Levon Helm Studios in Woodstock, NY

For those who haven’t heard, we have just confirmed that we will be recording our next album in December at Levon Helm Studios in Woodstock, NY. We also have the incredible honor of opening for Levon at the Midnight Ramble on December 12th. To say that we are excited would be an incredibly huge understatement.

Simply put, Levon Helm is a national treasure. To be able to record our next album at his home studio up in Woodstock is an absolute dream. We are honored beyond words to get this incredible opportunity.

When we first got together and started this crazy idea for forming a band, we were heavily inspired (and still are) by the timeless music of The Band. Not that we sound anything like the legendary group, but we just loved everything about them. We loved that they made it ok to play whatever kind of music you wanted and not be afraid of fitting nicely into any categories. Our music is definitely a melting pot, one full of rock, country, soul, blues, and who knows what else. Artists like The Band broke down barriers and made that type of thing possible.

The Band just had that vibe of five guys who loved to play music. They didn’t care to have any one of them in the spotlight. In their heyday, they gave a real sense of community, a “we’re all in this together” mentality, which is something that we strive for today. They continue to have a huge impact on us, as we are just six guys who love to play music together. We have an incredible time doing it and we know that every one of us is a vital part of the puzzle.

In particular, we have always had a deep admiration for Levon. The guy was just so cool, no matter who you were. The only southerner (or American) in one of the most Americana bands of all time, we had a natural affinity for the man behind the kit. He was just a boy from our neighboring state of Arkansas who turned out to be one of the greatest musicians of all time. He was the bearded singing drummer belting out some of the most memorable lyrics of the 20th century, yet he still had that southern drawl, charm, and wit - the kind of guy you’d love to sit and have a drink with while he told you stories. He was it for us.

When Levon beat the cancer that threatened to take his voice (and life), the inspiration level for us went through the roof. We went to see one of his “Rambles on the Road” last year and when I left I smiled for days. The man has still got it. He just beat cancer and at his age still put on one of the best shows I had seen in a long time. His playing was great. His voice was great. He was still the man.

So, this December we will make the journey up to Levon’s home in Woodstock. Levon Helm Studios is a place we have wanted to be for a long time now, and we are ready to go up there and try to channel some of his energy in recording the best album possible. Recording in a studio that has seen such legends as The Band, Eric Clapton, and Keith Richards as well as some of our favorite contemporaries like The Black Crowes and My Morning Jacket is the definition of a dream come true for us, and we cannot wait to be there.

We cannot thank you all enough for your support of this crazy path we have been on for over three years now. We can’t do it without you, and you are every bit a part of all the great things that are beginning to happen for us. We hope to see you on the road this fall, and can’t wait for you all to hear this new record as soon as possible. We would have never thought this could be a reality a few years ago, but here we are, still pursuing this sound we have in our heads and still trying to create a feeling of community at all our shows. We are having a great time, and we hope that this is the beginning of a long and joyful ride. We are glad to have your company along the way.

Justin