Dry County
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Dry County

Brantford, Ontario, Canada | SELF

Brantford, Ontario, Canada | SELF
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"Banned From Radio. Edgy Country Rock Band Finally Gets Heard by Millions at UFC 87"

Dry County, an independent country rock band that has developed an underground and cult-like country music following, finally broke through mainstream barriers with the debut of their hit single "Waitin On Hank" at UFC 87.


Brantford, Canada, August 12, 2008 --(PR.com)-- Dry County, one of Canada’s top independent country rock bands, has been quietly making noise in their small backyard for many years, selling out local venues and building an army of loyal country music fans. Their success however has been bitter sweet, never getting mainstream acceptance because their sound was considered “too edgy” by the industry. On Saturday August 9, 2008, Dry County finally broke from the shackles and muzzles of the music industry to have their cult single “Waitin On Hank” debut as an entrance song for super heavyweight UFC fighter, the “Texas Crazy Horse” Heath Herring.

Millions of MMA fans from around the world finally got the chance to hear, what many call a rant against the industry, the song Waitin On Hank and its infamous chorus line “You don’t pee with the puppies and crap in the big dog’s yard.” Jeff Gallagher, frontman of Dry County says “Hank was inspired by years of frustration and rejection as an artist trying to break into an industry that frowned on edgy bands.”

Ironically it’s this same edge that hooked UFC fighter Heath Herring to “Waitin On Hank.” The song calls out for a new savior to come and restore order the traditional way by “laying a little senior boot to ass,” paying homage to Johnny Cash and Hank Williams.

The song “Waitin on Hank” is somewhat controversial because of its non-radio friendly lyrics but more so because it’s a shot against the industry. Its message resonates with many independent artists who similarly face the same struggles and challenges. Dry County has opened up for every major label country act in Canada but could never get the break they deserved.

Their fanbase continuously grows fueling underground demand for their music. Creative songwriting, honest lyrics, coupled with an album packed with some of the catchiest songs is testament that you cannot hold down this “tough as nails act” for long. Their song “Waitin On Hank” now shares the same UFC entrance music charts with country music legends Johnny Cash and Hank Williams Jr.

http://www.pr.com/press-release/100056
- i Shout Media


"Banned From Radio. Edgy Country Rock Band Finally Gets Heard by Millions at UFC 87"

Dry County, an independent country rock band that has developed an underground and cult-like country music following, finally broke through mainstream barriers with the debut of their hit single "Waitin On Hank" at UFC 87.


Brantford, Canada, August 12, 2008 --(PR.com)-- Dry County, one of Canada’s top independent country rock bands, has been quietly making noise in their small backyard for many years, selling out local venues and building an army of loyal country music fans. Their success however has been bitter sweet, never getting mainstream acceptance because their sound was considered “too edgy” by the industry. On Saturday August 9, 2008, Dry County finally broke from the shackles and muzzles of the music industry to have their cult single “Waitin On Hank” debut as an entrance song for super heavyweight UFC fighter, the “Texas Crazy Horse” Heath Herring.

Millions of MMA fans from around the world finally got the chance to hear, what many call a rant against the industry, the song Waitin On Hank and its infamous chorus line “You don’t pee with the puppies and crap in the big dog’s yard.” Jeff Gallagher, frontman of Dry County says “Hank was inspired by years of frustration and rejection as an artist trying to break into an industry that frowned on edgy bands.”

Ironically it’s this same edge that hooked UFC fighter Heath Herring to “Waitin On Hank.” The song calls out for a new savior to come and restore order the traditional way by “laying a little senior boot to ass,” paying homage to Johnny Cash and Hank Williams.

The song “Waitin on Hank” is somewhat controversial because of its non-radio friendly lyrics but more so because it’s a shot against the industry. Its message resonates with many independent artists who similarly face the same struggles and challenges. Dry County has opened up for every major label country act in Canada but could never get the break they deserved.

