Riding the Southern Rock Wave: Interview with T.J. Lyle of Georgia Thunderbolts

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The Georgia Thunderbolts' ascent to becoming heralded as the next torchbearers of Southern rock was far from glamorous. Not long ago, the band found themselves busking at gas stations, stumbling through covers, and traveling hours to Alabama to perform for a sparse audience of a bartender and a three-legged dog.

Fast forward to today, and the Rome, Georgia-based quintet has emerged as a critically acclaimed and globally touring band, defying the sophomore slump with their latest release. Comprising Zach Everett on bass, classical guitar, and harmony vocals; Bristol Perry on drums; Logan Tolbert on guitar; and Riley Couzzourt on guitar, the band's music embodies an earthy and emotive aesthetic that draws from various influences, including late 1960s singer-songwriter intimacy, the blues' yearning, the storytelling of country music, and a hearty dose of arena-ready classic hard rock.

Riley shares, "I grew up immersed in music, with my dad's love for 1980s rock and my grandma's affinity for classic country. As soon as TJ starts singing, you can hear the Southern roots in our sound."

Despite releasing their debut album, 'Can We Get A Witness,' smack in the middle of a pandemic, the band garnered over 6 million streams across digital platforms and earned critical acclaim from esteemed publications like No Depression, Rolling Stone, Classic Rock, and American Songwriter.

Emerging from lockdown, the band wasted no time, sharing stages with rock legends like Black Stone Cherry, Deep Purple, and The Marshall Tucker Band, among others. One of the most transformative experiences for the band was touring Europe with Black Stone Cherry in 2022, where they played historical theaters and witnessed their music resonate with audiences overseas.

Reflecting on the journey, TJ remarks, "Playing in Europe was surreal. Hearing fans sing our songs back to us felt like a dream come true. It's a far cry from our early days."

The band's growth and evolution over the past few years are evident in their latest album, 'Rise Above It All,' a 13-song collection that marks a new chapter in their career.

For more information on The Georgia Thunderbolts, including tour dates and updates on their upcoming album, visit georgiathunderbolts.com.

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