Ronnie Eaton and the Cold, Hard Truth
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Ronnie Eaton and the Cold, Hard Truth

Lubbock, Texas, United States | Established. Jan 01, 2014 | INDIE

Lubbock, Texas, United States | INDIE
Established on Jan, 2014
Band Americana Singer/Songwriter

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"Ronnie Eaton performs at the KBAT 99.9 Studios"

Interview and live performances at the KBAT studios in Midland, TX. - KBAT/Townsquare media


"Ronnie Eaton and the Cold, Hard Truth to Play CD Release Party"

Ronnie Eaton and Cold, Hard Truth to play CD release party


When naming the band’s soon-to-be-released album “What If We Are Ghosts,” Ronnie Eaton decided to question the source of his reality.

What if we really aren’t here? What if you unwittingly died and just traveled back and forth through the moments of your life that meant the most?


Ronnie Eaton and the Cold, Hard Truth (made up of Derek Guthrie, Byron Mason, Aaron Dick and Terry Moore) will perform at 9 p.m. Friday at Jake’s Sports Café and Backroom, 5025 50th St., with special guests The Goners and Sugarwitch.

“I kind of had this thought when I was talking to my wife. We were watching some kind of movie, probably a horror movie,” Eaton said and laughed. “It’s kind of morbid, but what if we are all dead and the moments we are living presently are just moments that have already happened? What if we are choosing to relive them?

“The characters in the songs are more often than not just me,” he added. “But, what if you were reliving moments of your life that you couldn’t let go of for some reason?”

But the album does more than just question existence and reality with the title. When Eaton went to write the songs for “What If We Are Ghosts,” he was also rehashing personal experiences and demons. The Cold, Hard Truth lived up to the name when recording songs for the album.

“This record, it was really kind of hard,” said Eaton. “The last album I wrote about other people. I’ve spent some time playing and singing for the homeless community here in town, and most of the songs were about that. This album is all about me. It’s about addictions, questioning faith and coming out of that and trying to find your sense of worth in the world. It’s all of those things and those dark places that my mind takes me sometimes.”

Coming clean with the truth and dealing with the spirituality and pain of life were the most difficult parts of the process, but the bluesy vibe and smoky riffs were easy when recording the songs, he said. The band worked on the album for up to seven months and then laid tracks. Eaton said he gave the band his skeleton frame built from words and they put the music to them, giving them both motion and life.

“This time we had a full band,” said Eaton. “The Cold Hard Truth helped out a lot and it made the process a lot easier. It made the writing process a lot easier. It really just kind of came together and it was one of the easiest things I’ve ever done while playing music.”

Eaton said that once the lights go out on the CD release party, the band will continue to promote the album and is currently working on filling dates for a West Texas run.

“Our goal is to play whenever, wherever and as much as possible,” he said. “We want to send it as far as we can. Thankfully we are in the digital age, but we want to take the band around as much as possible.”

As for the upcoming performance, the band’s frontman said he was looking forward to the party and that he expects to play many of the songs from the album. He also expects to receive some good vibes from his special guests.

“We are playing with The Goners and Sugarwitch, which are two incredible local bands,” he said. “My favorite local bands. Fans are in for a treat because we are also going to be playing songs from the new album that we haven’t been playing live before. It’s going to be a really good time.” - Lubbock Online/Lubbock Avalanche Journal


"Snapshot: Snow Days"

by: Thomas D. Mooney
Editor-in-Chief

Despite the snow and icy road conditions, the wind hasn’t been too bad the last few days. Still, a few inches of snow and the prospect of anarchy and chaos on the roads can drive a person to boarding up the doors and staying in the confines of their home. Who can really blame them. Really, that’s a perfectly normal thing to do.

But that whole fair weather fan sentiment does come into play. You begin to see which of your friends are fans and which of your fans are diehards.

Winter Storm Advisory shows are a strange bunch. They can all be a little different, but they’re undeniably characterized by a strange vibe that’s difficult to impossible to quantify. To hell with summarizing it in a sentence. There’s many factors that help create this vibe, but the one I’m most interested in is the following:

The singer-songwriter/artist/musician to normal people ratio is off.

