Myron Elkins didn’t set out to become a full-time musician. After graduating from high school, the then 17-year-old instead became a welder in his hometown of Otsego, Michigan, and had every intention of making that his career. However, fate had other plans. Three years ago, a relative signed him up for a battle of the bands at a local venue, despite the fact Elkins’ only prior experience with live music was playing at church and a few bars in the small Michigan town where he grew up. With just three weeks’ notice, Elkins put a band together featuring three of his cousins and a friend. Although the group didn’t win (they came in second), the experience opened Elkins’ eyes to a very different career path.

Now, at 21 years old, he’s poised to become one of music’s most intriguing new artists with the release of his Dave Cobb-produced debut album, Factories, Farms & Amphetamines, via Elektra/Low Country Sound. Across the album’s ten tracks, Elkins crafts sharp observations informed by his working-class upbringing, infusing his music with rich personal experience. “I actually wrote a lot of these songs on the album in my head while I was welding,” he says. “I just loved to play and write all of the time. Finding people who want to do that with you isn’t always easy, but we made it work. And with this bunch of songs, it made it all worth it.” Musically, Factories, Farms & Amphetamines reflects the gritty mix of classic rock, country and the blues Elkins heard growing up, putting the album squarely in the league of Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, Bob Seger, and the Allman Brothers. Fittingly, Elkins also boasts a wise-beyond-his-years voice with a broad range. He unleashes a powerful belt on the blues-influenced ache “Old Trauma,” for example, and indulges in some rock ’n’ roll ferocity on “Nashville Money,” a song that breaks the fourth wall while pondering being a recording artist. Another example of Elkins’ observational acuity, he wrote that song in 2021, while in the van driving through Nashville on the way to Leiper’s Fork, where the band stayed while recording the album.

This thematic diversity illustrates Elkins’ instinct-based approach to his music. “For me, songwriting isn’t like, ‘Uh oh, I have to write a song because I need a song,’” he says. “It’s more like, ‘I have this idea and I want to see what I can turn that feeling or idea into musically.’ It’s like if you have a sugar tooth or something, you need to go get something sweet, maybe some ice cream.”

Born and Raised in ol Wyoming. Now living in the honkey tonks and back alleys of Nashville, Tennessee, picking songs of salvation to salve the soul.

Austin John is a guitarist from the The Hi-Jivers, 4 piece Rock n' Roll/ Rhythm and Blues band that play music inspired by the 50's and 60's. His guitar arsenal has the maturity of a well-seasoned blues guitarist, but with the sting of an explosive rock n' roller. Come see Austin John at Star Rover Sound on Thursdays during December!

Luke Munday, born and raised in Nashville, Tennessee, grew up just north of the city near the Kentucky border, where his passion for music was nurtured from a young age. By the age of 9, he had already picked up a banjo, and within three years, he added the guitar to his repertoire. His formative years were spent immersing himself in the rich musical culture of Nashville, honing his skills at local jams, from the old schoolhouse jam in Millersville to the renowned Station Inn jam on Sunday nights. Festivals, pick parties, and contests across the state further fueled his love for music, with the Cherokee North Carolina festival being an annual family tradition. In 2024, Luke made his mark on the country music scene with the release of his debut single, “Squeaky Wheel,” which was well-received and showcased his ability to blend traditional country sounds with a modern, commercial edge. Following closely on the heels of this success, his second single, “Old Folks,” will be released on November 8th, continuing to build on the momentum of his unique blend of classic and contemporary styles. Luke’s music is a blend of country and bluegrass, enriched by his deep appreciation for the classics. His influences are vast, ranging from Merle Haggard, George Jones, and Johnny Paycheck to Ray Charles, Del McCoury, and Mel Tillis. Despite his diverse career, including working in bars, construction, music stores, and even gas stations, his dedication to his music has remained strong. Luke Munday is on a mission to deliver what he believes is the true country sound, infused with a modern, commercial edge. His goal is simple yet profound: to write and create authentic, good music, regardless of the genre or style. Luke’s journey is a testament to his unwavering commitment to his craft, making him a compelling voice in the country and bluegrass music scene.

