Photography by Elliot Ross

Chris Thile (formerly of Nickel Creek), Mike Marshall & Caterina Lichtenberg performing at the Charles H. Morris Center as a part of the Savannah Music Festival.

Photography by Elliot Ross

The title says it all. Outlaw Nation was loud. They were many other things as well. Not only were they down to earth, but what really matters, is that they were true musicians. All three members, Christian Simeon (guitar/vocals), Danny Woolen (bass/backup vocals) and J.B. “Tha Drum Killa” (drums obviously), all have tremendous resumes in the music biz. United together under the name Outlaw Nation, this reggae rock group is going places. Signed to Stoopid Records, they are currently in the throws of an extensive tour of the lower 48 with Warped Tour bound Chase Long Beach and frequently perform with reggae heavyweights, Slightly Stoopid.

I had a chance to sit down with the guys from Outlaw Nation last Friday at LiveWire Music Hall. After discussing the merits of Mellow Mushroom pizza, we got down to business. They cite Sublime, 311, U2 and The Cure as heavy influences in their music. When I asked them to describe themselves using only two adjectives, they came up with “explosive” and “determined.” By the end of the night, there was no doubt that they backed their words up. I’m not sure if there is a more appropriate adjective other than explosive to describe J.B. “Tha Drum Killa.” He left the audience gaping with a ten minute drum solo that was the single greatest feat of stamina I have ever seen in a live performance. His arms were a blur and drumsticks were flying everywhere while stamping the bass drum all at the same time. The rest of the night consisted of soulful lyrics, throbbing bass and, of course, powerful drumming. Outlaw Nation is clearly a band on the rise.

Check them out before they trade intimate venues for large stadiums. Click here for their tour schedule.

Photographed and written by Elliot Ross