California-based husband-and-wife duo Andrew Stern and Laura Arias have a knack for pairing catchy melodies with heartfelt lyrics. Previously experimenting in a variety of different genres, Stern and Arias solidified their Americana-leaning blend of folk, rock, and country as 3 Pairs of Boots after getting married within a year of their first encounter. They are influenced by genre-bending acts Fleetwood Mac, Buffalo Springfield, Crosby, Stills, & Nash, and The Byrds as well as country icons Johnny Cash and Shania Twain, remaining rooted in rock-and-roll whilst creating memorable hooks and engaging storylines. The pairs’ dynamic sound is displayed through Stern’s impeccable songwriting highlighting Arias’s distinctive vocal delivery. Stern commented that he is “the technician” while Arias is “the magic.”
The duo firmly found their niche in the Americana pop rock sandbox in 2019 with their debut album Gone South. Two additional albums followed in short order from the prolific team in 2021 and 2022 (more information on those later).
With immense excitement, 3 Pairs of Boots is preparing to release their fourth album, Boot Scootin’ on September 27. The first video and single Boot Scootin' hits street on July 12. With 10 smooth new tracks, the pair is back with this swanky collection. The title piece, Boot Scootin’, speaks of the exhilarating, freeing feeling of finding the center of a dance floor scootin’ your worries away. Exhibiting tones of country rock and The Carter Family’s entrancing harmonies, this track is one that takes the listener back in time. Keeping a classic country sound, 3 Pairs of Boots utilizes later tracks to blend some softer expressions of rock, such as in Reno. In this more pop leaning track, 3 Pairs of Boots shows the influence of 70’s style music in a unique way that still holds true to their country roots. Tastes of Linda Ronstadt shine through in the chorus to make you truly make you feel like you are floating. Lastly, Tempt My Fate, is a modern impression of the great Johnny Cash. Andrew expresses the beautiful message of embracing the future and having faith in yourself. This message is boosted by the hints of Johnny Cash’s Ring of Firethroughout. In the end, 3 Pairs of Boots’ unique blend of genres make Boot’ Scootin’ an album that is a must listen for those looking to find the new vintage country.
Gone South was released in July 2019, with their singles premiering on Americana UK, Guitar Girl Magazine, B-Sides & Badlands, and The Bluegrass Situation. Amidst this period, 3 Pairs of Boots also developed their You Tube series, Cook’N’ & Country, combining recipe demonstrations and live country music performances. They dropped their sophomore album, Long Rider, in January 2021 which stands as a collection of twangy, bluesy Americana anthems again completely produced by Stern in their home studio. Named after “Lady Long Rider” Bernice Ende, who traveled over 30,000 miles alone on horseback and advocates for female representation, the recordings celebrate this kind of gritty persistence that leads to true freedom. From the captivating, bittersweet track “Quittin’ Time” to the lush vocal harmonies and stomping rhythms of “Everywhere I Go,” Long Rider offers a range of complex and compelling pop country anthems that can be enjoyed by a wide listening audience. Laced with fresh sounds (including keys, B3 organ, horns, strings, banjo, and a Rhodes piano) and driven by a classic blend of acoustic and electric guitar, their third album released in September of 2022, Mighty Love, reveals an expanded palette, more developed songwriting, and elevated production from the musical duo with warm and buoyant tones. It also features contributions from a host of high-level artists, including friend and lyric poet Wren Winfield, former Ringo Starr drummer Randy Cooke, renowned Nashville keys player Dave Cohen, and a local string quartet. Lyrically, the writing balances the positives and negatives of our current world, utilizing candid personal reflections and different historical narrative accounts to reveal generational truths. From accents of the banjo and spirited accordion sounds that fill upbeat single “Sweet Spot”, to the layered vocals and bursts of energy in “The Server”, Mighty Love is truly an album of heartfelt expression.
3 Pairs of Boots continues their journey of creating indelible melodies with a distinctive sound blending old and new.
