National Park Radio
The Great Divide
by: Julia Cirignano
Mountain man Stefan Szabo (singer/songwriter/acoustic guitarist) founded the band National Park Radio, and in 2013, self-produced their first EP. Szabo grew up by the Ozark Mountains in Harrison, Arkansas. He is the frontman of the band, and also the backbone; encompassing the group with the traditions and lessons he learned during his poverty stricken childhood, and the struggles he faced growing up in this world
In 2014, the band added six new members: Heath Shatswell (banjo), Geof Roch (multi-instrumentalist), Jon Westover (fiddle/backup vocals), Barrett (drums), Mike Womack (bass), and Joseph Hitchcock (piano/backup vocals). Today, they release The Great Divide.
National Park Radio’s success came to them in a truly natural way. Szabo recorded a few songs with some friends and called it an EP. Fans came to him because his music is so human and soulful. The band is commonly compared to Mumford and Sons and The Avett Brothers, yet Szabo admits he doesn’t know too much about either band, and doesn’t listen to their music.
National Park Radio’s music comes straight from Szabo’s soul. He didn’t grow surrounded by music, but by the struggle of real life. Szabo found a way to channel those struggles through music, and the end result is very pleasing to the ear and also the soul.
Rating: Bad-Ass
