Band of Heathens Celebrates 20 Years with a New Album, ‘Country Sides’

The history of Austin roots rock outfit Band of Heathens is entwined with some the city’s most iconic venues and musicians. From recording their first album at bygone club Momo’s to working with revered country artists like Ray Wylie Hubbard, Patty Griffin, and Gurf Morlix, the quintet has made their musical mark on a town where that means everything. Along the way, they’ve played classic local venues like Antone’s and Stubb’s and renowned festivals such as ACL and Lollapalooza.

Twenty years after forming, the group is celebrating with a new album, Country Sides, and a national tour that will kick off with a show in their hometown of Austin on Friday, March 6 at ACL Live at the Moody Theater.

In addition to their anniversary milestone, the group recently celebrated the fact that their 2011 song, “Hurricane,” just achieved platinum status from the RIAA and has over a billion streams across all platforms.

Notably, the band has achieved this success with an independent style that’s true to their Austin ties. Eschewing major label support, the band has been able to achieve widespread success through grassroots enthusiasm. With Band of Heathens, you won’t find some breakout moment or viral hit. Instead, the group has taken it one step at a time, focusing on creating an album and then taking the songs out on the road, winning over new fans show by show.

With their laid-back, breezy tunes built on a blend of folks, soul, and rock ‘n’ roll, Band of Heathens might be best described as the 21st-century’s answer to the Eagles. And Country Sides only serves to further that assessment. Harmony-laden acoustic rock songs embrace windswept melodies that can only be described as bittersweet.

As pop dominates the charts, the rest of the music world may think roots music is all but dead, but you could never convince Band of Heathens. The quintet has somehow carved out their own world, one where they’ve manifested success against all odds.