U.S. Rails is a band that has cultivated a cult following over the past few years as a folk rock band with their groovy sound. Though their band members are scattered across the globe, they have managed to remain a cohesive group and produce a distinct sound, contributed by the fact that they have five different lead singer-songwriters. There are undertones of similarities to various other artists, but U.S. Rails has carved themselves a comfortable niche in the rock and fold rock world with their wide-ranging sound. All five members of U.S. Rails (Ben Arnold, Tom Gillam, Joseph Parsons, Scott Bricklin and Matt Muir) have their own separate careers, but given a limited amount of time here and there, they have managed to produce their music.
Courtesy of TheUSRails.com
For example, on their last USA tour in June, they played many shows in a matter of two weeks. However, on their days off or before the shows, they would head to the studios and diligently worked on two new CDs. Their love for music and their dedication allows them to push themselves to produce music in such a limited time span. One of the CDs is currently mixing, while the other one will be finished in Paris and Germany when they tour in Europe this fall. The songs draw upon their individual experiences- over 30 years’ worth- and are influenced by a wide variety of music.
As Joseph Parsons comments, “Your life, my life is a very open canvas to write about.”
Well, what’s to be expected from the currently mixing CD? It’s an acoustic/vocal CD with a natural vibe infused with warm tones that emphasize the song and voices. The songs on this CD are ones that appear on their first two CDs, but this time around it will be completely different. The band has come up with a different approach and attitude for those older songs. This will certainly allow the band to showcase their creativity in terms of “remaking” these older songs. Hopefully, we will get a chance to hear this CD soon, but unfortunately, its release should be in about January or February of 2013. They will also be releasing a Live DVD recorded this past February in Germany. It’s set to be released this September in Europe if you need to satiate your appetite for U.S. Rails.
Courtesy of TheUSRails.com
Furthermore, U.S. Rails will be touring Europe in September and October, and again in May and June 2013. Unfortunately for fans in the United States, most of their shows are in Europe. They mainly focus in Germany because their record deal is with Blue Rose Records, but they also play in Spain, France, Switzerland, Holland, and Denmark. However, true to their Philadelphia origins and fan base there, they also tour in the Mid-Atlantic region occasionally.
No matter where they are touring though, Parsons captures the attitude quite nicely; “We always give 110% everywhere we play. It’s a lot of fun and we’re such close friends, that the scenery is really the only thing changing. We’re fortunate to have a very supportive fan base as well as a great label and agency to help us. It’s a family thing for us.”
by Melissa Duong
