Today’s song is “Long Gone” by The Dead South. The Regina, Saskatchewan band is comprised of Nate Hilts (lead vocals, guitar, mandolin), Scott Pringle (guitar, mandolin, vocals), Colton Crawford (banjo, kick drum) and Danny Kenyon (cello, vocals). The idea for the band came to Nate and Colton in 2012. Nate had been listening to Trampled By Turtles and Old Crow Medicine Show and older bluegrass acts and the two wanted to put their own spin on tradition. This also marked Nate’s very first go at singing and Colton learned banjo. They wrote some originals and tested them out at open mics. Shortly after, Danny and Scott (who switched from guitar to mandolin) rounded out the foursome they are today.
Nate and Scott joke about their first attempts at bluegrass calling them more just “riffs on a banjo.” Scott had to figure out how to play mandolin “with chops” and different time patterns but they knew they wanted it to be fun, somewhat tongue-in-cheek, with serious musicianship.
They have been described as “Mumford & Sons’ evil twins.” This Canadian quarter has a quick and heavy country drawl that would make you think they originated from the South. The band goes even further and gets into character by dressing as Old West pioneers.
What they created is some rockin’ bluegrass. Their music is a foot stompin’ Western inspired punk rock. The eclectic musical mix is thanks to the array of instruments including banjo, mandolin, cello and guitar, along with some
whistles, hoots and hollerin’ and finger snappin.’ Their sound is light, hearted, and fun. These Canadian hillbillies will make you want to start dancing.
This song is off their full-length debut album, Good Company which came out last month via Curve Music/Entertainment One.
Listen below and for more information on The Dead South check out their official website, Facebook, and Twitter pages.