Austin’s The Band of Heathens to play Moon Bar on June 19 with The Orbans

by PegNews wire

Worldwide, musicians are creating, producing and supporting music on their own terms with independent releases. While so many artists eliminate huge labels in their process, one truth remains, without the backing and dollars of a big corporation, the music must be great to be noticed. Austin's The Band of Heathens have spent much of 2008 impressing nationwide on their first studio record and garnering the kind of attention that many more established acts vie for. They'll play the Moon Bar on June 19 with Fort Worth's The Orbans.

Since the May 20th, 2008 unveiling of their self-titled, independent release, The Band of Heathens have spent the year converting others to their Americana grit and soulful musical deliciousness with a robust tour schedule of more than 250 performances, television appearances, festival participation and a huge online presence. The Band of Heathens have had an incredible 2008 with highlights that include reaching the #1 spot on the AMA's airplay chart in September (#8 spot on the Americana Music Association's (AMA) airplay chart for the year,) entertaining with an explosive set at the Austin City Limits Music Festival and entering Billboard's "Heatseekers" list!

As many of their dedicated fans already know, The Band of Heathens' live show is a must-see and the guys continue their aggressive touring schedule in 2009. From their homebase of Austin to all points nationwide, the band looks forward to playing to new crowds. Fans can also expect a new The Band of Heathens EP in early 2009 as well as a new full-length studio to record to be released in early 2010.

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.

Living and performing in Austin, The Band of Heathens has been fortunate to collaborate with some well-known Texas artists. Ray Wylie Hubbard signing on to produce the record is a testimony to the talent of the band and the release 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 Austin Music Awards' reigning "Best Drummer," John Chipman on drums.

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.

Source: The Band of Heathens