Nashville-based singer/songwriter/recording artist/producer/multi-instrumentalist - Rob Talton - has performed for thousands of people with his band “Talton Brothers Band”. He co-founded the band with guitarist/producer Michael Garcia. The two songwriters equally steeped in the musical roots of American rock, blues, jazz, and gospel, collaborated many times; as Garcia has engineered and produced all but two of Rob Talton’s discography working with some of the most sought-after Studio Musicians in the world - Adam Nitti, Scott Bernard, Jason Palmer, Anthony Sallee, Steve Brewster, Jonathan Crone, Josh Matheny, and many more in Nashville. Talton has written and recorded with his former band, “Changed” in Muscle Shoals at the “World Famous” FAME Recording Studio. Rob has recorded in many of the most famous studios in the country and has an extensive Discography both as a solo artist and with his band(s), as well as contributing to the works of other well-known artists.  
The Nashville-based “Rob Talton Band” has a unique sound that combines elements of American Rock, soul, jazz, and the blues.  The sound is big and adds elements of Latin percussion with Studio Musician/Percussionist Jimmy Lopez.  The band consists of Nashville-based musicians: Mic Guy (Bass/Vocals), Rory Kennedy (Guitar/Vocals), Nick Planer (Guitar/Vocals), Tony Ortiz (Drums), Jimmy Lopez (Percussion), and Rob Talton (Keyboards/Organ/Lead Vocals).  The band’s sound harkens back to the sounds of some of their biggest influences; The Allman Brothers Band, ZZ Top, The Beatles, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Tom Petty, Joe Bonamassa, B.B. King, Freddie King, Muddy Waters, Lightin’ Hopkins, CREAM, Bob Seger, and many more… Rob Talton plays keyboards and provides soulful lead vocals. Rob is a member of the (NSAI) Nashville Songwriter’s Association International and is very active in the Nashville songwriting community.  Rob makes his home in Nashville, TN.

Born and Raised in ol Wyoming. Now living in the honkey tonks and back alleys of Nashville, Tennessee, picking songs of salvation to salve the soul.

Welcome to New Year’s Eve at Star Rover Sound! We will be featuring two artists for the evening: Eliza Thorn and Boo Ray.

Eliza Thorn is an artist from the North country who currently resides in Nashville, TN. She has traveled across the states with her guitar, collecting the rambling sounds of soul, blues, and jazz along the way. Her sultry sound will take you to a place unknown, yet warm and familiar.

Rolling Stone has written about Boo Ray: “His dramatic southern sound will draw you in, his voice will have you hanging on every lyric and his songs will stick with you like a good friend does. Boo Ray is a southern troubadour who’s forged and honed his sound in South Georgia honky-tonks, Gulf Coast jukes, Nashville nightclubs & Los Angeles songwriter joints.”

McKinley James is equal parts old soul and modern man. Armed with an electric guitar and sharp songwriting chops, he breathes new life into classic sounds with Working Class Blues, a debut album that introduces his mix of American rock & roll, amplified soul, and raw rhythm & blues. It's a sound powered by groove and guitar. A sound that's been sharpened by countless shows — from dive bar residences in Nashville to headlining gigs across Europe — and rooted in the shared bloodline of McKinley and his longtime bandmate: father Jason Smay. Together, they rewrite the rulebook for blues-inspired rock duos, creating a lean, honest version of American roots music that makes room for everything from Motown hooks to roadhouse boogie-woogie. 

"We're not trying to sound old-school," says McKinley, who grew up watching his father play drums for acts like Los Straitjackets and JD McPherson. "We love traditional blues and soul, but this isn't a retro act. The topics, themes, and songs are always fresh."

Austin John is a guitarist from the The Hi-Jivers, 4 piece Rock n' Roll/ Rhythm and Blues band that play music inspired by the 50's and 60's. His guitar arsenal has the maturity of a well-seasoned blues guitarist, but with the sting of an explosive rock n' roller.

Patrick Sweany lives for the Grooves. Whether it's the ones he records on his albums, the ones he lays down with his band on the stage, or the ones that define his days writing songs and living life in his E. Nashville neighborhood, the Grooves are what have propelled Sweany through 20+ years of performing and recording across 8 studio albums and dozens of countries around the world. Being in the Groove is Sweany's recipe for success.

