Trying to keep on top of so many great bands that are emerging these days, especially through the power of social media and its speciality groups and fan pages is no mean feat!
But every now & again, something jumps out and smacks you around the ears....
Say howdy to The Outlaw Orchestra!!...
They went down a storm at Planet Rocks' Winters End festival a short while back and have since been hitting those social media pages with a vengeance.
I take a little look-see at what they're all about.
The Outlaw Orchestra are a powerhouse four piece self-confessed 'heavygrass' Americana/Rock band based in the Deep South......namely Southampton, UK. Comprising of drums, banjo, guitar and double bass. Hard Southern Rock through to Cajun/Dixie/Country and Flamenco described as “A melting pot of styles from American Southern rock, British 70’s rock, Louisiana roots to bluegrass”.
The orchestra is made up of David Roux - Guitars/Lead Vocals, Ryan Smith - Drums/Percussion/Vocals, Alex Barter - Double Bass/Vocals and Stephen Welch – Banjo
They formed in 2016 bringing a sound that is a unique blend, showcasing the musical talent which each band member brings to the fold, having the musical maturity to mix high energy with moody soulful rock. They have their debut ten track CD released, Dirty Diesel that you can check out on their Spotify page here
With songs like Too Much Willie Nelson, Whiskey Drinking Liar and Chicken Bones you get nothing but sliding grinding gee-tars, plucking banjo, banging beats and twisting double bass straight out of the deep American south. The vocal gravel tones of whiskey drinking and yeehar-ing too much sets this band on edge and you absolutely CANNOT stop yourself from slapping your thigh, stomping your feet, taking a shot of whiskey and yelling ‘yehaaarrrr’ yourself. I urge you to dip your feet in, bend your ears and take a listen right now..!
They have drawn comparisons with Humble Pie, The Black Crowes through to the Cosmic American country genre. Recent accomplishments include a home territory sold out show at the Portsmouth Guildhall, packing the indoor stage at Bristol’s Grillstock Festival alongside Hayseed Dixie and The Darkness.
In 2017, the band secured an endorsement from Swedish rock‘n’roll craft beer company Pistonhead lager, who added them to their artist roster of ‘bands to watch out for’! They also gained endorsement from ‘Cloven Hoof’ spiced rum who will be booking them into various festivals and events across the UK in 2018. Check out some of those dates below -
MARCH 17th 2018 The Frog and Fiddle, Cheltenham, Cloven Hoof 'Overhoof' launch
MAY 18th 2018 Annual beer & cider festival at The Cuckoo Inn, Salisbury
MAY 25th 2018 Cursus Festival, Dorset
JUNE 8th 2018
Petersfield, The Good Intent
JUNE 16th 2018 Loverocks Beer & Music Festival, Bournemouth
JULY 13th 2018 The New Forest Beer Festival, Lyndhurst
JULY 21st Fareham Jerk Jam Festival
AUGUST 17-19th 2018 Trip Out, Suffolk
SEPTEMBER 2018 Glossop The Globe, 9th Sheffield O2 Academy, 10th
OCTOBER 2018 Dead Kool Country Presents.. Devizes Conservative Club, 14th Havant & Waterlooville FC, 20th
NOVEMBER 3rd 2018 The Ropemakers, Bridport
Get to one of those dates if you can and if you already are, then you're in for a treat, I promise! But in the meantime, we patiently await the latest EP 'The Devil Made Me Do It', featuring the new single, Back To Georgia. If you don't like this within the first 20 seconds, then go check out your hearing!
Get your fill of The Outlaw Orchestra at