Local band’s success with national tours
A TOOWOOMBA band is making a name for itself as one of the fastest-growing within the country music genre.
Eight Second Ride was launched in 2018 when the band members decided to pursue music full-time.
Giving up their day jobs and pursuing their dream was a risk that paid off, with Eight Second Ride now touring the country.
Lead singer Matt Arlington said it had been a journey to get to where they were now, with band members coming and going over the years due to “family commitments and life evolving”.
The three main band members who play full-time are Mr Arlington along with Luke Woods and Ellen Hartwig.
“We are one of Australia’s fastest-growing country bands and fall under the modern country rock genre,” Mr Arlington said. “People now have a different perspective on country music as its evolved to a very modern, mainstream sound.”
He said Eight Second Ride was lucky to have gained the attention of some key industry people early on.
“They have kept us close under their wing and mentored us to grow well beyond what we expected,” he said.
“Our initial goal was to be one of the top party cover bands within the country music scene in Australia and play major rodeos, events and private functions. But we are now solely focused on original music and establishing ourselves as our own identity in the country music scene and to build a following for our music releases.”
The band now has a fullsize tour bus which is “practically a five-star hotel on wheels,” complete with a bathroom, kitchen and loungeroom.
Mr Arlington said the band lived for touring and just like everyone they too had felt the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It’s been tough. We had such a big year planned with our Queensland tour we luckily got to finish before COVID, but we were scheduled to tour nationally as well as play at a heap of music festivals and events,” he said. “However, to put a positive spin on the situation, it’s been nice to be forced to stop and reset our focus, spend some quality time in the studio and with family, which has been extremely productive and we’re super pumped to show our fans what we’ve been working on.”
This weekend is the first time in two years that Eight Second Ride will be performing in Toowoomba, with the band opening for country rock singer-songwriter Casey Barnes when he performs at the Highfields Tavern.
“We’re stoked about this one,” Mr Arlington said.
“We got the call from his management earlier this year and was asked if we would be interested in opening for Casey on his Town of a Million Dreams tour.
“We couldn’t have been more excited to accept, all while trying to play it cool on the phone.”
Tickets to the show are sold out.
To listen to music by Eight Second Ride, search @EightSecondRideBand on any social and streaming services or visit www.eightsecondride.com.au.