First Real Post with Real Words about Real Music

If you know us, you know we love Delta Rae.

A little background info:

Delta Rae is a six piece band of awesome with four lead singers and a kickass rhythm section.

Liz Hopkins - Vocals/percussion

Brittany Holljes- Vocals/percussion

Eric Holljes - Vocals/piano (and sometimes guitar)

Ian Holljes - Vocals/guitar

Grant Emerson - Bass

Mike McKee - Drums

At the beginning of last year, they were signed to Sire/Warner by Seymour Stein.  That story has been told a million times, but if you haven’t heard it, you can check it out here. Before getting signed, they put out a 5 song EP (no longer for sale), released some of my favorite original songs and covers during the 12 week long Graet Mondays in early 2011, raised nearly $30,000 on Kickstarter to make their first full length album, and recorded a live album in December of 2011 (which you can get for free at www.deltarae.com when you sign up for their newsletter).

Most of you know this story, but just in case you don’t...here’s how we fell in love with them:

During the summer of 2010, Hanson did an opening band contest with Ourstage.com.  Bands in and around each city on the tour submitted their music, and the fans voted for their favorite. Before each show, Hanson would interview the band, have them play a couple of songs, and stream it to all of their fan club members via livestream. Delta Rae won the opening spot at The Orange Peel in Asheville, NC. Tess and I weren’t there (at that time, we hadn’t even met in real life, and we didn’t travel as much as we do now), but we both tuned in for the livestream.  Isaac, Taylor and Zac Hanson interviewed Liz, Brittany, Eric and Ian, and then Delta Rae sang New Days (Liz lead) and Bottom of the River (Brittany lead). I don’t think there was a single person watching that day that didn’t fall in love.  If they didn't, their ears are broken. Even Isaac was having a moment after hearing Bottom of the River!  After the stream, I immediately bought their EP on Amazon and found them on Twitter and Facebook. A couple of months later, while on my lunch break at work, Delta Rae tweeted that they had shirts for sale.  I had to have one.  By the time my lunch break was over, all of my coworkers were already tired of hearing about how excited I was about the shirt I had just ordered. A few days later, the shirt came in the mail with a sweet, hand written thank you note and a promise that they’d be in Texas soon.

A few months after that, our pal Laura was at my house for...something...and I scared the shit out of her when I suddenly screamed something along the lines of “OMG! DELTA RAE IS COMING TO TEXAS! WE’RE GOING!”  There were probably a few more cuss words said, but you get the point. Oh...and I'm not psychic. I was on my phone, looking at facebook or twitter. I practically fell out of bed and onto Laura and her airbed in my excitement. AND THEN A FEW MONTHS AFTER THAT,  they were finally here!  Laura drove to my house in north Houston, we drove up to Dallas, and met up with Tess and Amanda.  We got to the bar (The Bone, which is sadly no longer around) a little (super) early, and awkwardly hung around while they loaded all of their gear in and prepared for soundcheck.  This is getting way too long...clearly I enjoy talking...so let me wrap it up. They knew who I was (thank you, Twitter), were super excited to meet us, and blew us all away with their talent and kindness. Since then, we’ve flown and road tripped across the country to see them around 20 times in 4 states.  We’ve been to a ton of awesome cities, met so many incredibly awesome people, seen a lot of magical shows, started their street team, and even made Delta Rae cry a few happily overwhelmed tears. Yeah, we did that.  Yeah, we’re awesome.

Photo Credit: VegaBlue Studios

Torches. Awesome. But why torches? Well...the album is called Carry the Fire. That lyric is from the song Is There Anyone Out There. We decided to make their hometown cd release party the most awesome release party to have ever been partied and with a lot of help from awesome friends and fans, and a few DR family members, we had the audience literally carrying (fake) fire when the band walked back out for their encore. It was nuts in the best way possible.

Me, Pam, Laura, Gabby, Tess and Deane w/ the band

Setlist of awesome (HORNS & STRINGS!)

If you’re still reading this, you’re a trooper and your persistence will be rewarded!  Check out the new music video for their latest single, If I Loved You featuring Lindsey Buckingham.

Awesome, right? Duh.

You should also check out all of their other videos, which can be found here.

If you like what you hear, you can purchase their album, Carry the Fire, on Amazon , iTunes, and at Best Buy.

AND DO YOURSELF A FAVOR...keep up with their touring schedule and see them when they’re playing near you.  Their live show is INCREDIBLE, and should not be missed.  

Tour Dates

A few photos of awesome...

Amanda, Tess, Laura and me w/ the band after our 1st DR show!

Little Rock, Arkansas March 2012

Best. Present. Ever.

Jesse, Tess and Me w/ the band in Austin, TX December 2012

P.S.  Yes, we're hugging a trashcan. Why?  That trashcan is famous!  The band gave it to us after their show at The Kessler last December.  Wanna know why we’re happily hugging a trashcan and why Delta Rae would have one to give?  See it in action on Conan and Billboard.


And there it is. Our first REAL post! Enjoy. The next one will happen...soon...and it will be about...something. <3