Hardcore Troubadours

What do you get when you cross a 15 year old band from Berlin, Germany that plays modern country music with a singer/songwriter from Houston, Texas?The Hardcore Troubadours.From campgrounds to coffee houses, college campus to clothing optional resorts; singer/songwriter Wil Van Winkle has played some pretty off the wall gigs, but the strangest yet was when he stumbled upon an ad from a country band in Berlin looking for a new singer. The Hardcore Troubadours, taking their name from the Steve Earl song of same title, existed for years as a coverband playing bars, fairs, and conventions with varying line-ups and a good deal of success. Founded by Carsten "Calle" (guitar) and Carston "Cheevy" (bass) who had played in bands together prior to HCT, the two Carstons decided to go in a different direction to pay respects to their love of American music; as well as, find a way to stand out in Germany. This resulted in a diversified play list ranging from Johnny Cash & Dwight Yokum to Big and Rich & Kieth Urban and a few surprises in between.Weeks into practice & it was clear that the newest incarnation of the Hardcore Troubadours, featuring Tommy and Calle on guitar, Cheevy on bass, Didier on drums and Wil on acoustic and vocals, could be every bit as successful as the previous ones. Attendance reports from the first few gigs proved that not only would the band continue on its path, but would surpass previous versions. Less than a year in the band has begun work on original material, just completed a new live demo with 2 original songs in the mix, and has begun work on their first full length CD.