finetune artist: The Derailers

A honky tonk country rock outfit based in Austin, Texas, USA, the Derailers are led by singer-songwriters, Tony Villanueva (b. 8 August 1967, Eugene, Oregon, USA; guitar, vocals) and Brian Hofeldt (b. 10 June 1967, Caldwell, Idaho, USA; guitar, piano, vocals). Villanueva once described the band's mission as one of exploring "the moan and the mournful harmonies" that inflect the most evocative country records. With influences ranging from Buck Owens to Merle Haggard, as well as honky tonk dance music and Texan western swing, within months of forming in 1993 the Derailers had been dubbed "the next big thing in Austin" by an enthusiastic local press impressed by their performances at the Continental Club and the Broken Spoke. The Austin-American Statesman went further still, analogizing the band's robust country sound as a "boot-stompin', hair raisin' good time that leaves the audience breathlessly happy'. They made their debut with the independent Live Tracks, a recording of an Austin public broadcast featuring original bass player Vic Gerard. The band then signed with Watermelon Records for 1996"s acclaimed Jackpot, which was followed by extensive touring in the USA and a promotional trip to the UK featuring new drummer Terry Kirkendall. The follow-up, Reverb Deluxe, was another rollicking mixture of originals and cover versions featuring new bass player Ethan Shaw. The band's major-label debut proper, Full Western Dress, grazed the Billboard country chart for one week. The album featured a new rhythm section comprising Mark Horn (b. 16 August 1963, Toledo, Ohio, USA; drums) and Ed Adkins (b. 31 May 1967, Kenton, Ohio, USA; bass). The Derailers offer a refreshing blend of contemporary and traditional country music styles. Following rumours of a break-up it was confirmed in February 2004 that Villanueva was leaving the band.

Listen to The Derailers at Finetune.

Can't Stop a Train
Cold Beer, Hot Women & Cool Country Music
I Don't Believe I'll Fall In Love (Today)
Then She Kissed Me
I'm Still Missing You