By Ryan Stone
This week, we talk with drummer Chris Thompson of the Eli Young Band concerning the band’s humble beginnings as well as their plans for the future. A class act, Chris is one of the nicest people on tour right now. This is the kind of guy that makes people want to be a fan.
Here’s some history.
The band originated at the University of North Texas in Denton where roommates Mike Eli (vocals) and James Young (guitar) started jamming with roommates Jon Jones (bass guitar) and Chris Thompson. The indie music scene in Denton then was something of a sleeper phenomenon where venues would take place in small bars and peoples’ backyards. It remains that way today. So, it’s no surprise that the band’s first show took place at a little place called the R Bar, a local joint that still offers dollar drafts and free karaoke nights.
They originally played together as a hobby, but the band began attracting fans and getting more gigs. They eventually opened for notable musicians like Jack Ingram, with whom they are touring this year. Chris and Mike were the first to notice this upswing in notoriety, putting themselves all-in for the music, and by the time Jon and Chris had quit their day jobs, it was obvious that something serious was emerging.
Fast forward to this year. For the 2010 tour, the band is flying everywhere from Sacramento to Pittsburgh, New York City, and, yes, College Station. Having just finished their new record three weeks ago, the group is using this tour to get exposure for some of their newer works. Concerning their upcoming album, Chris is both confident and excited.
“It’s the strongest and best material we’ve ever done,” he said.
This new album follows 2008′s Jet Black and Jealous which debuted the band’s most popular song to date. “When It Rains” is a difficult single to follow as it spent thirty straight weeks on the charts as well as “Always the Love Songs” which peaked at #11 on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Songs for 2008-2009.
However, not all is rosy. Having lost out two Academy of Country Music awards to Gloriana and the Zac Brown Band, Eli Young is still working to gain more recognition from within the industry.
With those past successes and failures in mind, the foursome is pushing forward this year and plans to put a new song out to radio within a month. So, anyone waiting to see what the future holds for the Eli Young Band will get a taste soon.
“This record takes us in a new direction,” Johnson said concerning their new album.
That direction is exemplified by new songs like “Even If It Breaks Your Heart,” a work that the drummer says is, hands-down, his favorite to play at the moment.
“It has an organic sound that represents the direction of the whole album.”
Even though his favorite song changes from week-to-week, judging by the way Chris talks, it seems like “Even If” is one that will stay close to him for some time.
Their new album is as of yet unnamed. The band is aiming for a 2010 holiday release.
Stay tuned.
Want to get a chance to see the band live? Check for available tickets. ZiegFest is Sunday, September 5 at Texas World Speedway.