The Randy Rogers Band and Jonathan Tyler & the Northern Lights bring a mix of country and rock to George's Majestic Lounge
Lindsey Pruitt
Issue date: 2/23/09 Section: Lifestyles
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Named by Rolling Stone as one of the "Must-See Tours of the Summer," The Randy Rogers Band has proved to be a hot new act after it released a self-titled album, Randy Rogers Band, that debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard's Country Albums chart.
From Austin, Texas, this group of five got its start playing gigs at a bar every Tuesday night. The band is classified as country, but lead singer Randy Rogers said, "We are more edgy than your typical pop country."
Rogers is the lead singer and primary songwriter of the band.
"I try to write about things that everyone goes through," said Rogers, who writes about "country stuff like lovin', leavin', cheatin' and drinkin'."
With the economy in a feeble position, Rogers said the band is still dedicated to their fans.
"Times are tough, but people still need to be entertained, so we don't raise our ticket prices," he said. "We play for the blue-collar guy."
Rogers kept that down-to-earth attitude when he said how humbled he feels by the band's recent success.
"It feels really good now, but the music business is a bunch of highs and lows," he said. "You gotta just roll with the punches."
Fortunately for The Randy Rogers Band, they are on a high and will begin recording again this summer.
Excited to return to Fayetteville, where they have played before, Rogers promised a show full of "upbeat energy, calling the Hogs, jumping up and down and spilling beer on yourself. We promise to show everyone a good time," he said.
To complete this "must-see tour," lead singer Jonathan Tyler of Jonathan Tyler & the Northern Lights promised the same "good time full of drinking and high energy."
Jonathan Tyler & the Northern Lights also started out in Texas by playing "a unique mix of blues and rock 'n' roll," Tyler said.
Tyler compared their band's sound to Led Zeppelin. He admitted that they haven't reached the huge and cliché rock 'n' roll lifestyle just yet, but they have just signed with Atlantic Records.
Tyler said their album, Hot Trottin', "explores relationships and life experiences, anything that impacts you.
"I don't try to cater my music to anyone in particular," he said. "It's like telling a story or talking to somebody, and if you do it right, people will feel your lyrics."
On their way to the top, the band was included in The Dallas Morning News' list of "Bands to Watch in 2008" and has opened for acts such as Cross Canadian Ragweed and the Black Crowes.
Tyler said he was excited to return to Fayetteville after touring with O.A.R., who came to the UA last semester.
"We may not have a highlight show or any crazy effects yet, but we've got huge energy, much more than other bands, and it's going to be a good time," Tyler said.
Tickets for this country rock show are $15. For more information on the show and to purchase tickets, visit www.georgesmajesticlounge.com.
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