Typically, crowds are “normal people” heavy with sprinkles and pockets of musicians and bands. But these bad weather shows, it’s the polar opposite. It’s pretty telling that the only people willing to bundle up, drive slow on ice, and attend these shows are other musicians and artists.

And I don’t think in a tainted, phony, or calculated way either. It’s more genuine than ever.

Friday night at Jake’s, Ronnie Eaton & The Cold Hard Truth–an apt band name for the subject at hand–released their second album, What If We Are Ghosts, with two other Lubbock greats, Sugarwitch and The Goners. It’s been in the works as the release date for at least a month and a half–a real circle the date in red marker kind of thing.

No one dropped from the bill. No cancellations or postponement. No excuses. Eaton was asked if he’d like to move the date to Sunday (which was still pretty much the same) and his response was no way. Not a chance.

Eaton had plenty of friends and family attend, but there were also songwriters and musicians–and not just from the two openers. Eaton would’ve shook everyone’s hand and thanked them for coming regardless of the weather, but you undoubtedly knew he meant it with snow falling outside. He’d have probably even helped you scrape ice off your windows.

You saw it in exchanges–probably the most telling in a conversation between Eaton and fellow Lubbock songwriter Stephen St. Clair. You read it the next day with Tweets like “The name of the next album will be ‘Heath Tolleson Got Me Drunk.'”

Saturday was much the same at Blue Light. It was supposed to be a celebration of sorts. A Texas Independence Day with Lonestar Beer being there with the aforementioned St. Clair, Aaron Einhouse, and Red Shahan playing. Einhouse couldn’t make it and was sufficiently substituted by an acoustic Dalton Domino successfully making it an all-Lubbock affair.

Again, the crowd was overwhelmingly songwriters and the like.

What does all that mean? What makes it different? I think it’s a couple of things.

A) People tend to give a shit.

I know, it’s surprising that musicians, songwriters, artists, and bands typically like to listen to great songwriting and music. It seems a little no-brainer. But really, if you’re trekking through the weather and making an effort to see someone perform, you’re more than likely going to shut up and listen–musician or not.

B) There’s an understanding and appreciation amongst these people.

Again, maybe a no-brainer. But there’s respect between those who made it out and the band performing. Bands should be giving a crowd their money’s worth every time they perform–and a lot do–but during these shows, the band typically goes even harder than usual. There’s maybe a few things done that they’d have not done in front of a barnstormer.

Or it could be something else that was said by a musician who I won’t identify for the sake of anonymity. Maybe it’s that musicians and songwriters are just cooler than other people.

Essentially, the conversation went like this:


Me: I sometimes think about how strange and interesting some of these songwriters are. And I wonder if it’s just because I’m hanging out with musicians all the time that I think they’re interesting people and would think the same if I was friends with all realtors or car salesmen.

Songwriter #1: No. It’s because they’re really interesting people. They’re a little crazy. Anytime I’m with other people, I just think about how uninteresting they can be. I mean, they’re good people, but they can be boring.

Me: I tend to think that’s the case too. But hell, I could be wrong. I’m wrong about a lot of stuff.

Songwriter #1: No. The songwriters around here are a pretty crazy bunch.

Me: There’s no doubting the crazy part.

The weather, yeah, it’s not the best, but it sort of makes the entire thing more memorable and an experience. It sets it apart from the rest. The images are more vivid and don’t mix with the rest of the times you saw them perform.

Shahan covering “All of Me” by John Legend sticks out a little more. Guitarist Ryan Tharp (who plays with Shahan) playing two of his own songs, they’re a little rich. Jerry Serrano’s trumpet pops out even more on St. Clair and Goners songs. Eaton preluding songs such as “Clean” with why this album is more personal than The Moth Complex, it becomes more important. Etc. Etc. Etc.

Faces in the crowd are defined. Songs you hear are clearer. Conversations you’re a part of, they’re more candid and coherent.

There’s less selfies and Snapchats and more music absorption and sincerity. - Newslang


"Ronnie Eaton at The Mean Woman Grill"

As we write this Ronnie Eaton is the number one songwriter in Lubbock on ReverbNation.