Their fanbase continuously grows fueling underground demand for their music. Creative songwriting, honest lyrics, coupled with an album packed with some of the catchiest songs is testament that you cannot hold down this “tough as nails act” for long. Their song “Waitin On Hank” now shares the same UFC entrance music charts with country music legends Johnny Cash and Hank Williams Jr.

http://www.pr.com/press-release/100056
- i Shout Media


"Dry County Fundraiser Party"

When One More Round Clothing heard that Canadian country rockers 'Dry County' organized a fundraiser party to raise money for their upcoming tour to Las Vegas in October, we jumped at the chance to assist them, and sent the Texas Crazy Horse in person for support! You may know Dry County as th band that played Herring’s last UFC entrance song: "Waitin On Hank".

Over a thousand country music and MMA fans showed up at Jackhammers Nightclub in Brantford, Ontario Canada on Friday to meet Heath Herring and hear Dry County one last time before they fly out for their first Las Vegas “tour.” The venue buzzed with excitement and set an attendance record as Dry County fans welcomed the arrival of One More Round's Heath Herring to their hometown! Said the band, "the fans simply loved Heath and having him present at this event made it ever more special for the fans!

Dry County's popularity has recently exploded in the United States since their song debuted at UFC 87. Dry County (http://www.myspace.com/drycounty). What’s next? The band is a featured act at Vegas Bikefest 2008, and will be performing on October 2 and 4 on the main stage in the village. Check ‘em out!

http://www.onemoreroundclothing.com/culture/eventcoverage/dry-county-fundraiser-party
- One More Round


"Dry County Fundraiser Party"

When One More Round Clothing heard that Canadian country rockers 'Dry County' organized a fundraiser party to raise money for their upcoming tour to Las Vegas in October, we jumped at the chance to assist them, and sent the Texas Crazy Horse in person for support! You may know Dry County as th band that played Herring’s last UFC entrance song: "Waitin On Hank".

Over a thousand country music and MMA fans showed up at Jackhammers Nightclub in Brantford, Ontario Canada on Friday to meet Heath Herring and hear Dry County one last time before they fly out for their first Las Vegas “tour.” The venue buzzed with excitement and set an attendance record as Dry County fans welcomed the arrival of One More Round's Heath Herring to their hometown! Said the band, "the fans simply loved Heath and having him present at this event made it ever more special for the fans!

Dry County's popularity has recently exploded in the United States since their song debuted at UFC 87. Dry County (http://www.myspace.com/drycounty). What’s next? The band is a featured act at Vegas Bikefest 2008, and will be performing on October 2 and 4 on the main stage in the village. Check ‘em out!

http://www.onemoreroundclothing.com/culture/eventcoverage/dry-county-fundraiser-party
- One More Round


"Fighting for fame, fans"

Still riding a Nashville buzz, Dry County's country boys are heading to Sin City -- and hangin' with the heavyweights.

The Brantford band are hoping for a warm send-off Friday, when they head into their regular stomping grounds, Jackhammers, for a gig before leaving Oct. 2 to perform at Las Vegas Bike Fest. They'll have some high-powered company on hand here, as UFC super-heavyweight brawler Heath Herring comes out for the show.
The six-foot-four, 270-lb. Texas Crazy Horse, as he's known in the ring, is using Dry County's amped-up anthem Waitin' on Hank as his signature song. It's a sweet marketing marriage for the musicians, whose tune was heard by some 11 million pay-per-view TV watchers during an Aug. 9 bout.

"That was so huge for us," says Randy Solski, Dry County's guitarist. Even though he produced the track -- which samples the iconic theme from The Good, The Bad and The Ugly -- Solski still couldn't quite believe it would air until he heard it for himself.

Since then, the band's MySpace site ( www.myspace.com/drycounty)has logged tons of hits from UFC fans wanting to hear more. And some 5,500 have watched a YouTube clip featuring Herring's entrance theme.
"It has been a phenomenal opportunity for us," says Solski.

The endorsement was arranged by Johnny Ioannou of Waterloo-based www.indiesolo.com,who began managing the band in January. He's targeting partnerships that match Dry County's demographic market: fans of wrestling, racing and other sports -- including NHL hockey.

The Nashville Predators have commissioned a theme song -- a hard-driving number called I've Got You Now -- from the band, which is waiting to hear what comes next. "I've talked to the marketing director of the Predators and she loved it. But we need to talk about budgets," says Ioannou.

He's also pitched the boys to Kraft Canada, reworking their song Cowboy Up as a potential jingle for BullsEye Barbecue Sauce.

