Locals Only: : Superstar Road Hogs

In 2001, in the shadowy, skinny Clifton bar called Arlin’s, The Stapletons unloaded their van and busted into Rebecca Vie’s old open mic night for their first gig. Back then, four “brothers” — Jody, Lance, Mick and Newky Stapleton — showed up unannounced, ready to rock out.

Five years later, the band reconvenes at Arlin’s, reminiscing. Landen Summay, the only “non-brother” present, stands out with his strawberry blond hair, lacking any “family resemblance.” As for looks, the four here are each uniquely striking. The fifth, guitarist Newky, is missing.

With light brown eyes, frontman Jody gazes around, softly explaining the recent “amicable split.” Newky left to “pursue other things,” and Chris Mullins, a guitarist from Virginia, joined them several months ago. Now it’s three “brothers” and two friends.

A shadow bleeds down from bassist Lance’s plaid hat, making his dark hair and eyes darker.

He explains the “family” dynamic: “Playing with family makes us better. You can overlook a lot more things.”

Jody agrees, nodding. His long, Grunge-style hair shifts. In the dim light, his strangely white, square-toed shoes nearly glow. He claims that, growing up, the brothers found instruments around the house. “It’s how we played together.”

Drummer Mick pipes in: “It’s been an awfully long time.” A curly-headed character, Mick’s high cheekbones sometimes speak for him, rising up in a slight smile.

After releasing Spirit of ’76, The Stapletons ate up 2001 local awards. In 2002, they released Low Dealers and Hangers On. Around this time, Landen (organ, piano) started jamming with them. From Louisville, Landen took lessons, but had a “reawakening” later, playing by ear. “I really enjoy the creative process,” he says.

More awards flooded in with the 2003 CEAs, when The Stapletons won the “Rock” statue. Meanwhile, their single “Pulse” began spinning on southeast college radio. The past two years, the band has traveled nonstop, hitting New York City, Boston, New Orleans, Atlanta, St. Louis and more.

They stopped to record their current album, Superstar Revolution. As for an overall theme, Jody says, “We turned up the guitars. And this is the first record with Landen on board. The organ base in the rhythm section changed the whole dynamic. We had about 20 songs to ‘destroy,’ and we took time this time. I feel like we finally found our sound. This is it. Take it or leave it.”

In the past, The Stapletons have been labeled AltCountry, but this one holds a sound that is unmistakably pure Rock. Meatier, louder, straight-up.

Superstar Revolution was recorded by sound engineer Alex Lusht at Mind Ignition Studios in Eaton, Ohio. Literally, the band lived in the studio. Spending the night, they had 24-hour equipment access. Jody says, “It was in the middle of nowhere. There were no distractions. This added to the ability to capture a live sound.”

The Stapletons are anxious to hit pavement, dodging double yellow lines. Many bands describe road life as rough. Not these guys. They’re ready to roll. Even quiet Mick says he misses the Waffle House tour.

Lance says, “Being behind the wheel of the van makes me happy.”

Grins all around.

Recently scoring a promotional tour with Tinderbox Music, The Stapletons landed a booking agent who will take over in January. Jody says, “I don’t like not playing live and constantly working, but that’s where we’re at, and you gotta do that to be a mature band. We’re a road band. We have a decent following in other cities. That’s the key to success in a band. It’s been a steady climb up a steep hill.”

Jody shrugs, then smiles wide: “You gotta keep going ’til you die.”

This article appears in Dec 13-19, 2006.