Ronnie Eaton has played guitar since he was in high school. He grew up in Post, TX, played in some bands and tried his own thing for awhile in college.

Then, he just stopped playing for about two years. Yet when he saw what was happening with the homeless community here in Lubbock, he tells us he felt God calling him to go out and do something. So he didn’t have any money and he’s never been good at organizing or making a plan, so he just took his guitar downtown and started playing and singing at the Civic Center and at the Mahon Library for the men and women that were sleeping out there.

When they moved out to Tent City he went out there to play as well. He continued doing that for about two and a half years. In that process, he started writing again and his friends at Tent City really encouraged him to start playing again, so he started booking some gigs, recorded some songs and it kind of took off from there.

He’s been playing and singing somewhere almost every weekend for about the last three years. He’s played at the Gaslight, Ruby Tequilas, the Local, Gatsby’s, J&B, D’Vine Wine when it was open, as well as some places in Amarillo and Clovis, and of course now, he will take the stage at the Mean Woman Grill for the first time.

He tells us that “I play covers and originals and I released my first album, The Moth Complex, in January 2013. It has some bluegrass, folk, blues and alternative. All written and recorded by myself and my best friend Derek Guthrie”

Most of the songs are inspired or directly about my time with the homeless community in Lubbock. He is currently working on his second album with his band, Ronnie Eaton and The Cold, Hard Truth. We Look forward to him Playing. - The Mean Woman Grill


"Ronnie Eaton performs live on Good Day Lubbock"

http://mobile.myfoxlubbock.com/display/3258/story/9ca31aa13e95406be3118ffc3f3bdfb9 - Fox 34 Good Day Lubbock


"Ronnie Eaton performs on the PBS program 24 Frames"

Performance of the song 'Dashboard' on the PBS program 24 Frames. - PBS


"Introducing Ronnie Eaton"

After releasing his debut album, ‘The Moth Complex,’ Eaton decided it was time expand his sounds: ‘I think as a musician, or artist, or creator, your goal should to be to always improve and expand on what you create, and with this band, we are definitely doing that. Playing with these guys not only makes me a better musician, but a better writer as well.’
Ronnie Eaton and the Cold, Hard Truth is currently playing shows in West Texas and Eastern New Mexico and plan to release an album titled, ‘What if We are Ghosts…’ in 2014. - Niji Magazine


"Ronnie Eaton: Tells it All"

Ronnie Eaton has paid a lot of dues playing in bands and as a solo act in and around the Lubbock, Texas area for over ten years. In 2012 with the release of his debut EP, “There’s No Way to Tell,” he finally saw the hard work pay off.

In 2010 Ronnie began playing weekly “concerts” for the homeless community in Lubbock. Every Wednesday night for two years he sang songs while his friend wrote down prayer requests in a notebook. “The first time I went down to the library to play for the homeless, I don’t think anyone really knew what to think (laughs). But I’ve been down and out before and I know how much a song can lift you up when you’re broken,” said Ronnie.

His time playing for the homeless reignited his passion for writing and recording, and in late 2011 he called up longtime friend and producer, Derek Guthrie, to discuss recording an acoustic demo at Guthrie’s studio, Two Draw Records. The end result was “There’s No Way to Tell.”

“There’s No Way to Tell” was met with generous acclaim from critics, strangers, and friends. The music was compared to artists such as Mumford & Sons, Chuck Ragan, and Ryan Adams, and has had mild success on iTunes and Spotify. The song “Lonely Night” was selected to play on the online radio station, Butterflies Radio.

After recording and releasing “There’s No Way to Tell,” Ronnie was inspired to play as much as possible. He played shows at various coffee shops, bars, and wineries in Lubbock and Amarillo. He was selected to play at The Buddy Holly Center in Lubbock and the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal featured him on the cover of their entertainment section.

After spending time listening to and shopping out his debut EP, Ronnie decided to contact Derek Guthrie and go back into the studio in mid-2012. “It’s not that we hated the EP (laughs), we just wanted to do more. We knew we could make everything sound better so we started working on ‘The Moth Complex.’”

Ronnie’s debut full-length album,”The Moth Complex,” was released in January 2013.

