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RAILROAD EARTH


BIO:
Railroad Earth’s music is driven by the remarkable songs of front-man, Todd Sheaffer, and is delivered with seamless arrangements and superb musicianship courtesy of all six band members. They can jam with the best of them, but they’re not a jam band. They’re bluegrass influenced, but they use drums and amplifiers (somewhat taboo in the bluegrass world). RRE bristles about being lumped into any one “scene.” Not out of animosity for any other artists: it’s just that they don’t find the labels very useful. According to fiddle player Tim Carbone, “We use unique acoustic instrumentation, but we’re definitely not a bluegrass band – so that doesn’t fit. And I think the term ‘jam band’ probably refers more to the fans than to the band. I think these fans just like live music.” When the band does elect to “comment” on a song via an extended improvisation, they really cook – and have received the approval of no less than Grateful Dead bass player Phil Lesh, who knows a thing or two about jamming. Railroad Earth started out in 2001, a bunch of talented friends interested in strumming some rootsy music together. It began rather informally, but then picked up the pace when their five song demo earned them a spot at the prestigious Telluride Bluegrass Festival that June. Taking advantage of the opportunity, they quickly recorded five more songs, combined it with their demo tracks and released it as their debut, 2001’s The Black Bear Sessions. That debut piqued the interest of Sugar Hill Records, who signed them and released two highly acclaimed albums, Bird In A House in 2002 and The Good Life in 2004. Since then, they’ve cultivated a huge fan base, wound up by the band’s unique acoustic hybrid sound. Railroad Earth has come to thrive in a live setting; as evidenced on their 2006 live double album Elko (SCI Fidelity Records, 2006). Amen Corner (SCI Fidelity Records, June 2008), the band’s fourth studio album, was written and recorded in the winter of 2007 at Sheaffer’s 300-year old farmhouse in the rural New Jersey countryside. Compared to the sterility and stress of a commercial studio—where the cost-clock ticks and the pressure of performing under a budget looms large—recording at home is like heaven on earth… and Amen Corner captures that feeling from beginning to end. “Normally,” Sheaffer explains, “you come home after six weeks on the road and jump into the studio, all frazzled because you don’t have much left in the tank. This time I feel like we’ve invited our friends into our living room and that’s basically how we recorded it." Amen Corner may be the early creative pinnacle of a gifted young band, and has all the makings of an Americana classic. It’s a collection of crisp and crafted Americana and acoustic roots sides that resonate in all the right places. "Even in the new millenium, Railroad Earth's instantly classic sounding songs and timeless vocals could sound at home in any generation." (Felton Pruitt - XM Satellite Radio)

Latest Articles


Greensky Bluegrass Add New Winter Tour Dates for 2025 Photo Greensky Bluegrass Add New Winter Tour Dates for 2025
by Josh Sharpe - October 28, 2024

Bluegrass-Americana troubadours, Greensky Bluegrass have announced 17 new tour dates that will bring the band coast to coast. The newly announced dates kick off on January 16 in Blue Lake, CA and include stops throughout California, Nevada and Arizona. Broadway Mandolinist Joe Brent to Release New 9 Horses Trio Album STRUM Photo Broadway Mandolinist Joe Brent to Release New 9 Horses Trio Album STRUM
by Chloe Rabinowitz - June 05, 2024

9 Horses will release their third album Strum, featuring Joe Brent, Sara Caswell, and Andrew Ryan. The album blends string-centric, progressive jazz and improvised music. ...

Video: The High Hawks Share A New Music Video For 'Temperature Is Rising' Photo Video: The High Hawks Share A New Music Video For 'Temperature Is Rising'
by Michael Major - January 31, 2024

The High Hawks features Vince Herman (Leftover Salmon), Tim Carbone (Railroad Earth), Chad Staehly (Great American Taxi), Adam Greuel (Horseshoes & Hand Grenades), Brian Adams (DeadPhish Orchestra), and Will Trask (Great American Taxi), all bring decades of recording and touring history to the proje...

The High Hawks Share The First Single From Their 2024 Album Photo The High Hawks Share The First Single From Their 2024 Album
by Michael Major - December 06, 2023

The High Hawks, an all-star cast of musical friends from Leftover Salmon, Railroad Earth, Hard Working Americans, and Horseshoes and Hand Grenades, are following up their acclaimed eponymous debut with Mother Nature's Show. The band is premiering the first single “Diamond Sky.”...

Suwannee Spring Reunion Lineup Sets Sam Bush, Steep Canyon Rangers, Peter Rowan Band, Photo Suwannee Spring Reunion Lineup Sets Sam Bush, Steep Canyon Rangers, Peter Rowan Band, Donna The Buffalo
by Michael Major - November 21, 2023

The 2024 Suwannee Spring Reunion features music on multiple stages and includes Sam Bush, Railroad Earth, Steep Canyon Rangers, Peter Rowan Walls of Time Band, Donna the Buffalo, Keller Williams' PettyGrass ft. The HillBenders, Bettye LaVette, The Steel Wheels, Town Mountain, Seth Walker, Jon Stickl...

Greensky Bluegrass Announce 2023 Colorado Amphitheater Run Photo Greensky Bluegrass Announce 2023 Colorado Amphitheater Run
by Michael Major - January 09, 2023

Greensky Bluegrass has announced their annual Colorado amphitheater run. This year the band will play two special “Evening With” performances at the Dillon Amphitheater Sept 13 and 14 before heading to the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheatre for two more performances Sept 15 and 16. Check out the tour dat...

Kitchen Dwellers and Daniel Donato Announce Fall Tour Photo Kitchen Dwellers and Daniel Donato Announce Fall Tour
by Michael Major - July 19, 2022

Kitchen Dwellers and Daniel Donato will embark on ‘Galaxy Grass x Cosmic Country Fall Tour.’ Each packing out venues, theatres and festival performances in an upward trajectory. The 22-date tour kicks off in St. Louis, MO on October 5 and will continue throughout the Midwest, Southeast and Northeast...

Kitchen Dwellers Share New Single 'Sundown' Photo Kitchen Dwellers Share New Single 'Sundown'
by Michael Major - March 21, 2022

The quartet—Shawn Swain [Mandolin], Torrin Daniels [banjo], Joe Funk [upright bass], and Max Davies [acoustic guitar]—twist bluegrass, folk, and rock through a kaleidoscope of homegrown stories, rich mythology, American west wanderlust, and psychedelic hues. Watch the official music video now! Plus,...

Bob Marston & the Credible Sources Release Title Track From 'So Long' Album Photo Bob Marston & the Credible Sources Release Title Track From 'So Long' Album
by Michael Major - March 18, 2022

Marston (acoustic guitar/electric guitar/lead vocals) is accompanied by George Hipp (acoustic guitar/electric guitar/dobro/ backing vocals), Natalie Valentine (backing vocals), Aaron Branson or Eric Onimus on bass, and drummer Brett Huffman. Listen to the new single now! Plus, pre-order the upcoming...

Kitchen Dwellers Announce 'Wise River' Tour Photo Kitchen Dwellers Announce 'Wise River' Tour
by Michael Major - February 16, 2022

Today, Bozeman, Montana's Kitchen Dwellers have announced the 'Wise River' Tour 2022 in support of the band's third full-length album Wise River, produced by Cory Wong (Vulfpeck). The tour will take the band across the country, from the pacific northwest to the southeast, and will include plenty of ...

DelFest Announces 14th Annual Festival Photo DelFest Announces 14th Annual Festival
by Michael Major - December 16, 2021

The festival will feature performances from hosts The Del McCoury Band and The Travelin’ McCourys, who will be joined by Railroad Earth, Bela Fleck’s My Bluegrass Heart, Sam Bush, Leftover Salmon, Watchhouse, California Honeydrops, Sierra Hull, Anders Osborne & Jackie Green, Cabinet, and The Lil Smo...

VIDEO: Kitchen Dwellers Share 'Stand At Ease' Music Video Photo VIDEO: Kitchen Dwellers Share 'Stand At Ease' Music Video
by Michael Major - November 17, 2021

Following a month-long tour on the East Coast, the Kitchen Dwellers are sharing the official video for their latest single, “Stand At Ease.” Torrin Daniels [banjo], Joe Funk [upright bass], and Max Davies [acoustic guitar]—composed the tune in an effort to not only heal but remind anyone struggling....

Andrew McConathy & The Drunken Hearts' New Album 'Alive 'n Free' Out Today Photo Andrew McConathy & The Drunken Hearts' New Album 'Alive 'n Free' Out Today
by Sarah Jae Leiber - January 15, 2021

In the Fall of 2019 Andrew McConathy & his band of Drunken Hearts embarked on a 20 show, cross-country album release tour that spanned more than 15,000 miles from Portland, OR to Portland, ME, and everywhere in between....

 Tenth Mountain Division “9 To 5” Single Out Today Photo Tenth Mountain Division “9 To 5” Single Out Today
by A.A. Cristi - September 04, 2020

Colorado band Tenth Mountain Division is pushing the sound found in the mountains in bold new directions with their high-energy and exploratory take on Americana, draws influences from classic Southern rock, the progressive bluegrass that was born in their backyard, and the adventurous spirit of 60s...

