Some would call it fate. Others might chalk it up to coincidence. Either way, the story of Texas Renegade’s genesis seems more than random—and their new album, “Bad Dreams and Other Things,” proves the union was meant to be.
Consider this. Twins Tyson and Eli Carver, who were born in the Texas Hill Country town of Wimberley, moved to Durango, Colo., at age 14. That same year, Andy Bertelsen and Kasey Klepfer moved with their respective families to Wimberley. When the twins graduated high school, the lure of their hometown tugged them back—when a friend introduced them to their future bandmates, their course was set. The Carvers and Bertelsen formed Texas Renegade in 2002; Klepfer joined in 2004, and drummer Luke Ayres came on in 2007. Except for Ayres, it’s the only band any of them have been in (unless you count Bertelsen’s stint playing snare in his elementary-school band).
In Texas Renegade—the moniker their first guitarist bestowed on them at a high-school party—Bertelsen handles lead vocals, songwriting and guitar. Mandolinist/guitarist/backing vocalist Tyson and bassist Eli picked up their instruments at 20 and 19, respectively, after ditching fiddle lessons at age 13. Klepfer taught himself to play harmonica seven years ago, and only Ayres (drums) has played his instrument—or any instrument—consistently since childhood.
But they’re hardly a batch of late-bloomers. Bertelsen’s voice, which could earn him honorary Braun brother status in Reckless Kelly, carries the nuances of a practiced, yet intuitive singer. With mandolin and harp as frequent lead instruments and Tyson’s harmonies, Texas Renegade creates a soulful, rootsy country-rock blend that places them squarely in the Americana realm; which is only fitting for a band whose formative influences include the Wallflowers, John Hiatt, Counting Crows, Emmylou Harris, the essential Texans and the classic rock their parents played.
“Bad Dreams and Other Things,” their third album, cements their status among talents like The Band of Heathens, Jack Ingram, the aforementioned Reckless Kelly and similar artists who share deep Lone Star roots and hybrid sensibilities. And like many of those artists, they honed their skills under the tutelage of Kent Finlay at Cheatham Street Warehouse in San Marcos, where the Carvers and Bertelsen earned degrees at Texas State University. (Klepfer is a University of Texas grad; Ayres’ degree is from Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene.)
Recorded mainly at Top Hat Recording in South Austin and produced by Austin drummer Stephen Belans (James McMurtry, Alejandro Escovedo), who helmed their last release, “After Everything,” it features 12 Bertelsen-penned cuts and guest spots by keyboardist Michael Ramos (BoDeans, John Mellencamp) Dobro player Cindy Cashdollar (Van Morrison, Ryan Adams) and guitarists Gabe Rhodes, Brad Rice and John Sanchez.
Filled with smart lyrics and sweet harmonies, “Bad Dreams” stylistically encompasses everything from the harp- and guitar-driven mid-tempo rock of the first single, “Crazy,” to the soulful country-rock of “Coming Home,” the mournful “Comanche Moon” and the heartfelt “St. Christopher,” an acoustic ballad about death that Bertelsen sings with such an ache in his voice, he leaves no doubt about its authenticity.
“Every one of my songs has some sort of story behind it,” he notes. “That is to say, every single song stems from some actual event that has occurred. However, the extent can vary considerably from song to song.” Rarely, he admits, does he write a song that’s entirely based in reality. Which is not to say his lyrics aren’t personal—or meaningful.
At least some of his inspiration has to come from being so involved in the lives of his bandmates. Bertelsen and the Carvers are also roommates, and all five swear they’re having the time of their lives in the band.
“We like to think we have more fun than any other band on the scene right now,” says Tyson. “People always approach us and say they really enjoy the music, but they also enjoy the fact that we are having fun onstage. We are the true definition of a band. Everyone has equal say and we are a family of guys who really care about one another and love to play music together.”
Adds Eli, “We have a lot of fun together on the road and have a very laid-back vibe when we’re together. Pretty much anything goes.”
“Anything” includes Camp, a fluffy canine described by Tyson as “half Lhasa-apso, a quarter Chihuahua and a quarter wolf,” who has traveled everywhere with the band for two years. “Some people think he has magical powers, but we just think he is the coolest dog in the world,” says Tyson. Adds Eli, “People try to steal him everywhere we go. There is a very good chance he is more famous than we are.”
Well, maybe for now. But once people get a chance to hear “Bad Dreams and Other Things,” Camp’s popularity may have to take a back seat to the bands. He’ll still get to ride in his primo leather captain’s chair, though—unless they graduate to a bus, in which case, he’ll probably get two seats—and his own bunk.
Because, like the rest of these guys, he’s a Texas Renegade!
My Dear Texas Renegade, I want you to know that your music and your songs are my passion. I am addicted. There is something that pulls me towards them. Keep it up Texas Renegade. Di PS:Follow Me Twitter at http://twitter.com/iaent
Yay!!! Amazing CD Release Night! Enjoyed listenting to you @ Gruene's Lone Star Music, then again @ Billy's in NB. Twice in one night! Don't get any better than that! Thanks for all the great entertainment you so much enjoy giving to your audience. I'm so glad I was there for the BIG night!
Hey guys, y'all were amazing sunday in Longview, loved every second of y'all's set. Hope to get to share the stage w/ you again one of these days. See y'all around
Hi, thank you so much for supporting this Country Girl..hope to see you on the Road!!! My song “A Soldier’s Wife”, has just moved to #4 on the IMN Country charts,it’s being listened to by thousands and the reviews have been incredible. Tonya will be featured as A Hot New Female Country artist on The Independent Music Network’s radio program sometime this month. Please go to www.independentmusicnetwork.com to cast your vote and watch “ASoldiers Wife” quickly rise to the top. (Just click on “Vote for Country Charts” then click on my song : ) I truly appreciate your support… God Bless…. Tonya Louise<
Hey guys.. I saw ya'll in dallas. absoulutly loved ya'll.. I work at a club here in Texarkana tx, called Shooters. You should really check us out.. I think yall would bring a large crowd. Heres the number if you just want to call and see whats up. 870-773-4903.. My name is Ashley..
Hello Texas Renegade, Whenever I listen to your music. I feel like singing too. But your talent is unmatched. How much time you spend to rehearse per day Texas Renegade? Love ya. Di PS:Follow Me Twitter at http://twitter.com/iaent
Kasey, what is that face ur making in that pic (below)?!?! TOO FUNNY! Will try to make it out the 23rd to see y'all at the Firehouse but I'm heading to College Station for a lacrosse tournament the next morning so not sure...I'll have to wait to see what time my team's first game is. Hope y'all are all doing awesome!
cant wait to see yall on the main stage later today at the State Fair... thats cool as hell to me.. i remember watching yall at cheatum st a long ass time ago and now youre up here on the main stage.. keep it goin fellas
Guys.. so sorry I missed y'all at Willies Place.. Try to book at "THE RED MOON CAFE" in Ennis TX They have been selling the house out lately with all the great Texas Artists... I would love to see ya there also try "THE ROCKETT CAFE" in Rockett TX.. both places rock...Luv y'all keep up the good work.. oh that pic is from the 8.0 Summer Concert in Ft.Worth TX :)