- KIT21


"Katie Gets Krabby with Ronnie Eaton"

Alternative country artist Ronnie Eaton visits Katie for a discussion about his music, what and who inspires him, what some of the more difficult aspects of the industry are, and his aspirations for the future. The pair also check out a few tracks from Eaton's latest album and discuss those songs specifically. - Just A Fase Media


"Katie Gets Krabby with Ronnie Eaton"

Alternative country artist Ronnie Eaton visits Katie for a discussion about his music, what and who inspires him, what some of the more difficult aspects of the industry are, and his aspirations for the future. The pair also check out a few tracks from Eaton's latest album and discuss those songs specifically. - Just A Fase Media


"Middle Child Records Profile: Ronnie Eaton"

Middle Child Records profile of Lubbock singer/songwriter, Ronnie Eaton. - Middle Child Records


"Middle Child Records Profile: Ronnie Eaton"

Middle Child Records profile of Lubbock singer/songwriter, Ronnie Eaton. - Middle Child Records


"Singer/Songwriter- Ronnie Eaton, Lubbock, TX USA"

Australian entertainment website, Uptone Entertainment, gives an inside look at American singer/songwriter Ronnie Eaton. - Uptone Entertainment


"Singer/Songwriter- Ronnie Eaton, Lubbock, TX USA"

Australian entertainment website, Uptone Entertainment, gives an inside look at American singer/songwriter Ronnie Eaton. - Uptone Entertainment


"Ronnie Eaton"

History: Ronnie Eaton, Derek Guthrie, and Byron Mason have been a musical team for the past three years. While Ronnie was playing acoustic shows around the Lubbock, Texas area, the three worked in the studio on Ronnie's debut album, The Moth Complex. Ronnie is the primary songwriter but says,"Once we all three get together is when the songs really come alive. Derek's creativity as a producer and guitar player and Byron's harmonies really turn the music into a different animal. It's like I bring them an egg and the three of us together make it hatch."

Something Special: Ronnie dropped out of the music scene for years until he started taking his guitar out to the homeless community in Lubbock. He played weekly concerts for the homeless for about two years and started to write original material again. After writing several songs, he contacted Derek and Byron, and they started recording and playing music together again.
- Unsigned Corner


"MUSIC VIDEO: RONNIE EATON “SMILE & NOD”"

Lubbock singer-songwriter Ronnie Eaton has shared his latest music video for the song “Smile & Nod.” It’s currently the second single from Eaton’s debut full-length record The Moth Complex which was released earlier this year. Watch “Smile & Nod” below.
You can currently download his ’12 EP There’s No Way to Tell for free on Noisetrade and find The Moth Complex at the usual places (Amazon, iTunes, etc). - Thomas Mooney via New Slang


"MUSIC VIDEO: RONNIE EATON “SMILE & NOD”"

Lubbock singer-songwriter Ronnie Eaton has shared his latest music video for the song “Smile & Nod.” It’s currently the second single from Eaton’s debut full-length record The Moth Complex which was released earlier this year. Watch “Smile & Nod” below.
You can currently download his ’12 EP There’s No Way to Tell for free on Noisetrade and find The Moth Complex at the usual places (Amazon, iTunes, etc). - Thomas Mooney via New Slang


"The Lubbock Legacy Continues"

In the North West corner of the great state of Texas lies a little town known locally as the "Hub-City." It gained this name because it is the center for the economy, education, and health care for a multi-county region of Texas known as the South Plains. It wasn't until I moved here and started to venture out into this community did I realize that not only is Lubbock, Texas the hub for those forementioned things in this area but it is also the center of growth and development of a large number of insanely talented musicians and singer/songwriters. Lubbock is not a fluke in producing just a couple of popluar artists like local legend Buddy Holly or the famed Dixie Chicks lead singer Natalie Maines. In fact, once you start exploring the local music scene in Lubbock you start to believe that there must be something in the water. And if this is true Ronnie Eaton must be chugging the stuff.

