Ryan Shupe on the radio
For years the tremendously talented Ryan Shupe and the Rubberband were the best band on the newgrass scene. They had the best songs, the best arrangements, and hands-down the best live show. Unfortunately, not many people outside of the mountain West (particularly Utah) knew of them. So when I heard that they were signing with Capitol Records it was great news.
This is Capitol Records - Nashville. Not terribly surprising, considering the role of fiddle and banjo in the bands sound. It’s an imperfect fit, to be sure, but it’s the best the major labels can do. Nobody is sure how to promote a crossover/newgrass band to the masses. Sugar Hill figured out how to do it for Nickel Creek, but I’m not sure they’ll see the same kind of successes with the enormously hyped The Duhks.
As a nod to his newfound country roots, Shupe’s official bio now includes “Willie Nelson and Johnny Cash” as influences. Fair enough. Our influences all evolve. Their debut single, the gorgeous “Dream Big” (which came out yesterday, April 26) has been mainstream-countrified with the addition of some strings and a dobro part. None of this is bad - the dobro is beautifully played, in fact. I just hope Shupe and Capitol Records don’t lose sight of what makes this band so special.
Check out their great radio promo kit, courtesy of Capitol Records.