Hey Y’all,
It’s good to be back in the Carolinas after three weeks in the US and British Virgin Islands. We had a wonderful time this year, playing to full houses on four different islands. We visited good friends that we have we made down there over the past two years, and also saw quite a few familiar faces from the states. Though we played 18 out of the 21 nights we were in the Caribbean, we still managed to make time to play in the water and swing in hammocks on beautiful beaches. More pictures and video will be coming soon to facebook. We hope you will be able to join us in January of 2013 when we do it again!
Thanks to the folks in Hickory and Asheville, NC who welcomed us back to the Carolinas so warmly this past weekend. Thanks to Uncle Mountain for so excellently warming the crowd at the Asheville Music Hall. They have a great sound that reminds me of Wilco, and at times Modest Mouse. For the rest of this month and next, we’ll be touring from North Carolina to Key West and New Orleans. We’re excited to be playing some shows with one of our favorite bands this week. Join us in Raleigh and Charlotte this weekend for shows with Dangermuffin. It’s a lowcountry invasion!
Another friend of ours from the Charleston music scene is making waves on American Idol. You may know Elise Testone as the sultry female vocal on Sol Driven Train’s song “Watermelon.” (Nope, that’s not Ward). Now she’s bringing her soulful voice to Steven Tyler, Jennifer Lopez, Randy Jackson, and YOU, the idol watching public! You can watch a quick clip of her audition here. She’s made it to the final 42, and we know she’s gonna blow it up this week in Hollywood. Tune in this wednesday and thursday at 8pm EST on Fox.
Not only did Elise sing on “Watermelon,” but she’s on a song that will be on our upcoming album, Underdog. With 23 days left in our Kickstarter campaign, we are 70% to our funding goal. Thanks to everyone who has pledged, and shared the site with others. Remember, if we don’t reach our goal, we don’t get any of the money, and Underdog will remain unreleased. Help us let the dog out!
Thanks so much to all of you for continuing to support us and our art. We are truly blessed to live the life we do. Making music has been a part of our lives for as long as we remember, and we continue to cherish every day that we continue to make it. The road has been long, and there have been a few bumps along the way. A sense of common purpose and a sense of humor has guided us through the dark moments. Our longtime publicist, Tammy Brackett, and author Nick Zellinger have published a book titled “Another Nightmare Gig from Hell.” This book is a humorous collection of woeful road stories, and Sol Driven Train is featured in one story. I’ve ordered my copy from Amazon, and I can’t wait to read it! Check out nightmaregig.com to learn more, or submit your own nightmare gig story!
thanks for listening!
Joel