Ronnie's debut release, called the Moth Complex, is a testament to the great local music scene of Lubbock. Not only does it highlight the singer/songwriters sexy country/rock voice and his abilities as a lyricist and songwriter but it also showcases the talent of the other great local artists who contributed to this album. All instruments were perfomed by local artists and the album was produced and mixed locally. Even the cover was done by a local artist (who happens to be Ronnie's wife). It's because of this great collaboration by true artists and their love for music that we have been blessed by the release of this album.

The album begins with an upbeat and catchy tune that is also the first single to be released on the album. "No Way to Tell" has the ability to rocket Ronnie to the next level if the right ears fall on it. You'll find yourself humming or singing the hook long after you've listened to it. Or (as happened with my wife and kids as I was listening to it) it might spark a spontaneous dance party in the living room. There is a reason that this song is the single release as it is quite infectious and has the formula to make a local artist a national sensation.

The single is obviously there to entice you into Ronnie's world. But like the devil might do with temptation and sin, once you've tasted it you'll want more and more and by the time you've listened to the whole thing you'll realize it's not at all what you expected at the beginning.

The album continues with songs that really take you on a journey through the life of people you might come across as you travel through Texas. They are filled with pain, heartache, joy and grace. If the music is the telling of Ronnie's life then there is no doubt he has experienced hardship and has poured all of that into these songs. Also put into his music is the apparent influence of local Texas artists like Robert Earl Keen and some of the greats like Tom Petty and Ryan Adams.

It's the kind of album that you'll want to listen to every song on the album. There are definitely a few gems on there like "Smile and Nod" and "Dashboard" which you'll find yourself hitting the repeat button a few times. But every song has the ability to draw you in and experience the life of the character Ronnie has created in your mind.

I am so thankful to know Ronnie personally and blessed that I have watched this rising local artist begin his journey to success in music. Which, if he keeps writing stuff like this, he no doubt will be. It's not often that an artist's freshman album release is so well done but something special has been created with the Moth Complex. It will be one of those coveted albums that people will come back too after he has been making music for years and has released even greater albums since. - Aaron Dick via iTunes


"The Lubbock Legacy Continues"

In the North West corner of the great state of Texas lies a little town known locally as the "Hub-City." It gained this name because it is the center for the economy, education, and health care for a multi-county region of Texas known as the South Plains. It wasn't until I moved here and started to venture out into this community did I realize that not only is Lubbock, Texas the hub for those forementioned things in this area but it is also the center of growth and development of a large number of insanely talented musicians and singer/songwriters. Lubbock is not a fluke in producing just a couple of popluar artists like local legend Buddy Holly or the famed Dixie Chicks lead singer Natalie Maines. In fact, once you start exploring the local music scene in Lubbock you start to believe that there must be something in the water. And if this is true Ronnie Eaton must be chugging the stuff.

Ronnie's debut release, called the Moth Complex, is a testament to the great local music scene of Lubbock. Not only does it highlight the singer/songwriters sexy country/rock voice and his abilities as a lyricist and songwriter but it also showcases the talent of the other great local artists who contributed to this album. All instruments were perfomed by local artists and the album was produced and mixed locally. Even the cover was done by a local artist (who happens to be Ronnie's wife). It's because of this great collaboration by true artists and their love for music that we have been blessed by the release of this album.

The album begins with an upbeat and catchy tune that is also the first single to be released on the album. "No Way to Tell" has the ability to rocket Ronnie to the next level if the right ears fall on it. You'll find yourself humming or singing the hook long after you've listened to it. Or (as happened with my wife and kids as I was listening to it) it might spark a spontaneous dance party in the living room. There is a reason that this song is the single release as it is quite infectious and has the formula to make a local artist a national sensation.

The single is obviously there to entice you into Ronnie's world. But like the devil might do with temptation and sin, once you've tasted it you'll want more and more and by the time you've listened to the whole thing you'll realize it's not at all what you expected at the beginning.

The album continues with songs that really take you on a journey through the life of people you might come across as you travel through Texas. They are filled with pain, heartache, joy and grace. If the music is the telling of Ronnie's life then there is no doubt he has experienced hardship and has poured all of that into these songs. Also put into his music is the apparent influence of local Texas artists like Robert Earl Keen and some of the greats like Tom Petty and Ryan Adams.

