Ole 60 Talk Origin Story, Authenticity, and Inspiration [WATCH]

The other night, while doing my lil' social media scroll, I stopped on a clip that popped into my FYP. The talented fellas of Ole 60 were in an interview talking about how they all met. An immediate mention of Galaxy Pizza in Hawesville put a big ole smile on my face.

If you are from the Owensboro/Hawesville/Lewisport area, I bet you all can relate to this (at least I hope you can, otherwise I'm gonna seem like a weirdo). Even though I don't personally know Jacob or Ryan or Catfish or any of the guys, I can't help but feel SO PROUD of the wild ride they've been on. Like they are just friends I haven't met yet, and I wish them all the best.

Not just because they make amazing music that has touched millions of people all over the world, but because they've stayed true to themselves. In a world of AI and conformity, it is refreshing as hell to see a group that is paving its own way with soul intact. Staying independent, living in the moment, and embracing the missed note here and there. It's the whole point, and they get it.

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After a crazy rocket ship to stardom the past year, they released their debut album called Smokestack Town. It has been in my top three most-played albums since coming out on October 3rd. Tracked live all together in Franklin, TN (talk about authenticity and TALENT) and eleven golden songs. Not one skip.

Actually, full confession, the first time I listened, tears welled in my eyes multiple times. My favorite place to listen to music is in my car, so I was just driving around to yard sales that Saturday, boo-hooing over and over. The stories are so beautifully told, through the instruments as much as the lyrics.

I can't think of a single other band that sounds like them. That originality is rare and appreciated. However, as I listened to the new album, their inspirations are crystal clear. I told my husband Michael, "You can tell their parents introduced them to the good stuff growing up." Or found it along the way like I did.

"The good stuff" being what we also like to listen to, of course. Sure enough! Smashing Pumpkins, Radiohead, Manchester Orchestra, STP, Alice in Chains. No wonder their music takes me back to a nostalgic place. That confirmation was one of my favorite parts of this recent interview they did on Live at the Print Shop with Adam Blank.

What a GREAT interview. The performances are on point, too. You should definitely give it a watch, but I want to share one more interesting tidbit from it. Although Ole 60 has been labeled as a country genre, that is not how they would describe themselves.

Maybe it's the steel guitar, maybe it's because they are from a rural area, maybe it's because real, traditional country is beloved because it is genuine. Which is what you feel when you listen to Ole 60. No doubt we will continue to see them bust up any boxes they are placed in and continue to evolve as artists.

It's exactly what I'd expect from some good fellas from Hawesville. Cannot WAIT to see them live at the Owensboro Sportcenter for New Year's Eve. Get your tickets at OLE60NYE.com.