed, their innate gifts as craftsmen were honed further. Upon moving to Tyler, Texas, they picked up drummer Jeff Hogg and enlisted Cannon’s cousin Gary Brown on bass-even though he’d never played the instrument before. A job at a sporting goods store introduced Cannon to future Whiskey Myers lead guitarist Cody Tate, forming the songwriting core of the band. Hailing from Neches, Texas, Cannon was given an acoustic guitar by his “wild-ass biker” (Cody’s words) grandpa, and guitarist John Jeffers’s dad taught them both the rudiments of the instrument. The five members cut their teeth together, honing their chops side-by-side from an early age. And it sure feels like it’s paying off.”Īs their chemistry onstage and in the studio reflect, Whiskey Myers is a brotherhood. They inspire us to dedicate ourselves more and more to our music and our sound. “Our fans always tell us how much they get out of seeing us play,” says Cannon, “but it’s a two-way street: We get something, too. Airplay success has led to larger and larger crowds, with the band now selling out 1,000-capacity venues with ease – and delivering stadium-sized shows grounded in the sincerity and unpretentious, fun-loving energy of their bar-band roots. Whiskey Myers’ last record, Firewater, was released in the spring of 2011, and enjoyed a remarkable run on the Texas Music Charts that culminated with its third single “Anna Marie” reaching #1. Although always unabashed, the soul of Whiskey Myers comes through clearer than ever on Early Morning Shakes,from the disarming tenderness of “Shelter from the Rain” to the winking rabble rousing on display in their version of outlaw forefather David Allen Coe’s “Need a Little Time Off for Bad Behavior.” It’s that rare album that promises to enthrall the band’s vocal, devoted fanbase while enticing new listeners. Plus, his experience mixing country and rock in his production works perfectly for us.” One listen to the lacerating title track – “The coolest song we have ever done,” beams lead singer and principal songwriter Cody Cannon – makes very clear that Cobb was an ideal choice to harness the band’s growing power and confidence.
“It allowed us to be comfortable, creative, and to better express ourselves. “I have to credit Dave for creating a natural, relaxed recording atmosphere,” says drummer Jeff Hogg. The collaboration with Cobb became a vital partnership, essential to Early Morning Shakes’ edgy yet accessible sound. We really wanted to continue on that same track.” As guitarist John Jeffers explains, “Staying true to ourselves and to our music has gotten us to the point we’re at. And though Early Morning Shakes is a great step forward creatively, it’s an organic one. Visceral and dynamic, the album’s 12 songs encompass an impressive range of perspectives and emotions – while finding the band’s musicianship honed to a razor’s edge. Available on Februthrough the band’s own Wiggy Thump imprint, their latest full-length was recorded with noted producer Dave Cobb (whose credits include Jamey Johnson, Jason Isbell, and both Waylon and Shooter Jennings) and represents the culmination of years of dedication, experimentation, and refinement. Through the quality of these songs, and the band’s undeniable power in concert and on record, Whiskey Myers has attracted a devoted army of outspoken fans who pack venues, sing the band’s praises online, and continue to make them a growing word-of-mouth sensation.Īnd now, they stand poised to unleash the thrilling Early Morning Shakes upon the world. Stories of celebration, of mourning, of trials and triumph.
Their songs are stories, with relatable characters and situations. Some call it rebel music, but it’s more like everyday soul. Loud and proud, they sing about what they know with a refreshing directness and clarity.
0 kommentar(er)
