In Pursuit

Three local bands strive to make it big

[Editor’s Note: This is the second installment of a two-part series on local musicians. The rst story appeared in the June issue of CityLife Magazine. To view both stories visit theforumnews.com.]

In this second installation on Shreveport’s music scene we highlight three bands with diverse styles but with a common pursuit to take music in Shreveport to new heights. Get ready to groove, rock out and unwind with three additions on your summer playlist: The Dubonauts, Hwy Lions and Victor Olston.

The Dubonauts Reggae may not be synonymous with Louisiana, but Shreveport’s Dubonauts are working to x that. “We love reggae,” said Brian Thomas (guitar/bass/vocals). “It’s great music, my favorite. It really inspires me.”

“It really goes with the vibe of how we chill,” Halley McCole (drums/vocals) said. “It sets a good hanging out tune and a good vibe. We started off listening to [reggae] music and that turned into playing it.”

It was two years ago that a common love of reggae and a jam session brought The Dubonauts into existence with Brian Thomas, Derek Henry (bass), and cousins Halley McCole and Kathleen McCole (keyboard).

“We started off just jamming with friends who liked the same kind of music as us,” McCole said. “It started off as acoustic, then we transferred those tunes to electric. We got my cousin [Kathleen] to play keys and then Derek. Things just got awesome from there.”

The Dubonauts’ style ventures past reggae into a hybrid genre of reggae, dubstep and rock, re ecting each member’s musical backgrounds.

“We listen to a lot of different music,” McCole said. “It’s a really cool mixture and a melting pot of what we all listen to outside of reggae.”

Before The Dubonauts, Henry played with punk, metal and blues bands. The McCole cousins played ’90s cover songs. Ten years ago, the McColes’ rst interest in reggae peaked after attending their rst reggae concert for a local reggae band, not knowing that two of the young men in the group would one day be their bandmates.

A decade later, The Dubonauts are booking shows, recording in studios and promoting their debut album, “Space and Time,” released last February.

The Dubonauts delivers a groove without limits. Their willingness to experiment takes reggae music to a revolutionary level with the lyrical content to match. Songs to check out are the title track, “Space and Time,” and “Arpeggio.”

“Our ‘Space and Time’ song is about ghting for what you feel is right and what you are passionate about in life,” Thomas said. “It’s about living life to the fullest on your own terms regardless of the opinions of others. ‘Arpeggio’ is one that I feel represents the dub/space-rock/reggae sound we are going for while conveying a positive message about overcoming dif cult situations in life.

“A lot of my lyrics come from being frustrated and overcoming something, no matter what the situation is,” he said. “It’s dealing with people who are closed-minded and the frustrations from that, world views and differences, and different perspectives.

It’s about doing what makes you happy and living your life. It’s inspirational. I hope that someone who was down heard my music would connect to it and feel lifted up.”

Though it may seem rare to nd a reggae community in Louisiana, The Dubonauts have found their fan base and are introducing those unfamiliar with the genre.

“We’ve played in Lake Charles, Ruston, Lafayette and New Orleans,” Halley said.

The group has toured to surrounding Southern states, but they are rst focusing on building a strong foundation in their hometown of Shreveport.

“We love our city,” Halley said. “Everyone is good to each other. That’s the general vibe. The city encourages you to grow.”

Hwy Lions

Before Hwy Lions, there was Hwy Lines. The name of the Shreveport rock ’n’ roll band was adapted several years ago when, with a deep Southern drawl, a friend saying, “Hwy Lines” pronounced it as “Hwy Lions.” The band’s members liked the sound of it and of cially changed the name.

Changes have continued for the group since its formation in 2007, and it re ects their growth and maturity as musicians. Hwy Lions is made up of Daniel Goodwill (rhythm guitar/lead vocal), Michael Chreene (bass/vocals), Chris DeRosia (lead guitar/ vocals) and Steve Emery (drums). In 2007, Hwy Lions formed with Chreene joining in 2011. Two years later, Hwy Lions has made a name for itself playing throughout the Ark-La-Tex and are preparing to hit the road to Texas for their rst mini-tour. The “Everything’s Bigger in Texas” mini-tour will last from July 18 to July 25 with the group scheduled to play more than 10 shows in seven days. Upon returning to Shreveport, they will perform July 27 at Voodoo Café: An Art Bar for a welcome home celebration concert.

Hwy Lions’ music re ects the different in uences in Louisiana from the shuf e beats to blues to funk. Their outside in uences include The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, Wilco and Jack White. As for lyrical content, Goodwill said he writes songs from personal experiences. “I try not to limit myself to a theme,” he said. “It’s traditional music, simple.”

He said the process of completing a song is a group effort. “I bake the cake, and these guys put the icing on it.”

The group released their rst full-length album, “Travelin’ On,” last April. Two songs to check out from the album are “Southern Girl” and “It’s That Easy.”

Hwy Lions have accomplished much in their short time in the music scene, and the future looks bright. They have gained a strong fan following and respect from rival bands in the city.

“People from four or ve other bands were at our show recently,” Goodwill said. “No one gives a compliment to a musician like another musician. They tell the truth.”

The group agrees that the camaraderie in Shreveport’s music community is special. “When we had our CD release party, a drummer from another band offered his drums for me to use,” Emery said. “You don’t get that in big cities.”

Victor Olston

You are witnessing the evolution of Victor Olston.

Since the beginning of 2013, Victor Olston has added a band member, released a vinyl, written songs for a new full-length album and performed at SXSW music festival in Austin.

The band is composed of ve men – none with the name Victor Olston – Matthew Jamison (vocals/guitar), Kit Carpenter (bass), Jon Brown (guitar/vocals), Chase Reneau (drums) and newcomer Clint Chandler (organ/wurlitzer/vocals). They have worked tirelessly this year at their craft and are continuing the momentum with preparation their sophomore album. “We are recording our new album in August at the Bomb Shelter studio in Nashville,” Jamison said. “We have about 11 songs already written.”

The album will be different from Victor Olston’s “Heritage,” released in fall 2012, that was a balance of rock and alternative with a country twang. Chandler along with guest musician Daniel Stoddard playing the pedal steel will add a new air.

“We decided to change up and take it down a different path,” Carpenter said. “The way we write and get along make for a good t. It’s more of a natural progression.”

The lyrics, written by Jamison, will be broader in situational theme than on “Heritage,” which was centered more on Jamison’s personal life. Since the release of “Heritage,” Victor Olston joined Shreveportbased bands Engine and Irene & The Sleepers to produce a 10-inch vinyl, “Boulevard Blues,” released in March during a joint concert at Voodoo Café: An Art Bar.

“The show was awesome; there was a line outside,” Jamison said. “A year and a half ago, we would have hoped people would be there. Now more than we expected are coming out. It’s still surprising and cool.”

The collaborative vinyl features two songs from each band, including “Family” and “Dear Caroline” from Victor Olston.

“Those two [songs] are on the ‘Boulevard Blues’ compilation for a reason,” Jamison said. “They represent the simplicity of our band, the darker and lighter sides of our music, and the importance that each member brings.”

Victor Olston’s goal is to make music that connects with their listeners. They said they are also continuously looking for ways to grow as musicians. “When we have reached a pinnacle that we can’t grow any more, we should stop playing,” Jamison said.

But don’t count on Victor Olston stopping any time soon. The band is constantly in the studio working on new ways to express themselves.

– Tiana Kennell