Drew and Ellie Holcomb of the band Drew Holcomb and The Neighbors stopped by our San Diego office in January to perform an acoustic set for employees. We were greeted with ear to ear smiles and that one-of-a-kind southern charm (that we so often hear about) from Drew, his band mate/wife/singer/songwriting partner Ellie (did you get all that?) and the friendliest, most personable of managers, Paul Steele of Good Time Inc.
After a quick warm up and graciously delivering us some delicious coffee and mini Sprinkles cupcakes (droooooooool), Drew and Ellie took to the center of our big conference room and wowed us with material from their upcoming release, Good Light.
Drew and Ellie’s voices flow perfectly together, reminiscent of Damien Rice and Lisa Hannigans’ rapport on Damien’s albums O and 9. Drew’s power house vocals are subdued and complimented by Ellie’s sweet, delicate delivery on “Nothing But Trouble.” You can tell by the synchronicity and well-executed harmonies that they have been doing this together for some time and have it down to a science.
Drew exposes their vulnerability with tender lyrics, as he strums his guitar through “The Wine We Drink.” Ellie plucks her mandolin as they trade lines through this gentle folk duet. Their music is a beautiful marriage of folk and (of course originating out of Nashville) country music. But there is also a splash of pop sensibility which gives their melodies and original lyrical content an extra boost for potential crossover appeal. This probably explains why they’ve had enormous success with placing their music on such shows as United States of Tara, Nashville, and, most recently, closing out the episode on How I Met Your Mother.
http://youtu.be/LeJLeIrcCk4
Drew and Ellie proved they are very talented musicians, and maybe most importantly, have one of the most friendly, outgoing, personable demeanors from a band I’ve seen in a very long time. Expect huge things coming from Drew, Ellie and the rest of The Neighbors. Catch them on tour with NEEDTOBREATHE or pick up their new release, Good Light exclusively on iTunes February 19th, out everywhere via Good Time Records February 26th.
– Submitted by Tristan Bolden, Music Design