Born & raised in Music City, Timbo made waves working the Nashville honky-tonk circuit & kickstarted his career by releasing his debut EP to critical acclaim. Backed by a myriad community of lifelong musicians, he formed a band with a sound many have dubbed, "Soul Country." Timbo's sound showcases his traditional roots in country music & culture. Hear his unique style on iTunes & Spotify, or live in Music City, & beyond. 

Luke Munday, born and raised in Nashville, Tennessee, grew up just north of the city near the Kentucky border, where his passion for music was nurtured from a young age. By the age of 9, he had already picked up a banjo, and within three years, he added the guitar to his repertoire. His formative years were spent immersing himself in the rich musical culture of Nashville, honing his skills at local jams, from the old schoolhouse jam in Millersville to the renowned Station Inn jam on Sunday nights. Festivals, pick parties, and contests across the state further fueled his love for music, with the Cherokee North Carolina festival being an annual family tradition. In 2024, Luke made his mark on the country music scene with the release of his debut single, “Squeaky Wheel,” which was well-received and showcased his ability to blend traditional country sounds with a modern, commercial edge. Following closely on the heels of this success, his second single, “Old Folks,” will be released on November 8th, continuing to build on the momentum of his unique blend of classic and contemporary styles. Luke’s music is a blend of country and bluegrass, enriched by his deep appreciation for the classics. His influences are vast, ranging from Merle Haggard, George Jones, and Johnny Paycheck to Ray Charles, Del McCoury, and Mel Tillis. Despite his diverse career, including working in bars, construction, music stores, and even gas stations, his dedication to his music has remained strong. Luke Munday is on a mission to deliver what he believes is the true country sound, infused with a modern, commercial edge. His goal is simple yet profound: to write and create authentic, good music, regardless of the genre or style. Luke’s journey is a testament to his unwavering commitment to his craft, making him a compelling voice in the country and bluegrass music scene.

McKinley James is equal parts old soul and modern man. Armed with an electric guitar and sharp songwriting chops, he breathes new life into classic sounds with Working Class Blues, a debut album that introduces his mix of American rock & roll, amplified soul, and raw rhythm & blues. It's a sound powered by groove and guitar. A sound that's been sharpened by countless shows — from dive bar residences in Nashville to headlining gigs across Europe — and rooted in the shared bloodline of McKinley and his longtime bandmate: father Jason Smay. Together, they rewrite the rulebook for blues-inspired rock duos, creating a lean, honest version of American roots music that makes room for everything from Motown hooks to roadhouse boogie-woogie. 

"We're not trying to sound old-school," says McKinley, who grew up watching his father play drums for acts like Los Straitjackets and JD McPherson. "We love traditional blues and soul, but this isn't a retro act. The topics, themes, and songs are always fresh."

Luke Munday, born and raised in Nashville, Tennessee, grew up just north of the city near the Kentucky border, where his passion for music was nurtured from a young age. By the age of 9, he had already picked up a banjo, and within three years, he added the guitar to his repertoire. His formative years were spent immersing himself in the rich musical culture of Nashville, honing his skills at local jams, from the old schoolhouse jam in Millersville to the renowned Station Inn jam on Sunday nights. Festivals, pick parties, and contests across the state further fueled his love for music, with the Cherokee North Carolina festival being an annual family tradition. In 2024, Luke made his mark on the country music scene with the release of his debut single, “Squeaky Wheel,” which was well-received and showcased his ability to blend traditional country sounds with a modern, commercial edge. Following closely on the heels of this success, his second single, “Old Folks,” will be released on November 8th, continuing to build on the momentum of his unique blend of classic and contemporary styles. Luke’s music is a blend of country and bluegrass, enriched by his deep appreciation for the classics. His influences are vast, ranging from Merle Haggard, George Jones, and Johnny Paycheck to Ray Charles, Del McCoury, and Mel Tillis. Despite his diverse career, including working in bars, construction, music stores, and even gas stations, his dedication to his music has remained strong. Luke Munday is on a mission to deliver what he believes is the true country sound, infused with a modern, commercial edge. His goal is simple yet profound: to write and create authentic, good music, regardless of the genre or style. Luke’s journey is a testament to his unwavering commitment to his craft, making him a compelling voice in the country and bluegrass music scene.

