Southern Drive’s first show was to a full house on New Year’s Eve in 2006, setting the tone for the future of the band. These guys can rock. But don’t try too hard to classify their sound; the next song will be different. Influenced by Red Dirt, Texas country, good ol’ rock ‘n roll, and even a little punk, lead singer Donnie Rex calls their sound Rock Americana. Whatever you want to call it, fans dig it.

Beginning as an acoustic duo, Southern Drive has come a long way to wow sold out crowds with their live show and release a celebrated studio album. Take a Ride, released in 2008 is true to the band’s sound. With hard driving guitar riffs, smooth sounds of the trumpet, and solid songwriting, Take a Ride proves that the boys of Southern Drive know their fans and know how to put together an album that will keep you wondering what will come next.

Southern Drive is currently a five piece band out of Dallas. Front man Donnie Rex knows how to draw in a crowd. Hailing from Oklahoma, he’s proud of his roots but is a rock ‘n roll gypsy, logging as many hours on the road as time will allow. Donnie, along with Kevin Garinger founded the band. Garinger grew up in Abilene. and is classically trained on trumpet. His trumpet and harmonica create a distinctive attitude, engaging fans in that unique sound that could only be Southern Drive. Taylor McCreary on lead guitar adds an unmistakable hard core, foot stomping sound sure to bring you to the dance floor. Drummer Joel McCreary lays down the beat that keeps these boys together. Rounding out the band is newest member Russell Wilson on bass and back-up vocals, bringing layered harmonies to Southern Drive’s sound and the groove that fans jam to.

Together, these guys make up a band that you need to keep on your musical radar. They are going places, especially with their plans for an aggressive tour supporting their new album, due out in the next few months. It is currently untitled, but the sound is just what you expect from Southern Drive, taking fans on a whirlwind tour through the roots of country and turning them into loyal followers.

When asked what’s next for the band, Donnie says with a broad smile, “Release our second album and a new single. Then continue tearing up the highway and having a blast as we count the miles that go by.” Look for Southern Drive to break beyond the Texas/Oklahoma borders. Whether it’s a small town bar or 3,000 seat venue, fans will get the same amazing live show sure to bring you to your feet.

http://www.southern-drive.com/