Austin roots rock mainstays The Band Of Heathens celebrate 20 years with the release of ‘Country Sides’, out now. Self-produced with longtime collaborator Jim Vollentine, the album is a guitar-driven, piano-pounding statement from a band that has built its career on its own terms. It arrives with the single “Lead Don’t Follow,” premiered by SPIN, and a growing tour schedule across the U.S.
The record lands at a milestone moment. Their recording of “Hurricane” is now certified platinum, “Take The Cake” sits at #2 on the Americana chart after three weeks in the Top 5 and is Top 40 at AAA, and the band continues to chart its own course. “There’s the conventional way and then there’s our way,” the band shares. “Finding our own voice and standing firm in what made us different was the only way to have longevity.”
Founded in Austin by Ed Jurdi and Gordy Quist, the group has moved from barroom stages to national venues while maintaining full creative control. ‘Country Sides’ was tracked in just over a week at their studio, The Finishing School, and features standouts including “She’s The Night,” “Lead Don’t Follow,” and “Pleasing People.” The sound is loose, lived-in, and grounded in country, soul, and rock and roll tradition.
The ‘Country Sides’ Tour kicks off March 6 with a homecoming show at ACL Live in Austin before heading to Chicago, Atlanta, Indianapolis, New Orleans, and more. Two decades in, The Band Of Heathens are still pushing forward, celebrating endurance, craft, and a fiercely independent spirit that defines their legacy.