History
Dead Confederate originally emerged in the Athens music scene in 2006 with a few local shows. The band had been together in
Augusta, Georgia as the "Redbelly" since high school, eventually gravitating to "The Redbelly Band", after keyboard player John Watkins joined the group.
[1] On January 22, 2008, the band released a self-titled EP on
The Artist Organization record label
[2], a newly created label by
Gary Gersh, known for signing-on bands like
Nirvana and
Sonic Youth to major labels.
[3] This release, along with an appearance at the
South by Southwest music festival in
Austin, Texas gave them some national exposure.
[4]
On September 16, the band released their first LP,
Wrecking Ball
on the
Razor & Tie record label.
[5] After the album, the band kicked off a nationwide tour, featuring a free show at the
40 Watt Club in their hometown in Athens.
On October 10, the band made their first nationwide television appearance on
Late Night with Conan O'Brien.
[6]
Their first single, "The Rat", debuted and peaked at #39 on the
US Modern Rock chart in February 2009.
[7]
Sound
The Band's sound has been described as a mix of
Alternative country and
Grunge and has drawn comparisons to Nirvana and
My Morning Jacket.
[8]
Discography
Albums
- Wrecking Ball
(2008, Razor & Tie)
Singles
- "The Rat" (2009) #39 Billboard Hot Modern Rock Tracks [9]
- "Start Me Laughing" (2009)
Notes
- Dillard, Eli. "Southern rockers create 'unique niche'".''The Red and Black''. 8 November 2007. 23 October 2008.
- "Dead Confederate: Dead Confederate: Music" ''Amazon.com''. 23 October 2008.
- Hamilton, Warren. "40 Watt hosts Dead Confederate, other local acts". ''The Red and Black''. 19 September 2008. 23 October 2008.
- "SXSW 2008: Dead Confederate". ''NPR.org''. 12 March 2008. National Public Radio. 23 October 2008.
- "Wrecking Ball Dead Confederate: Music". ''Amazon.com''. 23 October 2008.
- "Dead Confederate- 2008 Tour Dates (Union Hall and Conan)" ''brooklynvegan.com''. 10 October 2008. 23 October 2008.
- "Billboard Chart Positions. 20 February 2009.
- Mincher, Chris. "Dead Confederate". ''The A.V. Club'' 16 September 2008. 23 October 2008.
- http://www.billboard.com/#/artist/dead-confederate/chart-history/961940