Hucklebuck
From the sleepy hamlet of Sharpsburg, Maryland, Hucklebuck brings you their original alternative rock/country sound. Hucklebuck uses elements of Roots Music, Americana, Outlaw Country, 70's era Power Rock, and Alternative Country to cook up a sound they hope you will enjoy hearing as much as they enjoy creating.
The members of Hucklebuck are united in the idea of being a serious band that doesn't take themselves too seriously. With a catalog that is about 70% originals 30% covers, Hucklebuck hopes to have you not only singing along to old standards, but also stomping your feet to their original music.
The band was formed from the foundations of two separate weekly acoustic jam sessions, both of which were attended regularly by guitarist Jonathan Helta. Helta brought the Frederick, MD contingent, consisting of guitarist JJ James and drummer Tim Smith together with the West Virginia players, consisting of guitarist Jarod Brechbill and bassist Danny Cumbo to his home in Sharpsburg, MD in the summer of 2008. They put some amplification behind a sound that was already developing and Hucklebuck was born. Each member of the band began contributing original music, thus starting to build their momentum as a legitimate act.
The boys cut their gig teeth at area house parties where they built a fan base that immediately responded to their energetic, sarcastic, and/or happy go lucky original music. In 2009, they branched out to the area's live music venues where they were yet again met with warm responses from energetic and enthusiastic crowds. It was during this time the band refined their sound and continued to build their catalog. 2010 is proving to be a continuation of this building momentum.
Their debut album is currently in the works at Echoes Recording Studio in Sharpsburg, MD and is set for a mid 2010 release as they look to continue to have a hand in the local homegrown music scene and expand their live show territory.
What Hucklebuck Did
Hucklebuck is a great example of a band who utilizes the things around them. They understood that their small “basement party” fans weren’t enough to satisfy their big dreams, so they turned to the Internet.
Hucklebuck used the internet to increase their already booming fan base. Myspace is the main site they used to keep their fan’s up to date on their progress and achievements. Fans who visit their page can see their upcoming shows, listen to their music, and learn about the bands early history. With a small town band such as Hucklebuck they understand and appreciate their fans, which are what makes MySpace the perfect platform for them to launch their career.
Another site they use to stay in touch with their fans is Facebook. Many of their fans are young adults, around the same age as them. Many of the people in their age group use Facebook. Using Facebook helps the band stay current and up to date with what their fans are listening to; which in return can provide the band with a new direction or inspiration.
In this technologically advanced world we live in today, we can all understand why it is sometimes hard for a band, a new band in particular, to make money. Hucklebuck has found an interesting way of adding to their income. They have created an online store just for their merchandise where fans can go and find something to showcase their love of the band. They use a site called Café Press to feature their assorted merchandise; including t-shirts, mugs, and hats.
Hucklebuck have always been a band of innovation and progress. They too understand the importance of the internet and staying current with the changing times. There is no doubt that this inventive band will be successful.