This unexpected surge in popularity for “This Damn Song” has propelled Pecos & the Rooftops into an exciting phase as they gear up to release their debut EP later in the year. In a revealing interview, lead vocalist Pecos Hurley delves into the band’s diverse musical influences, the story behind their breakout hit “This Damn Song,” and what fans can anticipate from their highly anticipated EP.
Band Origins and Musical DNA
Pro Country Music sat down with Pecos Hurley to explore the foundations of Pecos & the Rooftops. When asked about the band’s musical influences, Hurley painted a picture of a rich tapestry woven from country and rock icons. “Merle Haggard, Cross Canadian Ragweed, AC/DC, Led Zeppelin, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Stevie Ray Vaughn and many others,” he listed, showcasing a blend of classic country storytelling with rock and roll energy. This fusion is evident in their sound, creating a unique sonic landscape.
The formation of Pecos & the Rooftops is a story rooted in friendship and shared passions. Hurley recounted, “Brandon Jones and I have been friends since the 7th grade back in Paris, Texas.” Their bond extended to music when Jones encouraged Hurley to move to Lubbock in the summer of 2017. It was there that the lineup began to solidify. “That’s when I met Kalen and Kris,” Hurley explained. Kris, also from Paris, connected through Sheldon, while Kalen, originally from Garland, was Jones’s roommate.
The pivotal moment came when songwriting entered the mix. “After I had written a few songs and ‘This Damn Song’ with Kalen, we decided to all start playing music together, which soon turned into a band set up in our kitchen,” Hurley shared. By the summer of 2018, the five friends were all living together, fully committed to honing their craft and pursuing their musical aspirations as Pecos & the Rooftops.
The Pressure and Passion Behind “This Damn Song”
Releasing a debut single is a critical moment for any band, and Pecos & the Rooftops felt the weight of expectation with “This Damn Song.” Hurley acknowledged the inherent pressure, stating, “If there was no pressure in releasing your debut single, I don’t think that musicians would work as hard towards making sure that everything is right on it before sending the song in.” He elaborated that this pressure served as a motivator, pushing them to ensure the song was the best representation of their artistry. “The pressure sort of fuels you and makes you really be sure of what you’re trying to do. You always want to put the best music you can out there that listeners can enjoy and relate to something real that will leave a good impression (especially on a debut single).”
Beyond internal drive, external anticipation also played a role. Hurley mentioned the excitement of having people waiting for their music. “As far as external pressure, I was glad to have people anticipating the release so I was excited about getting it out there ASAP for them.” However, the band remained focused on quality, wanting to ensure “everything be to where the song was at its full potential before finalizing the release,” recognizing the importance of first impressions in the competitive music scene.
Unpacking the Story of “This Damn Song”
The raw emotion in “This Damn Song” stems from a deeply personal experience. Hurley revealed the inspiration behind the lyrics: “The song was written by myself and one of my roommates one night that we were all up late.” The narrative unfolds a story of heartbreak and complicated relationships. He described a past relationship of two years that ended due to uncontrollable family issues. A year later, reconnecting with a former flame sparked new feelings and a desire for positive change. However, the renewed connection proved to be short-lived. “When I noticed that she wasn’t really reciprocating my effort, I realized that I was probably more temporary to her.” The conversation about their dynamic led to the realization that they were perhaps too similar in their “crazy” lifestyles to make it work. This complex emotional landscape provided the fertile ground for the songwriting process that birthed “This Damn Song,” a track that captures the bittersweet pang of love and incompatibility.
Validation Through Streams: The Success of “This Damn Song”
The overwhelmingly positive reception of “This Damn Song” has been a significant validation for Pecos & the Rooftops. Surpassing their initial hopes, the song’s streaming numbers speak volumes. “The song has done better than we honestly were expecting,” Hurley admitted. The humility in their reaction is palpable as he continues, “Sure, we had high hopes, but the fact that it’s our debut single and doing this well has been extremely humbling.” The band recognizes the impact of these numbers, acknowledging, “Of course we want the song to bring our band some validation in the music scene, but I think that’s something that speaks for itself via the listeners/plays.” The organic growth of streams and listens serves as a testament to the song’s genuine connection with audiences.
A Fusion of Country and Rock: Defining Their Sound
“This Damn Song” isn’t easily confined to a single genre, showcasing a blend of country and rock elements. This versatility was a deliberate choice for their debut. Hurley explained, “I believe it was important. It’s an emotional song, so I wanted it to put off that vibe with the melody and rhythm, but still be able to throw some bluesy/rock ‘n roll sounds in where they were necessary to give it a more diverse sound.” This fusion allows Pecos & the Rooftops to appeal to a broader audience, bridging the gap between country music enthusiasts and rock aficionados.
Looking Ahead: The Debut EP and Beyond
The success of “This Damn Song” is just the beginning for Pecos & the Rooftops. Excitement is building for their debut EP, slated for release at the end of the year. Hurley offered a sneak peek into what listeners can expect: “Yes, we are planning on recording 6 songs for the EP, including one bonus track by the fall. I would expect to hear a few songs about heartbreak, a few songs you can cut a rug to, and the bonus track I won’t spoil for you!” The EP promises a diverse collection of tracks, ranging from poignant ballads to upbeat anthems, further solidifying their signature country-rock sound.
Looking beyond the EP release, Pecos & the Rooftops have ambitious plans for continued growth. “Keep writing music, play as many shows as possible, meet as many people as we can, and enjoy putting out an EP with a group of my best friends that hopefully everyone is going to be able to appreciate,” Hurley outlined. Their focus remains on connecting with fans through live performances and consistently creating authentic music.
In closing, Hurley expressed gratitude to their growing fanbase: “A big thank you to everyone that is behind our band and playing our music. If you would like to stay up to date with Pecos & the Rooftops, like/follow us on social media!” Pecos & the Rooftops’ journey, powered by the breakout success of “This Damn Song,” is one to watch as they carve their own space in the contemporary music landscape.
