Ones To Watch: The Outlaw Orchestra
The 22nd act to step into the spotlight in our weekly Ones To Watch feature are Deep South (of England) purveyors of southern country rock bluegrass, The Outlaw Orchestra.
The Outlaw Orchestra are: David Roux (guitars/lead vocals), Alex Barter (double bass/vocals), Stephen Welch (banjo), Ryan Smith (drums/percussion/vocals).
Having spent their formative years drinking moonshine, wrestling alligators and playing geetar on their porch, The Outlaw Orchestra formed less than two years ago in deepest Southampton. Describing their signature sound as ‘Heavygrass’ that incorporates everything from southern rock through to cajun, dixie, country, flamenco and bluegrass, the foursome’s high-energy music is so joyous and imbued with humour that it’s enough to put a grin on even the dourest cynic’s chops.
Over recent months, they’ve been sharing their musical gems on YouTube from the riotous ‘Hangin' Tree’ to the harmonica-drenched ‘Willie Nelson’ (with its infectious “too much Willie Nelson, not enough Johnny Cash” hook) and the jaunty ‘Back To Georgia’. However, for all their brilliance on record, it’s in the live arena where The Outlaw Orchestra are in their element – as anyone who bore witness to their spectacular performance at Winter’s End will attest. A glorious motley crew (Stephen in his tracksuit starkly contrasting to the dungaree-wearing Alex), they’re nothing short of riotous as they belt out anthems like 'Laughing All The Way To The Gallows' with its “I can see my house from here, laughing all the way to the gallows” refrain. We urge you to check them out if you can!
You can catch The Outlaw Orchestra at the following shows:
MARCH 2018
Eastleigh Steamtown BrewCo – Sat 8th
The Frog and Fiddle, Cheltenham, Cloven Hoof 'Overhoof' launch – Sat 17th
MAY 2018
Annual beer and cider festival, The Cuckoo Inn, Salisbury – Fri 18th
Cursus Festival, Dorset – Fri 25th
JUNE 2018
Petersfield, The Good Intent – Fri 8th
Bournemouth Loverocks Beer and Music Festival – Sat 16th
JULY 2018
Lyndhurst The New Forest Beer Festival – Fri 13th
Fareham Jerk Jam Festival – Sat 21st
AUGUST 2018
Trip Out, Suffolk - Fri 17th - Sun 19th
SEPTEMBER 2018
Glossop The Globe – Fri 9th
Sheffield O2 Academy – Sat 10th
OCTOBER 2018
Dead Kool Country Presents.. Devizes Conservative Club, Wiltshire – Sun 14th
Havant and Waterlooville FC – Sat 20th
NOVEMBER 2018
Bridport The Ropemakers – Sat 3rd
You can keep up to date with The Outlaw Orchestra on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram.