Alt-country, BCCMA inductees, Dirt Road Opera (DRO) are set to release their new single ‘Where The Chicory Grows’ on November 20, 2024 on all streaming platforms.
SWOMP caught up with Rachel Matkin and Barry Mathers from the band for an interview to discuss the new tune. Listen, below:
With rich three-part harmonies, smooth pedal steel tones, and bright fiddle melodies, “Where the Chicory Grows” is an easy-listening Country song.
This heartfelt track pays emotional tribute to lead singer Rachel’s family, striking a balance between poignant reflection and uplifting energy.
The song tells the touching story of Rachel’s family and their history in Keefers, British Columbia.
It captures the warmth of the family’s time there, yet mourns the heartbreaking loss of their home to a devastating forest fire last year.
The bands’ former incarnation, alt-country group The Cruzeros were recently inducted into the British Columbia Country Music Association (BCCMA) Hall of Fame for their outstanding contributions to country music.
The retired band has received several accolades, including a Canadian Indie Award for Country Album of the Year, three consecutive CCMA Special Instrumentalist of the Year awards, and multiple BCCMA awards for Group, Songwriter, and Album of the Year.
This saw Rachel Matkin and Barry Mathers inducted alongside their former bandmates.
Dirt Road Opera stands out with a sound that blends heartfelt emotion and high-energy grit.
Their debut album, Nowheresville, showcases a dynamic range, from soul-stirring ballads like “Hard to Find” to the raw, foot-stomping energy of hillbilly rock.
Fronted by the powerful voice of Rachel Matkin, who also handles bass, DRO benefits from her over two decades of award-winning performances.
Multi-award-winning songwriter Barry Mathers adds depth with his vocals, guitar, mandolin, and harmonica, while also producing the band’s music and videos.
Robert Bailey brings a rich layer of sound with his expertise in pedal steel, guitar, keyboards, and banjo, while Mike Brown rounds out the group, mastering acoustic, electric, and slide guitar, as well as mandolin.
At the heart of this Alt-Country, Roots/Americana band from Kelowna, BC, are their tight harmonies, exceptional songwriting, and captivating musicianship, delivering a sound that’s both timeless and deeply meaningful.
The band is excited to bring their music to audiences with their upcoming performances:
November 30, 2024 – Lake Country, BC – Creekside Theatre (Barry & Rachel w/ The Cruzeros)
December 20, 2024 – Penticton, BC – Dream Cafe (Barry & Rachel w/ The Cruzeros)
February 20 – March 2, 2025 – Barra de Navidad & Melaque, Mexico – Dirt Road Opera Spare Tire Tour II
For more information on Dirt Road Opera, visit https://www.dirtroadopera.ca.