The Riders

Based out of Konawa, OK, The Riders, including Nathan Isaacs (lead vocals, rhythm guitar), Jonathan Isaacs (lead guitar), Micah Isaacs (drums) and Kody Wilson (bass guitar) emerged nearly two years ago with a fresh sound that is the product of ten years of growth, experience, trial and triumph.

The band was formed by Nathan as a result of an experience in the summer of 1994. They had been messing around with music for a while, but had not been serious about it at all. They gained a vision and a purpose for the first time and finally made the decision to get serious about utilizing and pursuing the gifts they possessed to share a unique sound with inspired lyrics that everyone could relate to.

Their first official show was on New Year’s Eve 1994, at a pizza place in Konawa, OK. Soon after, they began playing every weekend at various clubs and coffee houses. In 1998 they set out on their first summer tour across three states and consequently began developing a strong following throughout the Mid-West. As the years passed, they matured as musicians, enhancing their sound, developing lyrically and cultivating their ability to inspire and refresh those they came into contact with.

Their name, inspired by a Robert Frost poem “Riders”, speaks of adventure and discovery. “There are unexplored ideas and lyrics that haven’t been written, we want to uncover those. We want to experience old ideas through fresh eyes and communicate these revelations through unique music, not just repackage what sells”, says guitar player Jonathan Isaacs.

In 2003, the band was signed to Blacksmith Records in Nashville, TN, with distribution through Universal. They recorded their album Honesty under their previous name Peculiar, at the Sound Emporium in the Music City. They debuted in Nashville at Rockettown followed by a tour to support Honesty in the summer of 2003. In early 2004 the band recorded Surely Goodness, and toured it during the summer of 2004. The band took a hiatus in 2005 so Jonathan, Micah and Kody could finish a full year of college, and so Nathan and his wife Melissa, could welcome their new daughter Jaylyn into the world.

In the Spring of 2006 The Riders journeyed back into the studio to record their soon to be released album Songs for Bruce. “This album is the most in-depth project to date”, says lead singer Nathan Isaacs. “The influences and styling of the record range from a Wilco/Radiohead blend, without the tragedy and in the vain of Coldplay, The Beatles and Built to Spill.” Bass Player Kody Wilson had this to say, “It seemed different making this album, the guys own the studio, so it allowed us the freedom and allotted us the time individually and collectively to shape the album. There is so much substance to it”.

The band kicked off their Summer Magic Tour to promote their new album, on June 2nd in Grove, Ok and began the trek across four states including Oklahoma, Texas, Arizona and New Mexico. They released their third album Songs for Bruce in Oklahoma City on June 13th. They appeared at a variety of venues, including clubs and coffee houses. This summer alone, The Riders played to combined audiences of over 5,000 people.