These days, it is not uncommon to find a band bio that reads “Americana folk-rock,” in fact, if you grow a beard and start wearing plaid you pretty much would fit right in to the hipster East Nashville scene. However, few of these bands are actually from the South, and certainly less than that have an actual understanding of folk rock; this is what makes The Corduroy Road a little different. Founders, Drew Carman and Dylan Solise, were born and raised in the Central Kentucky Bluegrass Region where they learned their craft, now reside in the musical gem of the southeast: Athens, GA. With the addition of John Cable on drums, Elijah NeeSmith on bass, and Cameron Thomas on electric guitar, The Corduroy Road quickly gained a reputation in Athens as an up and coming band on the scene after sharing the stage with such notable bands including The Avett Brothers, Paleface, The Packway Handle Band, Ian Thomas, Langhorne Slim, Trampled by Turtles and more.
Athens Banner Herald called them “bluegrass rockers…influenced by old time country and Americana, while the live performances exude the energy of punk rock.” See for yourself tonight at their CD release party at Smith’s Olde Bar.
What’s the first gig you ever attended?
Catawampus Universe at the Wrocklege Club in Lexington Ky. It was the mid 90s and I was about 16 or so… I snuck into the club through the back door where the bands loaded in.
What is the best gig that you ever played/performed?
Athfest Mainstage, 2009. Our line up at the time was really tight, and it was the first time we had played for over 1000 people. Only I caught strep throat the next day though…those are the perils of playing festivals I suppose.
What is the best gig you have ever seen?
About a month ago I saw J Roddy Waldson and the Business in Atl. It was without a doubt the best show I’ve seen in the past year or two.
Also, In 2009, I saw this folk musician named Danny Schmidt play a really crowded bar in Nashville that we played earlier in the night. It was just him and a guitar, and he played this song called ‘stained glass’. Within the first 45 seconds of the song, the entire bar went silent… I’m talking crickets. It was pretty powerful stuff.
What is the gig you would most like to play?
Midnight Ramble with Levon (RIP).
What would be the lineup for your dream gig?
Us, Townes van Zandt, Jerry Lee Lewis, Dwight Yokam, and the Felice Brothers (as long as the Felice bros were semi-sober) at a dive bar in Valdosta GA.
Also, we would have to have an open bar tab and someone to video and record the night. I think we could really make some magic.
Catch The Corduroy Road at their CD release party tonight at Smith’s Olde bar/em>