It's the kind of album that you'll want to listen to every song on the album. There are definitely a few gems on there like "Smile and Nod" and "Dashboard" which you'll find yourself hitting the repeat button a few times. But every song has the ability to draw you in and experience the life of the character Ronnie has created in your mind.

I am so thankful to know Ronnie personally and blessed that I have watched this rising local artist begin his journey to success in music. Which, if he keeps writing stuff like this, he no doubt will be. It's not often that an artist's freshman album release is so well done but something special has been created with the Moth Complex. It will be one of those coveted albums that people will come back too after he has been making music for years and has released even greater albums since. - Aaron Dick via iTunes


"YEAR IN REVIEW: TOP 40 LUBBOCK SONGS OF 2012"

Ronnie Eaton’s “Wildflower,” starts off with a single piano before his dark, deep vocals come in along with his simple guitar strums. The melody feels like he handpicked it from an early ’70s Elton John studio session. Eaton’s voice isn’t exactly the largest the room with the most range, but it does more than enough to capture the atmosphere he’s trying to create. Eaton’s a simplistic alternative folk (or is it alternative country? OK both), artist armed with just with his voice and guitar, or in this case, piano. “There’s No Way to Tell,” the EP Eaton released this year, in general has a Bruce Springsteen “Nebraska” feel to it. It’s not as rough around the edges, but it feels like we’re not necessarily supposed to be invited to the party. They feel like Eaton’s been singing them to himself for years and has finally decided to let us get a peek at what’s on the inside. - New Slang


"Ronnie Eaton building a career with a song and a guitar"

When Ronnie Eaton picks up his acoustic guitar, audiences hear new melodies and lyrics that fit songs with titles like, “Sally Don’t Cry” and “Lonely Night.”

“I just perform solo — just me and my acoustic guitar,” he said in an interview.

He describes his music as alternative country, or maybe alternative folk.

“I think that not everybody is familiar with it. But as soon as people hear that style of music — that kind of country with a funk rock edge to it — they fall in love with it,” he said.

Eaton will entertain the Saturday night audience at The Gas Light, 5212 57th St., where there’s no cover charge and the music lasts from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.

“I have been playing guitar since I was 15, and I have been playing shows around the Lubbock area since I was 19,” he said.

Occasionally, he plays other venues.

“My most recent show I have played out of town was in Amarillo. But I really haven’t had the opportunity to go beyond Lubbock, and I’m OK with that,” he said. “Lubbock has a good appreciation for music, and there are so many other people in this town who play so well and perform so well, that it really drives you to make your own stuff better.”

There also is another dimension to some of his work, according to his website:

“A while back I started playing and singing for the homeless community in Lubbock, Texas. I was praying and asking God how I could play music and still serve without being in a worship band — because I’ll be honest, most worship music makes my stomach turn — and he gave me the vision to give music to people that don’t have music.”

That rekindled the flame of creativity, and with it a renewed passion for writing and the music of songs that touch hearers.

He acknowledges it can be discouraging at times to play original tunes for audiences. “But I really do appreciate everybody who has listened to my original stuff and liked it.”

“My songs, ‘Sally Don’t Cry’ and ‘Lonely Night,’ have done really well on iTunes. The name of my EP is ‘There’s no Way to Tell,’ ” he said.

Eaton is working on a new album, also. “The new album is called ‘The Moth Complex.’ Like ‘There’s no Way to Tell,’ it’s being recorded at Two Draw Records in Slaton. The very talented Derek Guthrie is handling all the engineering and production.

“Hopefully, ‘The Moth Complex’ will be released some time in late December or early January.’ Until then, ‘There’s no way to Tell’ can be purchased at iTunes or streamed on Spotify or Facebook.”

Eaton isn’t unfurling a road map for the next 50 years: “Honestly, I try not to really make a whole lot of goals. I like to play as much as possible and record as much as possible. So, whatever allows me to do that, I’m into.

“I hope to be able to record and write a lot more to get out to as many people who enjoy it as I can.” - Lubbock Avalanche Journal


"Ronnie Eaton building a career with a song and a guitar"

When Ronnie Eaton picks up his acoustic guitar, audiences hear new melodies and lyrics that fit songs with titles like, “Sally Don’t Cry” and “Lonely Night.”

