The Steeldrivers are a Grammy-nominated bluegrass band made up of some of Nashville’s most in-demand studio musicians. They played Austin’s SXSW Music Festival on Wednesday night for the MusicFog showcase at Threadgill’s World Headquarters. Anyone expecting a low-key Americana acoustic set would have been sorely disappointed, as The Steeldrivers truly drove the audience to their feet with their country-tinged sounds and unique vocals on “Drinkin’ Dark Whiskey” and “If It Hadn’t Been for Love.” Those in the audience who were not familiar with the Steeldrivers’ music broke into grins with recognition when they realized that “If It Hadn’t Been for Love” is a song they’ve heard covered by pop music’s #1 artist, Adele.
The Steeldrivers have released 2 albums on Rounder Records in the past 5 years. In 2010, their lead singer and primary songwriter, Chris Stapleton, departed the band, to be replaced by Gary Nichols. Nichols continues to bring energy and unique vocals to the Steeldrivers’ sound and the band continues to be one of the tightest bluegrass bands in the country.
– Submitted by Janice Williams, Music Design