THEIR NEW ALBUM DUE JANUARY 18 VIA BLUE ÉLAN RECORDS
ON TOUR NOW
WITH UPCOMING STOPS INCLUDING
AUSTIN, DENVER, NASHVILLE, ATLANTA AND NEW YORK CITY
Above: album art for V
THE VEGABONDS, the Nashville-based band that recently signed with Blue Élan Records to release V, their upcoming-and fifth-full-length album, are currently touring the U.S. ahead of the disc’s January 18 street date. In a new Q&A, the band’s lead vocalist and songwriterDaniel Allen talks about V‘s upcoming single, “I Ain’t Having It,” the album’s spirited blend of “classic and modern rock with Southern storytelling,” which they call “New South Rock,” and paying their dues on the road. Read full Q&A below.
Along with the new single, “I Ain’t Having It,” dropping on October 26, THE VEGABONDS will be launching their pre-order campaign for V via Blue Élan Records, complete with a new line of merchandise to accompany the album. Click here for more information.
V highlights the best of THE VEGABONDS‘ musicianship, vocals, lyrics and collective sound, illustrating their contagious blend of Americana, country, and rock influences. The album was produced by Tom Tapley, who did the same honors for the band’s critically acclaimed album What We’re Made Of and the “Long Haired Country Boy” single, in addition to producing albums for such diverse artists as Blackberry Smoke, Sugarland, Tyler Farr and Mastodon.
Watch an animated lyric video for V‘s lead single, “Partyin’ With Strangers” (here), which makes its mark with ringing guitars, a soaring melody and candid lyrics about a busted up romance.
THE VEGABONDS‘ tireless work ethic and unbridled talents have not gone unnoticed; the group has opened for such notable acts as Lynyrd Skynyrd and the late Gregg Allman, among others. Rousing performances at festivals like Peach Festival, Sweetwater 420, and Taste of Randolph, grew their notoriety nationwide. The band got their start in 2009 by playing the college circuit across the Southeastern United States. Fronted by lead vocalist and songwriterDaniel Allen-with Richard Forehand(lead guitar/vocals), Paul Bruens(bass), Beau Cooper(keys/vocals), and Bryan Harris(drums) rounding out the quintet-their popularity quickly burgeoned to the point that they found their fans singing along word-for-word to their first hits like “Georgia Fire” and “Shaky Hands.” Through pure word of mouth, the group’s fan base grew rapidly, and the guys learned they had something distinctive with their eclectic mix of roots music and earnest songwriting.
Above: The Vegabonds; Credit: Michael Weintrob
L-R: Richard Forehand, Bryan Harris, Danny Allen, Beau Cooper, Paul Bruens
**Q&A WITH THE VEGABONDS**
The new album, V, showcases the band’s ability to musically stretch out, particularly on the album closer “Help Is On The Way.”Can you talk about the many ingredients that go into the sound of THE VEGABONDS?
Daniel Allen: Our sound has a particular blending of classic and modern rock, with Southern storytelling at the heart of it all. We like to describe it as “New South Rock.” We take pride in the fact that we can fit into many different genres: rock, Americana, country, and jam.
How does it feel to be on your fifth album-and the first with a label behind it (Blue Élan Records)-showcasing the band’s musical freedom?
DA: We are pumped to be teaming up with Blue Élan Records for our fifth album, V! It’s always been important to us to have creative freedom with our songs and albums, and Blue Élan Records allows us that freedom. We couldn’t ask for more in a label.
What are you hoping to hear back from fans, and potential new fans, after they hear V?
DA: I hope our fans hear the stories in the album. We are in a very unique time in history, and this album touches on the struggle of everyday folks doing their best to navigate love, work, beliefs, and the ever-changing politics that flood our lives daily.
What was the inspiration behind the album’s upcoming second single, “I Ain’t Having It?”
DA: “I Ain’t Having It” originally started off as a cool jam, it’s got such a smooth groove. Then the lyrics came out as a love song about not giving up on a relationship, and doing all you can to keep that person smiling even in the toughest times.
Can you describe the connection between the band and your audience and how it amps up your performances?
DA: We love our fans and the heat they bring to every show! Our shows are high energy and full speed, and we are lucky to have fans that can match that energy. That mixture allows everyone in the room to have a good time every time!
How do you personally ease the stresses of road life and being away from family and friends?
DA: Being patient is key for the stress of the road. Can’t sweat the small stuff. Being away from family is the absolute hardest part of what we do. It’s a hard balance that breeds a lot of the songs we write. I’m blessed to have a wife who supports my work, but it never gets easier leaving for a tour.
Track listing for V:
“Partyin’ With Strangers”
“Generation of Happiness”
“I Ain’t Having It”
“When The Smoke Clears Up”
“Everything I Need”
“Best I Can”
“Traveling Man”
“Help Is On The Way”
Catch The Vegabonds on tour:
DATE
LOCATION
VENUE
FRI
10/19
Greenville, SC
Radio Room
SAT
10/20
Clemson, SC
Clemson University
THU
10/25
Blacksburg, VA
Sycamore Deli
FRI
10/26
Charlottesville, VA
IX Art Park
SAT
10/27
Lexington, VA
Washington and Lee University
FRI
11/2
Oxford, MS
Proud Larry’s
TUE
11/6
Baton Rouge, LA
Varsity Theatre
THU
11/8
Austin, TX
The Mohawk
FRI
11/9
Houston, TX
The Rustic
SAT
11/10
San Antonio, TX
The Rustic
SUN
11/11
Dallas, TX
The Rustic
MON
11/12
Fort Worth, TX
Chat Room
WED
11/14
Colorado Springs, CO
Front Range Barbecue
THU
11/15
Longmont, CO
Tasty Weisel
FRI
11/16
Buena Vista, CO
The Lariat
SAT
11/17
Denver, CO
Black Buzzard
FRI
11/23
Tuscaloosa, Al
University of Alabama
The Vegabonds “Winter Holiday” Tour w/ Kendall Street Company
NASHVILLE |
