Over the past two years Railroad Earth has carved a path wide and deep throughout the American roots music scene. Right from their first gigs in May 2001, to their most recent shows for a growing legion of loyal fans, Railroad Earth has been an undeniable force whose superb songwriting, singing and performances from the stage have made them one of the most talked about bands to arrive in years.
It could be said that Railroad Earth hit the scene with their wheels already rolling. Just three weeks after the six band members jammed together for the very first time, they went into a local recording studio and laid down five songs, recorded live with no overdubs except backing vocals. It was that remarkable demo that set everything in motion. Within a week they had a manager on board who then sent their demo out to some of the country's most prestigious festivals. There wasn't even a promo photo of the band. Yet, on the strength of that demo alone, they landed a slot on the Telluride Bluegrass Festival. That was their tenth gig. To help get their music out to the public, their manager suggested they return to the studio and record another five songs, exactly the same way, and release the ten demo tracks as their debut album. "The Black Bear Sessions" came out in June 2001, just before the Telluride Festival. The album received critical raves and opened doors to many other festivals and venues around the country. In addition, following their triumphant performance at Telluride 2001, the legendary Sugar Hill Records approached the band and offered them a record deal right on the spot. In June 2002, one year from the release of their debut, Railroad Earth's second album, "Bird in a House" came out on Sugar Hill Records. After a year of steady touring and strong sales of their debut album, the anticipation was high for "Bird in a House." And the album lived up to it, receiving high critical praise from the press and their fans, and showing strong steady sales throughout the U.S. and Europe.
With nearly 400 shows and tens of thousands of road miles now behind them, Railroad Earth has become a staple on the national touring and festival scene, and built a huge following of loyal fans that document and trade every note they play, and often join them on the road for multiple nights. These fans call themselves "Hobos," and the band considers them to be the fuel that keeps this engine chugging along. Railroad Earth's next album is planned for release in Spring 2004. Till then the band will continue to bring their music to the stage from East to West. So keep an ear to the ground and listen for Railroad Earth, because they'll be rolling through your town very soon.
