Hillbilly Vegas "A La Mode"
- timcaple
- 7 hours ago
- 6 min read
From TV Kid to Rocker: The Inspiring Journey of Hillbilly Vegas
Many musicians trace their passion back to days of strumming a guitar or banging on pots as children. For the frontman of Hillbilly Vegas, the spark was ignited watching reruns of The Monkees and The Partridge Family. In this edition of the show founder member and frontman Steve Harris joins me as we explore his deep-rooted musical influences, the evolution of his sound, and his unique perspective on the music industry.If you're curious about how TV shows can inspire future rock stars, want insight into blending genres, or are interested in the behind-the-scenes stories of a band that’s making waves internationally, you're in the right place. Here’s an inside look into his musical journey, the lessons learned, and what’s next for Hillbilly Vegas.
Steve joined me from the bands warehouse outside Tulsa and if you want to watch the feature in full then go to the main page here where it will be arriving shortly.
How Childhood Inspiration Shaped a Music Career
Growing up, Steve was a typical TV kid, coming home from school to watch shows like The Monkees and The Partridge Family, which played pivotal roles in shaping his musical dreams. He recalls loving Mickey Dolenz voice for its rawness and fun, and was impressed by how these seemingly silly bands could produce serious, heartfelt music — a lesson in balancing entertainment with artistry.He also mentions being a David Cassidy fan, admiring his performance and style, including his iconic Puka Shell necklaces. As he discovered more about music, influences expanded to British rock icons like Paul Rodgers, Glenn Hughes, and the bands of the second British invasion, which he regards as some of the greatest rock and roll artists ever.
The Roots: Gospel and Gospel-Inspired Performance .Coming from a family deeply rooted in gospel and preaching, he grew up in the Baptist tradition, listening to gospel music and watching family members perform. This background gave him a grounding in singing and performance, but he also felt a pull toward the theatrics and expressiveness seen in artists like James Brown, which gospel didn’t always allow.He loved the energy Brown brought to the stage — cape tosses and dynamic performances — and wanted to bring that same sense of drama into his music. This tension between gospel's spiritual focus and the theatricality of soul and rock helped shape his desire to become a versatile entertainer.
From a Passionate Start to a Band Formation
The journey officially began around the passing of his grandmother, with the family coming together to record gospel standards in her honor. What started as a heartfelt tribute quickly turned into a timeless band story, with local musicians and friends collaborating in a studio marathon. Johnny Ringo, Johnny Reed, played a pivotal role, inspiring the band to start creating and performing music together — albeit initially for fun.This informal beginning led to making conscious choices about the band's direction, eventually transitioning into a serious venture—though not without the classic challenges and lessons of a budding band.
The Dream of Voice Acting and Cartoons A fascinating detour in his career was his childhood dream of becoming a cartoon voice actor. He honed his voice, experimenting with countless characters and impressions, including Boomhauer from King of the Hill. Despite his passion for singing and performing live, he still yearns for a day to voice animated characters, blending his love for comedy and performance.
Lessons in Rock'n'Roll Life. One pivotal experience involved trying to get noticed by Gene Simmons of Kiss. The band handed him their demo tape, but Gene, busy and distracted, simply put the tape in his pocket without taking contact info as they had forgot to add it when Steve quickly asked "Can I add it" Gene smiled said "No" and walked off. That lesson—about ownership and responsibility for your art—stayed with him. Now, Hillbilly Vegas prides itself on self-production and accountability, managing every aspect of their releases to ensure their vision isn't compromised.
The Fusion of Influences and Musical Identity
Hailing from Tulsa, Oklahoma—a hub of diverse music genres— Hillbilly Vegas draws from the Tulsa Sound, Blues, Western Swing, Red Dirt Country, and Swamp Pop. Despite these rich influences, Steve admits he didn't listen much to local genres; instead, he was drawn to British rock and Motown, which shaped his vocal style and songwriting.He talks about iconic artists like JJ Cale, Leon Russell, and Garth Brooks, emphasizing how the region’s musical diversity fosters a unique sound—rich with multiple flavors. This musical stew influences Hillbilly Vegas’s approach: blending Southern rock, country, blues, and a bit of British invasion swagger into their own style.
Embracing the Band Name and Identity
One question often posed is whether “Hillbilly Vegas” might limit the band’s reach. Steve firmly states the name has never been a barrier, citing legendary acts like Lynyrd Skynyrd which also had humble beginnings. To him, band names are playful and meant to be memorable, along the lines of a circus or a joke—they reflect the fun, over-the-top spirit of their performances.He openly discusses how the name captures the mixture of rural roots and glitz, and that once you’re known, your music defines you more than your name. Branding is secondary to performance and authenticity.
Breakthrough Moments: From Local Gigs to NASCAR and UK Tours
Despite humble beginnings, the band’s big break came with Shake It Like a Hillbilly, which gained fame at a NASCAR event, chosen because of their memorable band name. The song's infectious hook and fun vibe resonated with a broad audience, leading to international exposure via radio play and tours.This momentum took the band across the Atlantic, where they found a vibrant fan base in the UK—proof that American Southern rock and country-flavored music travel well across oceans. He emphasizes the cultural similarities, explaining how the shared love for storytelling, realness, and good music creates a natural bridge.
The Power of Real People and Authenticity He notes that UK audiences, like American ones, appreciate musicians who are genuine and relatable. From the energetic performances at festivals like Steelhouse to the dedication seen in local bands, the artist sees a common thread: fans want real, honest music, and they respond to artists who are true to themselves.
Turning Commercials into Hits: The Joy of Writing Jingles
One of the artist’s playful philosophies is that he writes songs with the possibility of them becoming commercials. High Time for a Good Time started as a promo jingle for Rocky Mountain High Brands and became a hit—proof that commercial appeal and authentic songwriting can coexist.He openly admits to having no qualms about selling out if it means a song reaches more people. That attitude has helped his band craft music that’s both fun and commercially successful, blending storytelling with catchy hooks.
Behind the Music: Collaborations and Inspirations
A highlight is working with legendary singers like Paul Rogers. The band’s admiration for Rogers culminated in featuring him on Mr. Midnight, a song inspired playfully by a rescue cat belonging to Rogers’s wife. The experience of collaborating with a hero was surreal and emotional—an epitome of how musical influences can come full circle.Similarly, their love for Frankie Miller’s soulful voice inspired a cover, which they sent back to him—a gesture that meant a lot to the band and illustrated their respect for musical legends.
The Future: New Albums, Tours, and Continued Growth
Looking ahead, Hillbilly Vegas is energized about their upcoming album A La Mode, which promises more storytelling, production independence, and a celebration of their roots. They've just signed new booking deals to tour with iconic bands like Blue Öyster Cult, and they’re eager to return to Europe and the UK, where their style resonates strongly.Their long-term goal: to keep evolving, learning, and sharing their music worldwide—building on their international success and deepening their connection with fans.
And Finally Keep It Real and Have Fun
This band’s philosophy is simple: music should be fun, authentic, and a bit silly. Their journey reflects the importance of owning your art, staying true to your influences, and always bringing energy and personality to the stage.If you’re seeking a band that combines humor, heart, and a love for good old-fashioned rock and roll, Hillbilly Vegas is a refreshingly honest act on the rise—ready to take their place on the global stage.
The brand new album is out now you can order here https://amzn.to/4eKnaG9 and for full details of upcoming live shows head to the Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/hillbillyvegasmusic/
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"The Blues Lounge" which highlights some of the best upcoming talent around now.
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