The Dirty River Boys Go On Indefinite Hiatus
One of the most unique and interesting bands in Texas music has decided it needs some time off. The Dirty River Boys are declaring an indefinite hiatus, with any future plans up in the air. In a statement posted to social media on Friday, July 28th, the band said,
“The Dirty River Boys are taking an indefinite hiatus after 14 years of creating music inspired by the road, the life, and the people we’ve been so lucky to meet along the way. Thank you to our fans, family, and friends for singing, dancing, and sharing your incredible energy with us all these years. Our love and appreciation for y’all is endless. We’ll miss seeing you on the road. Journey’s end, but the music is forever.”
Nino Cooper, Marco Gutierrez, Travis Stearns, and Colton James formed The Dirty River Boys in El Paso in 2009. They soon became mainstays of the Texas music scene and festivals. Travis Stearns took a break from the band in 2016, and drummer/percussionist Trinidad Leal also performed with the band.
The Dirty River Boys were a unique mix of string band and bluegrass influences, punk and folk, with even a bit of Cajun and Celtic music mixed in. Defining The Dirty River Boys was a difficult to impossible task. Similarly, all members of the band would trade off singing, and often incorporate different instruments, including guitar, banjo, fiddle, mandolin, harmonica, snare drum, and cajón.
The band released a couple of EPs in Long Cold Fall and Train Station before releasing their anticipated debut album Science of Flight in 2012. This was followed by a self-titled album in 2014, and Mesa Starlight in 2018. Though the band’s recorded output was well-received by core fans, it was the energy and dynamics of their live show that really set them apart. Dallas Observer writer Kelly Dearmore declared them Texas Country’s Best Live Band in 2015.
The Dirty River Boys definitely put on engaging performances. But being indefinable was both their best asset, and their greatest burden. When they formed and string-based high energy bands such as Mumford & Sons and The Avett Brothers were all the rage, The Dirty River Boys felt like they were the wave of the future. But as other Texas-based live bands began to blow up nationally, The Dirty River Boys continued to remain more of a regional act.
The band never enjoyed great press or radio support either, and though their albums and songs found traction, it was impossible for any recording to capture the dynamics and energy the band brought to the live context.
“Indefinite Hiatus” alludes that The Dirty River Boys are not ready to declare they’re done permanently. But it appears from their statement that it is a possibility they have played their last shows.
July 30, 2023 @ 12:10 pm
They could have at least cleaned the river first.
July 30, 2023 @ 12:15 pm
Well, hopefully, we all learned from the Troubadours that “hiatus” means just that….hiatus. It doesn’t mean they won’t be back.
July 30, 2023 @ 12:19 pm
The verbiage of the statement definitely sounds more “That’s all folks!” in terms of touring, as opposed to “Au revoir!”
I have a sneaking suspicion this is it for them in terms of touring, though they may still release more new music and some of the individual members of the group may appear at each other’s solo efforts or at benefits.
“Science Of Flight” is my personal favorite of theirs. I love the concept behind its songwriting. =)
July 30, 2023 @ 6:35 pm
Saw them a bunch of times, the first time being shortly after Science of Flight was released. They put on probably a 2 1/2 hour show and were balls to the wall the whole time. It’s the only time I’ve been to a country show where I thought a mosh pit might break out. It really felt like once Steans left the band, they lost their mojo. I saw them a couple times with their new lineup and it just wasn’t the same.
I don’t remember when it was but there was an article in Playboy, of all places, about DRB, Turnpike, and Whiskey Meyers. Turnpike and Whiskey Meyers have certainly blown up, it’s a shame the Dirty River Boys never did.
July 31, 2023 @ 5:54 am
Forgot about that article. I saw Turnpike, Whiskey Myers and DRB on the same lineup in 2014, and DRB blew Whiskey Myers out of the water. Crazy how things change.
You’re onto something when Stearns left the band. I saw them several times after and it was still great, but it just wasn’t the same.
And as mentioned in the article, if you could get someone to the show they would fall in love with the band and it made the recorded stuff sound better. But they could just never capture the magic of their live show on an album. The last album they did honestly might have been the closest to matching the live show experience.
July 31, 2023 @ 9:07 am
Finally, someone that really did buy Playboy for the articles!
July 30, 2023 @ 10:39 pm
I first saw DRB in 2016 in Tyler, TX at the Red Dirt BBQ (also the only time I saw Turnpike Troubadours). I then saw them again in 2017 in Conroe, TX. Both times they put on an excellent performance. I bought their two EPs while at the Tyler performance.
July 31, 2023 @ 8:58 am
I don’t suppose that being a professional musician has ever been easy. But I’m getting a strong negative vibe lately. Granted, it could be one of my “okay Boomer” moments. It just seems like things are getting worse.
July 31, 2023 @ 9:51 am
There are some new surprises on the horizon with the music of Colton James and his inspiring talent! It will be complemented with a high-energy fiddler….stay tuned!🪕🎶🎻
October 30, 2023 @ 6:54 pm
Hi! Was he the high energy bass player? I just looked for him on IG and didn’t find anything… where can I follow his future endeavors?? Thanks!