Kyle Nix of the Turnpike Troubadours Has Something Cooking
Turnpike Troubadours fans continue to be totally not okay with the indefinite hiatus the band is currently in the midst of at the moment, aside from hoping for healing for all parties and trying to be patient for however long that takes. Unfortunately there is no new word on if or when a reunification is coming, but one silver lining to the situation is that a few of Turnpike’s members are staying busy, and helping to keep the side effects of Turnpike withdrawals to a minimum.
Bassist and songwriter RC Edwards has been busy with his side project RC and the Ambers, which has been playing numerous shows around Oklahoma during the hiatus. Lead guitar player Ryan Engleman continues to play with Texas-based Reckless Kelly after the departure of long-time Reckless Kelly guitarist David Abeyta in February. Fans have been raving about Ryan in Reckless Kelly fill in duty, saying he’s helped light a fire under the band who recently promised to have two new albums and 20 new songs heading our way in May of 2020.
Lead singer and songwriter Evan Felker also has been making noise lately, even though it’s from a song that was recorded before the hiatus. “Whiskey In Your Water“ with Carrie Rodriguez was just released as part of Bruce Robison’s The Next Waltz project. It was written and recorded in April of 2019, and includes the Next Waltz house band behind him.
But one major Turnpike member we’ve yet to hear from is fiddler Kyle Nix. As folks who follow Turnpike closely will tell you, when turmoil started to roil the band, Nix really stepped up to try and hold things together as best he could from the fiddle position. Like many of the Turnpike Troubadours members, he’s though of very highly of by fans and fellow musicians alike.
Through the hiatus Kyle Nix has been guesting with other artists, including with RC and the Ambers, as well as Texas songwriter Jason Eady. But he also has something else brewing. In July, Nix posted a photo of an acoustic guitar with the simple caption, “Writing & more writing #countrymusic.” Then last week he posted a photo of an electric Telecaster with the caption, “I’m workin’ hard on a record, man. And today it’s gettin’ pretty dern spaghetti western #tremelo #countrymusic #enniomorricone #turnpiketroubadours.”
As long-time Turnpike Troubadours fans know, Kyle Nix isn’t just a fiddle player. He regularly has been seen on stage playing bass when Evan Felker takes a stage break, and RC Edwards sings a tune or two.
Do we have a Kyle Nix solo record in the offing, or perhaps a project he’s working on with someone else? Whatever it is, Turnpike Troubadours fans are here for it. Of course what they really want to hear is news that the band is getting back together. But whether eventually they do or not, the individual members of the Turnpike Troubadours have already burrowed deep into the hearts of many country music fans, and will receive undivided attention for whatever they do into the foreseeable future.
Stay tuned.
Colter
December 3, 2019 @ 11:09 am
I’m all in for anything that sounds like ennio morricone.
A.K.A. City
December 3, 2019 @ 11:31 am
Get it, Nixie!
Normal Street
December 3, 2019 @ 12:29 pm
This should be interesting. I hope it goes well for him, whatever he decides to do. As he is such a talented performer, I wonder if there will be any live shows as a result of whatever this turns out to be.
Chris
December 3, 2019 @ 2:12 pm
This is exciting.
Can’t wait to see what he produces.
Mama&Trains&Trucks&Prison&GettinDrunk
December 3, 2019 @ 2:47 pm
This is great for Kyle. I can’t wait for the day these guys reunite.
On a side note, does anyone know what’s going on with Luke Bell? I haven’t heard any news in quite some time.
Jake
December 4, 2019 @ 7:36 am
I was actually wondering the same thing about Luke Bell the other day. Hope all is well with him!
Trigger
December 4, 2019 @ 9:55 am
I get requests for an update on Luke Bell in comment or question form at least once or twice a week, and have for the last two years or so. Same goes for Hank3. Every single effort has been expended to obtain an update or interview on Luke, and as soon as I hear something, anything, I will be sharing it with everyone.
Also, requests by Turnpike Troubadours fans is the reason I am posting updates on the respective members of the band whenever they come available. A lot of fans care about this band, and want to stay updated on what everyone is doing. This is not “click bait,” as a small, but strident contingent of some on social media love to classify it as. Just as I receive requests for updates on Luke Bell and Hank3, it is a weekly, sometimes daily occurrence that I get emails wondering about what’s going on with Turnpike. This is what I do. I get information, I give it context, and I work to keep the public informed about artists and bands they care about. Just because Miranda Lambert dated Evan Felker a year ago doesn’t make a story about Kyle Nix working on a solo project “gossip” or “click bait.” And those making those accusations are the FIRST to gossip about Turnpike privately.
Matt Murphy
December 3, 2019 @ 3:17 pm
“Totally not okay” is the truth. Just a couple months after I discovered this amazing band they went quiet.
Music is a great gift and blessing and making it is hard work. I’m saying a prayer for everyone who has to battle demons every day in order to stay productive and creative. Please get the help you need and keep fighting the good fight.
Dirty Dave
December 3, 2019 @ 7:34 pm
I hope this project is good, as Nixie seems like a good dude. However, I feel that anything put out from any members of the Troubadours that isn’t made with the entire band I would liken to getting a handjob. Nothing you’ll complain about and might even feel good for a little but you know it’s not what you REALLY want.
Dave Taff
December 10, 2019 @ 11:24 am
Now that’s funny dirty Dave!
Travis
December 7, 2019 @ 5:43 pm
Mr. Nix just confirmed on Instagram he has an album coming called Songs From Bullet Mountain
Lee Jones
December 7, 2019 @ 6:35 pm
What about John Fulbright? Didn’t he play on some of their early albums? I’d love to hear some sort of collaboration between him and Nix. Although I’m excited to hear this album, too.