"You have to be creative," the manager says of promoting Dry County, whose original high-octane tunes have attracted lots of fans -- but not radio play or a major record label. "We're going through the back door of the industry to create demand."

The back door brought them to Nashville in April, for shows at some prestigious venues and an eye-opening look at the country music capital.

The boys -- Solski, singer Jeff Gallagher, Don LaFramboise on keyboards, bassist Keith Silver and Ric Wilson (Uncle Dik) on drums -- were an anomaly on the strip, as one of few bands earning money from their music.
The musical hotspot attracts "every hack singing karaoke, who goes down and begs the club owners to play" says Gallagher, who was struck by the disparity between rich stars and poor wannabes. "It was a great learning experience."

"Everyone thinks you have to go down to Nashville to make it, but that's so far from the truth," adds Solski. "None of the music industry people care what's going on down on the strip."
The trip was a buzz, all the same.

Followed to Tennessee by about 30 local fans, Dry County got the star treatment one day when they encountered some admirers who asked for photos. Before long, there was a lineup stretching down the street.
"We didn't have the heart to tell them we were nobodies," jokes Gallagher.
"We were seen as a novelty act-- these crazy bunch of little men jumping around," adds Solski. "But every place we played had capacity crowds."

Among the listeners was a rep for the Predators, who had been invited by Ioannou. "He's blowing some good doors open for us," says Gallagher.

After a busy summer spent playing the festival circuit and their regular clubs -- including Jackhammers and Norma Jean's in London -- Dry County continues to work on material for a third album. Called Cowboy Up, the CD should be released early next year. It's a follow-up to 2005's Waitin' on Hank, which moved 5,000
copies and spurred the band to a new level of success.

Formed in 1998 by longtime friends Solski and Gallagher, Dry County has since logged hundreds of shows and snagged some trophies, including two Ontario Country Music Awards in 2004, two nominations for the 2007 Toronto Independent Music Awards and a nod for the 2008 London Music Awards.

The band, which prides itself on putting on an all-out show, is taken a lot more seriously these days.
"Nobody treats us like five hillbillies anymore," says Gallagher, 31. "That shows we've broken through a few barriers."

"The sky's the limit for us," predicts Solski, 34. "We're not near there yet: not even close."

- ELIZABETH YATES, EXPOSITOR STAFF


"Fighting for fame, fans"

Still riding a Nashville buzz, Dry County's country boys are heading to Sin City -- and hangin' with the heavyweights.

The Brantford band are hoping for a warm send-off Friday, when they head into their regular stomping grounds, Jackhammers, for a gig before leaving Oct. 2 to perform at Las Vegas Bike Fest. They'll have some high-powered company on hand here, as UFC super-heavyweight brawler Heath Herring comes out for the show.
The six-foot-four, 270-lb. Texas Crazy Horse, as he's known in the ring, is using Dry County's amped-up anthem Waitin' on Hank as his signature song. It's a sweet marketing marriage for the musicians, whose tune was heard by some 11 million pay-per-view TV watchers during an Aug. 9 bout.

"That was so huge for us," says Randy Solski, Dry County's guitarist. Even though he produced the track -- which samples the iconic theme from The Good, The Bad and The Ugly -- Solski still couldn't quite believe it would air until he heard it for himself.

Since then, the band's MySpace site ( www.myspace.com/drycounty)has logged tons of hits from UFC fans wanting to hear more. And some 5,500 have watched a YouTube clip featuring Herring's entrance theme.
"It has been a phenomenal opportunity for us," says Solski.

The endorsement was arranged by Johnny Ioannou of Waterloo-based www.indiesolo.com,who began managing the band in January. He's targeting partnerships that match Dry County's demographic market: fans of wrestling, racing and other sports -- including NHL hockey.

The Nashville Predators have commissioned a theme song -- a hard-driving number called I've Got You Now -- from the band, which is waiting to hear what comes next. "I've talked to the marketing director of the Predators and she loved it. But we need to talk about budgets," says Ioannou.

He's also pitched the boys to Kraft Canada, reworking their song Cowboy Up as a potential jingle for BullsEye Barbecue Sauce.