“I just perform solo — just me and my acoustic guitar,” he said in an interview.

He describes his music as alternative country, or maybe alternative folk.

“I think that not everybody is familiar with it. But as soon as people hear that style of music — that kind of country with a funk rock edge to it — they fall in love with it,” he said.

Eaton will entertain the Saturday night audience at The Gas Light, 5212 57th St., where there’s no cover charge and the music lasts from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.

“I have been playing guitar since I was 15, and I have been playing shows around the Lubbock area since I was 19,” he said.

Occasionally, he plays other venues.

“My most recent show I have played out of town was in Amarillo. But I really haven’t had the opportunity to go beyond Lubbock, and I’m OK with that,” he said. “Lubbock has a good appreciation for music, and there are so many other people in this town who play so well and perform so well, that it really drives you to make your own stuff better.”

There also is another dimension to some of his work, according to his website:

“A while back I started playing and singing for the homeless community in Lubbock, Texas. I was praying and asking God how I could play music and still serve without being in a worship band — because I’ll be honest, most worship music makes my stomach turn — and he gave me the vision to give music to people that don’t have music.”

That rekindled the flame of creativity, and with it a renewed passion for writing and the music of songs that touch hearers.

He acknowledges it can be discouraging at times to play original tunes for audiences. “But I really do appreciate everybody who has listened to my original stuff and liked it.”

“My songs, ‘Sally Don’t Cry’ and ‘Lonely Night,’ have done really well on iTunes. The name of my EP is ‘There’s no Way to Tell,’ ” he said.

Eaton is working on a new album, also. “The new album is called ‘The Moth Complex.’ Like ‘There’s no Way to Tell,’ it’s being recorded at Two Draw Records in Slaton. The very talented Derek Guthrie is handling all the engineering and production.

“Hopefully, ‘The Moth Complex’ will be released some time in late December or early January.’ Until then, ‘There’s no way to Tell’ can be purchased at iTunes or streamed on Spotify or Facebook.”

Eaton isn’t unfurling a road map for the next 50 years: “Honestly, I try not to really make a whole lot of goals. I like to play as much as possible and record as much as possible. So, whatever allows me to do that, I’m into.

“I hope to be able to record and write a lot more to get out to as many people who enjoy it as I can.” - Lubbock Avalanche Journal


"Eaton and the Cold, Hard Truth Tell it Like it is with Killer in the Choir"

The last album to be released by Ronnie Eaton and the Cold, Hard Truth was a record called “What If We Are Ghosts,” and it was difficult to write.

Eaton is scheduled to perform at 9 p.m. Friday at Jake’s Sports Café and Backroom, 5025 50th St. Also performing will be the Corey Killough Band.

“The first album, which was ‘What If We Are Ghosts,’ lyrically took a lot out of time,” said Eaton. “It was exhausting to write and very personal. I mean it was not fun for me, but this album, the EP it was a lot of fun.”

The EP Eaton was referring to is called “Killer in the Choir,” and is the band’s first release with the South Carolina-based Spectra Records.

“Spectra Records is the largest indie label in the country, which means they have a lot of bands and they have the muscle to push our music,” he said. “The whole record label thing is a new deal to me, but we’ve got it finished and the artwork is just about done and all of the music is recorded, mixed and mastered.”

Eaton said “Killer in the Choir” is for those who have tried to steer him in a wrong direction. - Lubbock Avalanche Journal


Discography

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Bio

Four part harmonies, rockin' guitars and a high energy set of originals and classic rock make Ronnie Eaton and the Cold, Hard Truth a force more than a simple band. They released their first album, What if we are ghosts?, in 2015. The album features hard rockers about war and powerful ballads about addiction and hope. Ronnie Eaton and the Cold, Hard Truth have played venues in Midland, Lubbock, Amarillo, and Clovis, NM, Ruidoso, NM, Irving, and San Angelo. In 2016 they will be releasing an EP titled Killer in the Choir featuring the single "Darlin', Darlin'" through Spectra Records. 

Band Members