The acclaimed Texas band Silverada (formerly known as Mike and the Moonpies) starts a new chapter with their upcoming self-titled album, out June 28. Although Silverada is the band’s ninth release, it marks a significant turning point in the powerhouse country/Americana band’s journey.
It’s not just the title of the boldest album of the group’s celebrated career; it’s also the name of the reinvigorated band itself. With elevated songwriting and a transformative sound, Silverada is doing what the best bands do: evolving.
Preview Silverada’s renewed sonic identity on the astounding new track “Anywhere But Here,” a single with slides and bends that vividly calls to mind the feeling of living free. The song is warm and majestic, enveloping the listener in an ambiance reminiscent of driving down an open road at sunset. Listen to “Anywhere But Here” via DSPs HERE, and pre-order the Silverada digital album HERE or physical version HERE. For a preview of the “Anywhere But Here” video coming soon, go HERE.
Mike and the Moonpies was formed by Austin, TX’s Mike Harmeier in 2007 while he was in his early 20s. Through hard work and relentless touring, the band built a standout career, becoming global ambassadors of homegrown Texas music and performing everywhere from Abbey Road Studios to the Grand Ole Opry. And while the ascension from Austin honky-tonks to famed worldwide stages was amazing, all of that momentum left a desire to change and innovate. Their music underwent a clear transformation, and that progression needed to be reflected in their name as well.
About the band’s beginning, Harmeier shares: “We had different aspirations back then. We were still figuring out what kind of band we were gonna be, and that took a lot of time and a lot of records.” Now with Silverada, Harmeier and his bandmates – drummer Taylor Englert, guitarist Catlin Rutherford, bassist Omar Oyoque, and steel guitarist Zachary Moulton – are doing something bigger than ever before.
Harmeier wrote the bulk of Silverada at home in his studio after years on the road. The bandleader yearned to write something that was a departure from the reputed sound of Mike and the Moonpies and found inspiration through various books, sci-fi novels, astronomy and more. His creative process developed over time, as he fully absorbed and defined the recharged style that is evident on Silverada. Roots-rock anthem “Radio Wave” kicks off the album with the gravitas of Mellencamp or Springsteen, before the rhythm section of “Eagle Rare” transports the listener to realms beyond the ordinary. We’re brought back to Earth with “Wallflower,” which envisions dark nights in a blurry bar, surrounded by harmonized guitar solos and disco beats. Country twanger “Stubborn Son” finds Harmeier candidly acknowledging his father as he also accepts himself. “Stay By My Side” captures the relationship challenges of a troubadour’s life, while “Load Out” portrays the day-to-day grind of the working musician, which Silverada has experienced all too well.
Silverada will celebrate the album release in Nashville at The Ryman Auditorium on July 5th. A list of tour dates is below and on their website HERE.
Silverada Tour Dates
March 30 – Tampa, FL – Skipper’s Smokehouse
April 1-5 – Miami, FL – Midland’s The Last Resort Cruise
April 8 – Hye, TX – Eclipse Party at Ron Yates Winery
April 12 – Saint Jo, TX – Red River Station
April 13 – Ft. Worth, TX – Syndicate Smokedown & Music Festival
April 20 – San Antonio, TX – Chaparral Music & Heritage Festival
April 22 – Stephenville, TX – Larry Joe Taylor’s Texas Music Festival
May 3 – Alexandria, LA – Alex River Fête
May 11 – McAllen, TX – McAllen Convention Center (with Midland)
May 18 – Columbus, TX – Magnolia Days
May 25 – Fredericksburg, TX – Fredericksburg Crawfish Festival
June 8 – Weatherford, TX – Parker Co. Sheriff’s Posse Rodeo
June 21-22 – Yorkville, IL – Summer Solstice Festival
June 27 – Pendleton, OR – Jackalope Jamboree
June 30 – Sisters, OR – Big Ponderoo
July 4 – Phenix City, AL – Phenix City Amphitheater
July 5 – Nashville, TN – Ryman Auditorium
July 6 – Madison, IN – Roostertale Music Festival
July 12 – Ft. Worth, TX – Billy Bob’s
July 13 – New Braunfels, TX – Gruene Hall
August 10 – Worthington, IA – Benefit the Vets
August 17 – Henriette, MN – Northwoods Jam
September 14 – Bristol, TN/VA – Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion
November 7-9 – Clarksdale, MS – Jason Eady’s Way Down in Mississippi Fest