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THE STEEL WHEELS


BIO:
The Steel Wheels are truly an Americana band, rooted in musical styles that explore the territories between blues and bluegrass, old-time sing-alongs and foot-stompin’ fiddle tunes. They are subtle innovators who respect the past but whistle their own tunes, layering in rich textures and decidedly modern energy to forge a new sound. “Imagine a blend of the passion of the Avett Brothers, the instrumentals of Old Crow Medicine Show, and then sprinkle in the backwoods feel of The Legendary Shack Shakers. In truth, attempting to compare [The Steel Wheels] to anyone is an injustice, since after one listen you can hear that they stand very well on their own perch.” - John Walker, Americana Roots 2010 was a breakout year for The Steel Wheels with 5 nominations from the Independent Music Awards and numerous placements on “best of the year” lists. The four-piece band is based in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, where lead singer and primary songwriter Trent Wagler has been a scene staple for nearly a decade. Multi-instrumentalist Jay Lapp was touring with several successful Midwest bands when he and Wagler crossed paths in Harrisonburg, Virginia and a musical partnership began. The two are joined by upright bassist Brian Dickel and fiddler Eric Brubaker to form The Steel Wheels.

Latest Articles


Little Feat and Bonnie Raitt Team for 'Long Distance Call,' New Album Out Friday Photo Little Feat and Bonnie Raitt Team for 'Long Distance Call,' New Album Out Friday
by Josh Sharpe - May 16, 2024

Little Feat joins forces with Bonnie Raitt for a cover of Long Distance Call from Sam's Place, their first new studio album in 12 years. The album is out Friday, May 17. With her warm and deeply soulful vocals, Raitt duets with the band’s Sam Clayton on a cover of Muddy Waters’ song. Listen to the s...

The Steel Wheels Release New LP 'Sideways' Photo The Steel Wheels Release New LP 'Sideways'
by Michael Major - February 09, 2024

Virginia-based Americana pioneers The Steel Wheels have released new album Sideways via the band's own Big Ring Records. Produced by Sam Kassirer (Lake Street Dive, Langhorne Slim, Josh Ritter), Sideways is at once a meditation on the nonlinear nature of personal growth and a joyous celebration of l...

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...

MerleFest Announces Trampled By Turtles, Colin Hay, The Steel Wheels, & Late Night Ja Photo MerleFest Announces Trampled By Turtles, Colin Hay, The Steel Wheels, & Late Night Jam Hosts
by Michael Major - January 24, 2022

In addition to those mentioned above, the following artists and bands have previously been announced: Alison Brown, Andy May, Arlo McKinley, Banknotes, Caleb Caudle, Carol Rifkin, Charles Welch, Darrell Scott, Donna the Buffalo, Dr. Bacon, Happy Traum, Jack Lawrence, Jeff Little Trio, Jerry Douglas,...

MerleFest Announces Final Lineup Additions For 2020 Festival Photo MerleFest Announces Final Lineup Additions For 2020 Festival
by Kaitlin Milligan - February 10, 2020

MerleFest, presented by Window World, is proud to announce the next round of artist additions for MerleFest 2020, which will be held April 23-26. Greensky Bluegrass, Mavis Staples, Paul Thorn, Cane Mill Road, Sweet Potato Pie, The Barefoot Movement, Nefesh Mountain, and Smitty and the Jumpstarters w...

MerleFest Announces Melissa Etheridge, Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real, The Marcus Photo MerleFest Announces Melissa Etheridge, Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real, The Marcus King Band, & More
by Kaitlin Milligan - January 13, 2020

MerleFest, presented by Window World, is proud to announce the next round of artist additions for MerleFest 2020, which will be held April 23-26. Melissa Etheridge, Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real, The Marcus King Band, Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, and John Cowan will be joining the annual homeco...

Trent Wagler, Darrell Scott, and David Holt as Judges for 28th Annual Chris Austin So Photo Trent Wagler, Darrell Scott, and David Holt as Judges for 28th Annual Chris Austin Songwriting Contest
by Kaitlin Milligan - January 08, 2020

MerleFest, presented by Window World®, is pleased to announce Trent Wagler (of The Steel Wheels), Darrell Scott, and David Holt as judges for the 28th Annual Chris Austin Songwriting Contest (CASC). ...

Willie Nelson & Family, Alison Krauss, and More to Perform at MerleFest 2020 Photo Willie Nelson & Family, Alison Krauss, and More to Perform at MerleFest 2020
by Kaitlin Milligan - November 12, 2019

MerleFest, presented by Window World, is proud to announce the initial lineup for MerleFest 2020, which will be held April 23-26. The annual homecoming of musicians and music fans returns to the campus of Wilkes Community College in Wilkesboro, North Carolina, in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Moun...

The Steel Wheels Announce 7th Album 'Over The Trees' Photo The Steel Wheels Announce 7th Album 'Over The Trees'
by Kaitlin Milligan - May 16, 2019

Virginia-based acoustic roots music collective The Steel Wheels have announced the July 12th release of their 7th full-length album, Over The Trees. Recorded in Maine with producer Sam Kassirer, Over The Trees draws attention to the impeccable harmonies of the four original members: Trent Wagler (gu...












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