With more than twenty years as an independent roots-rock ensemble, The Band of Heathens attributes its enduring presence to a philosophy of improvisation rather than strict planning. From its inception, the group has followed its instincts, a guiding principle that has shaped their unique sound and sustained their career. This approach led to the recent release of their latest album, 'Country Sides,' a testament to their unwavering dedication to their artistic vision.
The Austin-based quintet, spearheaded by founding members Gordy Quist and Ed Jurdi, launched 'Country Sides' in February. This album marks their initial studio effort since 2023's 'Simple Things' and their first collaborative project since 'Hayes & The Heathens' with Hayes Carll in 2024. 'Country Sides' features eleven tracks that highlight the band's lyrical depth and melodic versatility, encapsulating the diverse styles and sounds that have characterized their journey as a dynamic Americana group over two decades.
According to Jurdi, a long-time associate noted that 'Country Sides' felt like a 'greatest hits' compilation, despite being composed of entirely new material. This observation underscores the album's emotional breadth, which spans the band's entire history through its songwriting. The project was self-produced by The Heathens at Quist's studio, The Finishing School, the same location where Carll's 'We're Only Human' and 'Hayes & The Heathens' were recorded. Consistent with their independent ethos, the album was self-released, bypassing traditional label structures.
The songs on 'Country Sides' are notably introspective, chronicling The Heathens' progression from a casual side project to a flourishing career. Their path includes a platinum-certified single, a 2011 rendition of 'Hurricane,' originally recorded by Levon Helm in 1980. Quist described the album as an unexpected retrospective, reflecting their 20-year journey from youthful ambition and relentless touring to achieving independent success, navigating challenges, and ultimately finding their stride.
The album's lead single, 'High on Our Own Supply,' captures the band's self-reliant spirit with lyrics like 'Getting high on our own supply, there's enough left to get us by/when you're all alone and you need a song.' Accompanied by a bluesy rhythm and prominent keyboard melodies, the track evokes the feel of a classic Helm cover. Jurdi clarifies that the title refers to the band's creative self-sufficiency, drawing inspiration from within rather than external sources.
While Quist and Jurdi have been constant fixtures, 'Country Sides' is the first album to feature keyboardist Trevor Nealon, drummer Clint Simmons, and bassist Nick Jay, all of whom toured with the band after 'Simple Things.' With their frequent producer Jim Vollentine, Quist, Jurdi, and Nealon engaged in minimal pre-production for 'Country Sides,' with most of the songs taking shape during an intensive four-day studio session. This expedited process allowed the band to rely on their innate musical instincts, resulting in an album that distinctly reflects their signature sound.
Jurdi emphasized the trust among band members during the recording process, noting a lack of second-guessing and a high success rate for initial creative ideas. He expressed a desire to replicate this seamless recording experience in the future. Throughout their career, The Band of Heathens has observed the commercialization of 'outlaw' music within the rock and country industries. This trend has reinforced Jurdi and Quist's commitment to their original principles, eschewing conventional measures of success to remain true to their founding ideals.
Jurdi reflected on the anti-establishment roots of rock & roll, contrasting it with contemporary music's emphasis on corporate sponsorships. He lamented the current landscape, where rebellion often feels performative. He cited the band's collaboration with Hayes Carll, another fiercely independent artist, as an example of genuine artistic partnership. Their 2024 collaboration and subsequent tour, including a performance at Red Rocks, demonstrated the benefits of independent artists uniting, with Jurdi hailing Carll as a generational songwriter.
The Heathens plan to tour extensively throughout the spring and summer to promote 'Country Sides,' with notable performances scheduled at The Caverns in Pelham, Tennessee, and the Grand Ole Opry in April. For the band, sustaining a livelihood, maintaining a studio, and touring on their own terms are sufficient achievements. As Quist and Jurdi look ahead, they intend to preserve their independence, a strategy that has proven successful for over two decades. Quist acknowledged the temptation of comparison with other acts that claim independence while being deeply integrated into the mainstream, but ultimately expressed satisfaction with their authentic path.