Flat River Band’s New Vinyl Record God Bless the Radio
Photo Credit: Barbara Potter
Three brothers. Grew up in a multi-generational family band, performing alongside your parents and grandparents. Residencies at Silver Dollar City in Branson, Missouri and Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. How did the songs from those residencies influence the artists you’ve become?
Playing and singing 4 to 5 times a day will cause one to perfect their art. -Andy
Flat River Band, formed in 2006. Opened for artists like Alison Krauss, Ricky Skaggs, Rhonda Vincent, TG Sheppard, and Natalie Maines. Dennijo was in a band with Natalie, and Andy and Chad, you went to a music school with her in Texas, plus played on a weekly TV show together called the Country Jukebox. Music education helps students express themselves creatively and gives them an edge in applying for scholarships. How can we best support music education in schools, at all levels, for your own children and others?
By making MUSIC a priority on all levels especially at an early age. The younger they are the better for music education. For some this may sound harsh or even borderline dictatorship, but making a music class mandatory from K-5th grade would go a long way. If parents only knew how powerful music can be they would be shouting that from their rooftops. It can ignite so many emotions like joy, sadness, nostalgia, or even tapping into deep-seated feelings. Music has the power to uplift or calm us, influence our mood, it can help us cope with stress or even anxiety. Overall, the brothers and I feel music’s effect on the soul is deeply personal and can vary but its ability to touch and transform emotions is universal and profound. -Chad
Performed at this year’s CMA Fest on the Hard Rock Stage on behalf of the CMA Foundation. The Foundation began investing in music education the same year Flat River Band was formed. Can you each share a favorite music memory from a time when you were in school?
Years ago we performed for every school kid in Jamaica and that experience was truly a blessing just to watch the expressions on all those beautiful faces. To be an inspiration like that is simply priceless. -Chad
Performed at our middle school talent show. We got 1st place! -Dennijo
For seven years while growing up our mom and dad would take me and my brothers up to St. Louis to sing to the homeless every weekend. There is nothing more fulfilling than investing your time into another person’s life knowing they cannot repay ya. -Andy
Chad was the first to move to Nashville to start a career as a country artist. After Andy and Dennijo followed, you got residencies at the Alabama Grill and Nashville Palace. Where are some of your favorite off-the-beaten-path venues in Music City that you’d recommend first time visitors go to?
“Wings of a White Dove,” written after losing your manager to suicide. A portion of the proceeds from the single were donated to the National Alliance on Mental Illness of Tennessee (NAMI) to support their efforts to advocate for those affected by different mental health conditions. Mental health issues and the demanding lifestyle that comes with a music career. Gospel and country music. What role does your faith play in the music you create?
All three of us are firm believers in the simple fact that all good gifts come from above. Our faith plays a big role in what we do. On stage and off! It’s a journey and we only have one life to live and on top of that no one is promised their next breath. -Dennijo
Collaborations. Teamed with country icon Jeannie Seely on your original holiday song, “Christmas Time.” The song paints a visual of a joyous holiday season, with bells ringing, kids singing, and smiles spreading everywhere. How did you come to work with Seely on this holiday tune?
We met Miss Country Soul at a TV function here in Middle Tennessee. I believe Devon O’Day introduced us to her. The brothers and I have always been fans of hers. Her dedication to country music is like no other. She’s definitely an icon in country music and to the Opry. -Andy
Your mother taught you how to harmonize while listening to the Gatlin Brothers “I Just Wish You Were Someone I Love.”
You recorded the song in the same studio they did, and the Gatlin Brothers added their vocals to the track (that in 1977 was their first number one hit) after a friend suggested you ask them. What other songs by the Gatlin Brothers would you like to record and why?
Any of the Gatlin songs I could hear us doing or recording except “All the Gold in California” — there are just some songs I believe as an artist that shouldn’t be touched…and that’s one of them to us! -Chad
Cherished childhood memories in “God Bless the Radio.” You want this song to highlight the irreplaceable feeling of hearing a song on the radio for the first time. “There is nothing that can take the place of hearing a song for the first time on the radio when you are running down the road trying to forget about the normal everyday struggles of life. Roll down your window, throw out your phone and turn up your radio.” Can you describe how it felt the first time you heard your song on the radio?
Honestly, it’s kind of emotional. It definitely pulls at the heart strings. It’s basically an affirmation of the dream and the vision that God has put in our hearts. -Andy
Growing up listening to Bill Cody on the radio and starting this year with him highlighting your song about the Opry. What does it mean to you to play the Grand Ole Opry?
It is definitely a bucket list thing for sure. I get goosebumps thinking about it. Not sure if words could describe it. To be a part of a radio show that has showcased the Who’s Who of Country Music since 1925 would simply be mind blowing. -Chad
Your grandpa’s sage advice was the inspiration for “Light of Day.” Still going strong at 97, what are some of his favorite current artists to listen to on the radio?
Honestly, he doesn’t listen to today’s country music. He will listen to our stuff…he’s not partial at all! Some of our favorites are Chris Stapleton, Cody Johnson, Ashley McBryde or Lainey Wilson. -Chad
With charming family harmonies, stunning instrumental arrangements, and heartfelt lyrics, Flat River Band’s vinyl record, God Bless the Radio, is a must-listen for all music enthusiasts.
“The brothers and I are stoked about our first vinyl record. We are grateful to have this artistic genius guru on the FRB team. He’s responsible for the artwork for this project. Bill Tyler, we thank you!” How does the artwork capture the meaning behind the tracks?
It’s been a journey with every song, every venue, and every relationship that we have encountered since the very beginning. Bill Tyler nailed it! -Dennijo
Signing with The American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP) is a not-for-profit performance-rights organization that collectively licenses the public performance rights of its members’ musical works to venues, broadcasters, and digital streaming services. How do they help you get your music out to new fans?
ASCAP not only helps musicians earn royalties for their work but also provides essential support in navigating the music industry, promoting their music, and expanding their fan base through exposure to industry professionals and opportunities. -Dennijo
Maybelle Carter, your bloodhound.
September 7th, Release the Hounds Festival (for the nonprofit organization whose mission is to help animals live their best lives) at Storytellers Hideaway Farm (Johnny Cash’s old farm, the place he called ‘the center of the universe’). Will you be playing any of the new tracks you’ve been working on?
Without question we’ll be belting out those 3-part harmonies across the farm on September 7th with some brand-new songs! -Chad
What’s ahead?
The brothers and I are opening for Exile August 19 at the Tennessee State Fair and then we are performing at many festivals in Texas in the fall! -Andy