Alabama country music is undergoing a vibrant transformation, led by bands like The Vegabonds who are making significant contributions to this resurgence. Bursting from the local scene, The Vegabonds have cultivated a passionate fanbase and are now paving the way for other Alabama artists to gain recognition on a national scale. With the release of their sixth studio album, “Young & Unafraid,” the band is not just enjoying their success but also championing the rise of Alabama country music.
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“I feel like this is the moment in that movie, The Shining, you know?” Daniel Allen deadpans. “It’s the door scene. We’ve been chopping at this door for so long, and we finally broke through. ‘Hey! It’s us from Alabama!’”
Allen, the lead singer and co-founder of The Vegabonds, is referring to the band’s latest album, Young & Unafraid. Yet, he celebrates a broader trend—the increasing popularity of Alabama country music. Other artists from the Yellowhammer State are also stepping into the spotlight, carving paths from the independent scene to mainstream success.
The Rise of Alabama Artists
Founded in 2009, The Vegabonds quickly built a loyal following. Now, Alabama country music is experiencing a renaissance, with bands like Red Clay Strays and Muscadine Bloodline gaining widespread appeal. Although The Vegabonds led this charge, Allen acknowledges the mutual benefit their success brings to Alabama’s music scene. “The Strays, Taylor Hunnicutt, Them Dirty Roses—we’ve done shows with all of them,” Allen shares. “They’re our buddies, and they’re having great moments. It puts a spotlight on Alabama.”
Expanding Musical Horizons
The Vegabonds consist of Allen, guitarist Richard Forehand, bassist Paul Bruens, keyboardist Beau Cooper, and drummer Bryan Harris. In a video call with Rolling Stone, the band discussed their new 10-track album and upcoming shows. Young & Unafraid deepens their sound by blending blues and soul with their Southern rock and country roots. Cooper notes this evolution, saying, “The first time people hear it, they’re not going to think about every word. The second time, they think about the lyrics.”
This focus on vibes led to fruitful collaborations within the band. “I love writing songs. That’s my passion,” Allen explains. “Sometimes the music works great; other times, it’s a full-band collaboration.” The album reflects both familiar and new, offering fans fresh sounds while retaining the core essence of Alabama country music.
An Adventure-Fueled Journey
Alongside their album, The Vegabonds released a video for “Where Do You Have to Be Tomorrow.” This track, influenced by experiences during the pandemic, captures a longing for adventure. Cooper recounts, “During 2020… I’m thinking to myself, ‘I’m in the prime of my life. I want to adventure.’” This spirit continues to inspire the band as they navigate their musical identity and priorities post-pandemic.
The downtime allowed band members to reflect and adjust their touring schedule. “We were on the road for a hundred, two hundred dates a year,” Harris recalls. “Covid helped us realize we didn’t have to do that. Now, we balance shows with personal lives effectively.”
Looking Forward
Now performing 40-50 shows annually, The Vegabonds are selective about their venues, preferring places like the Windjammer and Nashville’s Brooklyn Bowl. “We’ve nailed down the places we are comfortable in, and we know where our fans are,” Allen says. As their sound evolves, Young & Unafraid captures this journey, echoing stories of personal growth and creative exploration.
The album is more than just a compilation of songs; it’s a narrative of Allen’s life and the band’s trajectory. “This record almost plays out like a life story for me,” Allen reflects. As The Vegabonds continue to impact Alabama country music, their journey is an inspiring tale of perseverance, creativity, and community.
Josh Crutchmer is a journalist and author whose latest books, Never Say Never and Red Dirt Unplugged, are available via Back Lounge Publishing.