Mike Herrera's Tumbledown is an alternative country band from Bremerton, Washington consisting of MxPx guitarist/vocalist Mike Herrera and Rocky Point All Stars (Jack Parker, Marshall Trotland, and Harley Trotland).[1][2] The name "Tumbledown" comes from a line of a Woody Guthrie song.[3] They are currently signed to End Sounds, which is based in Austin, Texas.[4] In Mexico, they are signed to Cafeina Riot Radio Records.[5]
Mike Herrera's Tumbledown | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Bremerton, Washington, United States |
| Genres | Alternative country, cowpunk |
| Years active | 2007–present |
| Labels | End Sounds, Cafeina Riot Radio |
| Members |
|
| Website | tumbledownhq |
History
editHerrera had first explored country music while in MxPx in 2005, with the track "Late Again" from the Panic album, which featured Parker on guitar.[6] According to Herrera: "After that, I knew what I wanted to do with Tumbledown."[6] In November 2007, Herrera formally announced the Tumbledown project.[7] In January 2008, a music video was released for "Atlantic City", followed by one for "Ballad of a Factory Man" two months later.[8][9]
The group released a self-titled debut album on May 19, 2009.[10] The Aquarian Weekly gave it an 'A' rating, with reviewer Alexa Gilmartin calling it "a solid, enjoyable record...a taste of country for the non-believers".[1] In August and September 2009, they went on a co-headlining US tour with Straylight Run frontman John Nolan.[11] On September 2, 2009, a music video was released for "Butcher of San Antone", directed by Joe the Visualist.[12]
In 2010 the band release the Live in Tulsa album, recorded the previous year.[13]
In October 2010, the band's second studio album, Empty Bottle, was released on End Sounds.[14]
The group performed on the Vans Warped Tour in 2014.[15]
Influences and sound
editHerrera has pointed out that he has been writing country songs since 1998, and that this project has been long-awaited. He has cited Whiskeytown, Hank Williams, Johnny Cash, and Bill Monroe among influences. He explained his move into country music: "I've always liked country. I think the first song I ever learned to sing was Willie Nelson's "On The Road Again." When I write punk songs, I do it on an acoustic guitar, so it was just a natural progression to write more folk type songs."[3] The band's music has been described as "a twangy mashup of country, folk, and punk sounds featuring acoustic guitar and upright bass".[6] The band has often covered MxPx songs at their shows.
Discography
editExtended plays
- 2007: 3 Songs
- 2008: Atlantic City EP
- 2008: Atlantic City 7-inch
- 2009: Tumbledown/Yesterday's Ring split 7-inch
- 2010: Arrested in El Paso Blues Picture Disc 7-inch
Full-length albums
- 2009: Tumbledown
- 2010: Live in Tulsa
- 2010: Empty Bottle
Singles
- 2007: "Ballad of a Factory Man"
- 2008: "Atlantic City"
- 2009: "The Butcher of San Antone"
- 2019: "Run Rudolph Run"
References
edit- ^ a b Gilmartin, Alexa (2009) "Tumbledown Mike Herrera's Tumbledown", The Aquarian Weekly, May 28, 2009. Retrieved November 29, 2015
- ^ Wilson, Kelly (2009) "MxPx Lead Singer Brings Country/Rockabilly Side Project to Yucca Tap Room", Phoenix New Times, March 20, 2009. Retrieved November 29, 2015
- ^ a b Smyers, Darryl (2010) "Q&A + Bonus MP3: Mike Herrera of Tumbledown (and MxPx) Talks Going Country, Covering His Own Songs and The Current Debate on Immigration.", Dallas Observer, November 5, 2010. Retrieved November 29, 2015
- ^ "Rowdy 'Tumbledown' hits the LBC". Archived from the original on April 20, 2009. Retrieved April 9, 2009.
- ^ "Tumbledown", Cafeina Riot Radio Records, archived from the original
- ^ a b c Lake, Dave (2011) "MxPx's Mike Herrera: Still Punk ", Seattle Weekly, May 10, 2011. Retrieved November 29, 2015
- ^ Paul, Aubin (November 2, 2007). "Mike Herrera (MxPx) releases solo/country project". Punknews.org. Retrieved June 5, 2022.
- ^ Reinecker, Meg (January 27, 2008). "Tumbledown (Mike Herrera): 'Atlantic City'". Punknews.org. Retrieved June 7, 2022.
- ^ Paul, Aubin (March 3, 2008). "Tumbledown (Mike Herrera): 'Ballad of a Factory Man'". Punknews.org. Retrieved June 13, 2022.
- ^ Paul, Aubin (March 25, 2009). "Tumbledown (Mike from MxPx) announce debut full length". Punknews.org. Retrieved October 4, 2022.
- ^ White, Adam (August 11, 2009). "Tumbledown (Mike Herrera of MxPx) with John Nolan (of Straylight Run)". Punknews.org. Retrieved October 10, 2022.
- ^ Paul, Aubin (September 2, 2009). "Tumbledown: 'Butcher of San Antone'". Punknews.org. Retrieved October 11, 2022.
- ^ "Mike Herrera's Tumbledown to release live album", punknews.org, 2010. Retrieved November 29, 2015
- ^ Allen, James "Empty Bottle Review", Allmusic. Retrieved November 29, 2015
- ^ Smith, Troy, L. (2014) "15 must-see acts on the 2014 Vans Warped Tour (photo gallery)", cleveland.com, July 14, 2014. Retrieved November 29, 2015