From Auburn, AL to Los Angeles, CA: The Stews Deliver Southern Charm to the West

I remember the first time I heard a song by The Stews. It was in high school and a friend played their song "9-5" probably on the way to a frequent Waffle House encounter. I was immediately impressed by the build up and sound the way a song scratches your brain in all the right places. Then, I was told that The Stews were formed by my former classmates at school. It was a satisfying revelation as these were the kids that were always at the weekly "Hootenanny" during lunch or playing at random functions that the school would need to showcase their talented young academics who also happened to be incredible musicians.

However, there was one person I wasn't familiar with listening to their songs. Lead vocalist and guitarist, Preston Hall was certainly pleasant addition to the other voices and distinctive sound I had already known. Such a unique and soulful voice that feels timeless within every track. To me, when you can immediately know who sings a song based on the tone and the perfect amount of rasp, it makes listening that much more personal and memorable. Guitarist Blake Dobbs and bassist Bennett Baugus were clearly born to be a musicians between early performances I've seen on our small green at school and how they both moved on the Novo stage in front of 2,000+ people. It always has been and still feels natural to see them play together the songs that represent their passion for music. All of their styles tie together neatly with Wyatt Griffith on drums. He was always the kid in the school band that other students were in awe when he started playing any instrument in the percussion section. And still, especially during his solo that evening at the Novo, I watched him with that same intrigue and curiosity as he played effortlessly and with a suave that still goes unmatched.

Living in California, I experienced plenty of FOMO or the classic “fear of missing out” when it came to the things my friends back home were doing. Many of them ended up at the University of Georgia or Auburn University, where they could see each other, go to parties, and attend events that I could only experience through a photo or video on my phone. I was especially jealous whenever they told me The Stews would be performing at a festival or concert in their college town. So throughout my own college experience, I made a point to keep up with The Stews as they grew as a band. Even from across the country, I wanted to do my part to introduce their music to my friends and peers on the West Coast.

All of The Stews' records have specific elements that are intentional and make them stand out from any other band trying to "Make it Out" of their Southern roots and expand their sound into new regions. I know The Stews will fit seamlessly into this generation of rock music because they offer a fresh, relatable take on a sound that feels familiar while still sounding elevated and distinctly their own. I will continue to spread The Stews propaganda in whatever way I can because these guys deserve all of the success coming their way and I will certainly be in the front row every chance I get.

P.S. War Damn Eagle!