DittyTV Premieres Tenth Mountain Division's Cel Animation Music Video '9 to 5' Photo DittyTV Premieres Tenth Mountain Division's Cel Animation Music Video '9 to 5'
by Sarah Jae Leiber - September 04, 2020

Colorado band Tenth Mountain Division is pushing the sound found in the mountains in bold new directions with their high-energy and exploratory take on Americana, draws influences from classic Southern rock, the progressive bluegrass that was born in their backyard, and the adventurous spirit of 60s...

Pianist Holly Bowling Embarks on Groundbreaking Wilderness Livestream Tour Photo Pianist Holly Bowling Embarks on Groundbreaking Wilderness Livestream Tour
by Sarah Jae Leiber - August 31, 2020

Acclaimed pianist Holly Bowling has announced plans for a groundbreaking virtual concert tour, featuring extraordinary solo performances filmed live at some of America’s most spectacular natural locations....

Northwest String Summit Announces Final Lineup for 'Hiding Out At Home: A Virtual Nor Photo Northwest String Summit Announces Final Lineup for 'Hiding Out At Home: A Virtual Northwest String Summit'
by Kaitlin Milligan - July 14, 2020

For eighteen years and counting, Northwest String Summit has brought fans of contemporary bluegrass, indie, funk, jam rock, and everything in between to the greater Portland area for what has become a highlight of the summer for festivalgoers nationwide....

Inaugural Quarantine Comes Alive Raises Over $150K Photo Inaugural Quarantine Comes Alive Raises Over $150K
by Kaitlin Milligan - June 01, 2020

This past Saturday, May 30th, the organizers behind Brooklyn Comes Alive and Denver Comes Alive held a one-day virtual music marathon fittingly branded as Quarantine Comes Alive....

Live For Live Music,Nugs.TV and PLUS1, Present a Virtual Music Festival, 'Quarantine Photo Live For Live Music,Nugs.TV and PLUS1, Present a Virtual Music Festival, 'Quarantine Comes Alive'
by Kaitlin Milligan - May 20, 2020

On Saturday, May 30th,  Live For Live Music, in partnership with Nugs.TV and PLUS1, presents a one-day virtual music festival—Quarantine Comes Alive....

DelFest Has Announced the Free Virtual Festival 'DelFest At Home!' Photo DelFest Has Announced the Free Virtual Festival 'DelFest At Home!'
by Kaitlin Milligan - May 20, 2020

 DelFest, the festival brainchild of Del McCoury and his extended McCoury family, has just announced DelFest At Home, a streaming event celebrating musical highlights from DelFests past....

High Sierra Music Festival Announces Ziggy Marley, The Disco Biscuits, Lukas Nelson, Photo High Sierra Music Festival Announces Ziggy Marley, The Disco Biscuits, Lukas Nelson, and More
by Sarah Jae Leiber - February 27, 2020

Celebrating its 30th year in 2020, High Sierra Music Festival is continuing to add to its milestone-year party, returning to Quincy, CA, on July 2-5, 2020. Today's lineup addition appeals to as broad a range of fans as ever before, all the while keeping true to High Sierra's legacy; an environment t...

Lockn' 2020 Announces Initial Lineup Photo Lockn' 2020 Announces Initial Lineup
by Kaitlin Milligan - January 22, 2020

LOCKN' has announced an extraordinary initial lineup for the upcoming special edition of the beloved camping festival. Set for June 19-21, 2020, the 8th annual LOCKN' will be an all-star celebration of Phil Lesh's upcoming 80th birthday, taking place as always at Infinity Downs & Oak Ridge Farm, LOC...

Railroad Earth Release Single 'It's So Good' Photo Railroad Earth Release Single 'It's So Good'
by Kaitlin Milligan - December 13, 2019

Released today, Railroad Earth lean into the rock side of their roots with “It's So Good,” their second single from All For The Song, due out in 2020. Famously known for their genre-bending implementation of bluegrass instruments in non-traditional styles and arrangements, Railroad Earth—Todd Sheaff...

The High Hawks Announce Tour Photo The High Hawks Announce Tour
by Kaitlin Milligan - August 21, 2019

Introducing the world to a new and exciting all-star project consisting of some good friends from the Americana, jam, and bluegrass worlds. Please meet THE HIGH HAWKS....

Lindsay Lou Releases New Song KEEP ON GOING Photo Lindsay Lou Releases New Song KEEP ON GOING
by Tori Hartshorn - May 06, 2019

Today, Nashville's Lindsay Lou releases her country-soul inspired new song, “Keep On Going,” the first single from a new collection of music by the singer, songwriter, and musician that will be released over the next month. Premiering the song with Americana Highways, “Keep On Going” and its b-side ...











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