Michigan Rattlers
Michigan Rattlers | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Petoskey, Michigan |
| Genres | Folk Rock, Alt Rock |
| Years active | 2016–present |
| Members |
|
| Website | michiganrattlers.com |
The Michigan Rattlers are an American folk-rock[1] band originating from Petoskey, Michigan.[2] The group consists of childhood friends Graham Young (guitar), Adam Reed (bass), Christian Wilder (piano), and Tony Audia (drums).[3] Their music blends elements of country, folk, and rock, drawing inspiration from artists such as AC/DC, Creedence Clearwater Revival,[4] Bob Seger and Bruce Springsteen.[5]
Formation and early years
Young and Reed began playing music together during high school,[6] performing at local venues in their hometown. After graduation, they pursued separate paths but eventually reunited in Los Angeles to form the Michigan Rattlers.[7] Their self-titled debut EP, released in 2016, garnered critical acclaim and was featured in Rolling Stone's "Ten New Country Artists You Need to Know" that same year.[8]
Musical style
Michigan Rattlers’ music is often characterized as folk-rock or Americana, with strong influences from country and classic rock. The band initially gained notice in the alt-country scene – their 2016 debut was rooted in acoustic Americana and earned them a Rolling Stone country accolade[8] – but the members have stated they never set out to be a traditional country band.[3] Bassist Adam Reed noted that the group “stripped down” their early sound and landed in the country/Americana genre almost by happenstance, thanks in part to the pairing of upright bass and acoustic guitar.[3]
Albums
In 2018, the band released their first full-length album, Evergreen,[5] following performances at notable festivals such as Bonnaroo, Firefly, and Electric Forest. The album was described as rock and roll rather than country.[9] During the COVID-19 pandemic, they collaborated with Kalamazoo State Theater for a virtual concert.[10] Their second album, That Kind of Life, was released in 2021.
The band's third album, Waving From A Sea, was released on August 9, 2024. Produced by Dominic John Davis,[11] bassist for Jack White's backing band The Buzzards, the album marks a shift in musical style away from acoustic arrangements to a synth rock musical aesthetic.
Discography
Albums
- Evergreen (2018)
- That Kind of Life (2021)
- Waving From A Sea (2024)
EPs
- Michigan Rattlers (2016)
- Feel For Love (2024)
Singles
- Illinois Sky
- Sweet Diane
- Time to Move On
- Wasting the Meaning
- Just Good Night
- Didn't You Know
- Evergreen
- Desert Heat
- Like a Kid
- That Kind of Life
- Pure Resistance
- Heaven
- Gridlock (Just the Sky)
- Geranium Day
- Feel For Love
References
- ^ Lebowitz, Ari E. (2019-07-04). "From Michigan to LA to Sioux City". The Sioux City Journal. pp. W8W10. Retrieved 2025-05-16.
- ^ Harris, Vincent (2025-04-11). "Michigan Rattlers live for sweaty club shows". Greenville Journal. p. 25. Retrieved 2025-05-16.
- ^ a b c "5 Things to Know About Rising Country Duo Michigan Rattlers". ABC News. 2016-11-16. Retrieved 2025-02-15.
- ^ "Break on Through: Michigan Rattlers' and the Will to Keep on Rockin'". www.northernexpress.com. Retrieved 2025-02-15.
- ^ a b Irons, Aaron (2021-07-14). "That Old Familiar Feeling: Graham Young on Michigan Rattlers' New Album & Return to Touring". The Creek FM. Retrieved 2025-02-15.
- ^ "Live Sessions". Live Sessions. Retrieved 2025-02-15.
- ^ Milo, Jeff (2017-07-06). "Move to Los Angeles paying off for Michigan Rattlers". Detroit Free Press. pp. D7. Retrieved 2025-05-16.
- ^ a b "10 New Country Artists You Need to Know: September 2016". Rolling Stone. 2016-09-06. Retrieved 2025-02-15.
- ^ Wolgamott, L. Kent (2025-02-14). "Michigan Rattlers talk being rock and roll". Lincoln Journal Star. pp. B6. Retrieved 2025-05-16.
- ^ Boldrey, Ryan (2020-08-25). "Bringing bands back to the stage". The Kalamazoo Gazette. pp. A2. Retrieved 2025-05-16.
- ^ DeVito, Lee. "Michigan Rattlers bring new synth-rock sound to Saint Andrew's Hall". Detroit Metro Times. Retrieved 2025-05-19.