Genre: Country / Rockabilly
Sound description: Authentic, roots country played with all the raw power, energy and passion of a garage band.
Web site: http://www.br5-49.com
Custom radio station:
Free MP3 downloads:
Related links:
- Review :: "This is BR5-49" (June 28, 2001)
- SEVEN QUESTIONS with Chuck Mead of BR5-49 (May 10, 2001)
- Undiscovered country / BR549 returns with new lineup and improved attitude (Oct. 25, 2002)
- Review :: BR549, "Tangled in the Pines" (March 2, 2004)
- Q&A with Chuck Mead of BR549 (June 15, 2004)
- Chuck amuck :: With BR549 on hiatus, frontman Chuck Mead returns home for solo show (April 21, 2005)
History:
In an era of slick, commercial country music, BR549 remains an enigma. The Nashville-based quintet barnstormed Music City in 1995 with a sound that seemed novel at the time: authentic, roots country played with all the raw power, energy and passion of a garage band. With a rock-solid reputation, built one show at a time in Nashville's Lower Broadway scene, the '49-ers released three albums and an EP for Arista Records. Though critics slathered the band with praise and high-profile gigs were numerous, the mainstream never really caught on to the group's tightly wound grooves.
After being unceremoniously dropped by Arista last year, BR549 was quickly snatched up by Lucky Dog, a division of Sony. Ever prolific, the band hopped into the studio and recorded its latest album with producer Paul Worley (Dixie Chicks, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Martina McBride) released in June, 2001.
Musicians:
Former members:
Formed:
1990 in Lawrence, KS
Audio interviews:
- An live interview with Chuck Mead on KJHK 90.7 FM circa 1985.
- Chuck Mead on his definition of country music. (00:33)
- Chuck Mead on some of the weirdest gigs he's played with BR549. (01:18)
- Chuck Mead on whether he'd prefer BR549 continue or have a solo career. (00:39)
- Chuck musing on the Outhouse...before it turned strip joint.
- How did you manage to get signed so quickly after moving to Nashville?
- How is your line-up working out?
- What are Jay and Gary up to now that they've left the band?
- What do you think of 'country' music these days?
- What was it like for you growing up in Lawrence?
Discography:
| Name | Year | Label | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Live at Robert's EP | 1996 | Arista |
 | BR5-49 | 1996 | Arista |
 | Big Backyard Beat Show | 1998 | Arista |
 | Coast To Coast | 2000 | Arista |
 | This Is BR5-49 | 2001 | Sony Nashville |
 | Tangled in the Pines | 2004 | |
 | Dog Days | 2006 |
Berry :: This Chicago-via-St. Louis foursome rocks off-kilter compositions that strike a balance between melody and experimentation ... More info