"You have to be creative," the manager says of promoting Dry County, whose original high-octane tunes have attracted lots of fans -- but not radio play or a major record label. "We're going through the back door of the industry to create demand."

The back door brought them to Nashville in April, for shows at some prestigious venues and an eye-opening look at the country music capital.

The boys -- Solski, singer Jeff Gallagher, Don LaFramboise on keyboards, bassist Keith Silver and Ric Wilson (Uncle Dik) on drums -- were an anomaly on the strip, as one of few bands earning money from their music.
The musical hotspot attracts "every hack singing karaoke, who goes down and begs the club owners to play" says Gallagher, who was struck by the disparity between rich stars and poor wannabes. "It was a great learning experience."

"Everyone thinks you have to go down to Nashville to make it, but that's so far from the truth," adds Solski. "None of the music industry people care what's going on down on the strip."
The trip was a buzz, all the same.

Followed to Tennessee by about 30 local fans, Dry County got the star treatment one day when they encountered some admirers who asked for photos. Before long, there was a lineup stretching down the street.
"We didn't have the heart to tell them we were nobodies," jokes Gallagher.
"We were seen as a novelty act-- these crazy bunch of little men jumping around," adds Solski. "But every place we played had capacity crowds."

Among the listeners was a rep for the Predators, who had been invited by Ioannou. "He's blowing some good doors open for us," says Gallagher.

After a busy summer spent playing the festival circuit and their regular clubs -- including Jackhammers and Norma Jean's in London -- Dry County continues to work on material for a third album. Called Cowboy Up, the CD should be released early next year. It's a follow-up to 2005's Waitin' on Hank, which moved 5,000
copies and spurred the band to a new level of success.

Formed in 1998 by longtime friends Solski and Gallagher, Dry County has since logged hundreds of shows and snagged some trophies, including two Ontario Country Music Awards in 2004, two nominations for the 2007 Toronto Independent Music Awards and a nod for the 2008 London Music Awards.

The band, which prides itself on putting on an all-out show, is taken a lot more seriously these days.
"Nobody treats us like five hillbillies anymore," says Gallagher, 31. "That shows we've broken through a few barriers."

"The sky's the limit for us," predicts Solski, 34. "We're not near there yet: not even close."

- ELIZABETH YATES, EXPOSITOR STAFF


Discography

Cowboy Up! (released spring 2010)

Waitin On Hank (released fall 2005)

Dry County (released 2002)

Photos

Bio

WHERE AC/DC MEETS ALABAMA...

Refusing to be restricted by what typical country music showcases, Canada's top independent country rock act, Dry County's popularity has exploded. Their music heard by millions, when their cult single "Waitin On Hank" became the official entrance song for UFC super heavy weight fighter "Texas Crazy Horse" Heath Herring in 2008.

They have soiled the pages of country music publications, newspapers, and Internet blogs and sell out venues across the province of Ontario. Originally formed in 1998 after shared decades on the bar and festival circuit, Dry County established itself as a high energy act infusing new country with southern rock. Their 2002 self-titled debut CD landed 5 songs on over 50 radio stations nationwide and have been included in live to air interviews as feature artists.

Their controversial 2005 release, "Waitin' On Hank", received huge attention from all over the world and landed 4 singles on major market radio giving Dry County massive exposure and a fan base unmatched for a band that is proud to be 100% self-contained.

Backed by their legions of fans (known now as The Redneck Mafia), and landing multiple sponsorships (including Taye Drums, Yamaha Keyboards and Budweiser to name a few), Dry County released the long awaited "Cowboy Up" album in April 2010 selling thousands of copies in just the first 2 weeks and thousands more via iTunes downloads landing them a "Peoples Choice Award" for Group of the Year at the Hamilton Music Awards in November 2010.

2012 continued to bring Dry County major exposure by landing supporting roles for country music mega stars: Lady Antebellum, Jason Aldean, Trace Adkins, Montgomery Gentry, Lonestar, Martina Mcbride, Blake Shelton and The Kentucky Headhunters.

2013 is expected to be Dry Countys biggest year beginning with 'Cowboy Up' being featured in MTV's "BUCKWILD". Along side the announcement of their 4th studio release, and continually in the iTunes top 200 for Country, it looks as if there is NO END IN SIGHT, for the baddest band in country music.

Band Members