McKinley James is equal parts old soul and modern man. Armed with an electric guitar and sharp songwriting chops, he breathes new life into classic sounds with Working Class Blues, a debut album that introduces his mix of American rock & roll, amplified soul, and raw rhythm & blues. It's a sound powered by groove and guitar. A sound that's been sharpened by countless shows — from dive bar residences in Nashville to headlining gigs across Europe — and rooted in the shared bloodline of McKinley and his longtime bandmate: father Jason Smay. Together, they rewrite the rulebook for blues-inspired rock duos, creating a lean, honest version of American roots music that makes room for everything from Motown hooks to roadhouse boogie-woogie. 

"We're not trying to sound old-school," says McKinley, who grew up watching his father play drums for acts like Los Straitjackets and JD McPherson. "We love traditional blues and soul, but this isn't a retro act. The topics, themes, and songs are always fresh."

Soulchess is a band based in Nashville, Tennessee that defies what you may typically think of as ‘Nashville music’. Consisting of members from wildly varying musical backgrounds, the band has a sound that is the epitome of a musical fusion. The band has been going from strength the strength over the last or 2 emerging out of the pandemic guns blazing ready to take on the world. The Soulchess sound is one defined by the band's diverse influences and diverse cultural backgrounds. This band is a breath of fresh air in their home town of Nashville simply by being ‘a band’ opposed to a solo artist. Soulchess are truly ‘a band’. This enables them to act in unison and pull off tricks and synchronized parts that only bands can do after having spent several years playing together. This is in contrast to the hired gun nature of the Nashville music scene. Soulchess’ live shows are where their tight sound comes alive. Soulchess is a band that has to be seen live to appreciate their energy and their sonic ‘tricks’ that wow crowds no matter what venue they are performing at. The band can pull off some seriously good cover versions too that have their own slant on some classics. They are fans of the mashup in all regards, for instance, the band somehow managed to fuse Muse’s ‘Uprising’ into MJ’s ‘The Way You Make Me Feel’. You have to see it to believe it. On top of their musical prowess, this is an entertaining band to watch. From Derrian’s dance moves to the sheer energy and passion of conveyed through the drums, bass, and guitar, Soulchess must be seen and heard.

McKinley James is equal parts old soul and modern man. Armed with an electric guitar and sharp songwriting chops, he breathes new life into classic sounds with Working Class Blues, a debut album that introduces his mix of American rock & roll, amplified soul, and raw rhythm & blues. It's a sound powered by groove and guitar. A sound that's been sharpened by countless shows — from dive bar residences in Nashville to headlining gigs across Europe — and rooted in the shared bloodline of McKinley and his longtime bandmate: father Jason Smay. Together, they rewrite the rulebook for blues-inspired rock duos, creating a lean, honest version of American roots music that makes room for everything from Motown hooks to roadhouse boogie-woogie. 

"We're not trying to sound old-school," says McKinley, who grew up watching his father play drums for acts like Los Straitjackets and JD McPherson. "We love traditional blues and soul, but this isn't a retro act. The topics, themes, and songs are always fresh."

The Golden Barrel Band specializes in the music of The Byrds, Gram Parsons, The Flying Burrito Brothers, and other California Country Rock artists from the 1970s.

Born and Raised in ol Wyoming. Now living in the honkey tonks and back alleys of Nashville, Tennessee, picking songs of salvation to salve the soul.

McKinley James is equal parts old soul and modern man. Armed with an electric guitar and sharp songwriting chops, he breathes new life into classic sounds with Working Class Blues, a debut album that introduces his mix of American rock & roll, amplified soul, and raw rhythm & blues. It's a sound powered by groove and guitar. A sound that's been sharpened by countless shows — from dive bar residences in Nashville to headlining gigs across Europe — and rooted in the shared bloodline of McKinley and his longtime bandmate: father Jason Smay. Together, they rewrite the rulebook for blues-inspired rock duos, creating a lean, honest version of American roots music that makes room for everything from Motown hooks to roadhouse boogie-woogie. 

"We're not trying to sound old-school," says McKinley, who grew up watching his father play drums for acts like Los Straitjackets and JD McPherson. "We love traditional blues and soul, but this isn't a retro act. The topics, themes, and songs are always fresh."