Bio… - The Hackens Boys

Bio…
Since their conception in 2005, The
Hackens Boys have grown from a camp
fire jam to a Shenandoah Valley favorite in
just four short years. Founding members,
Josh Eye (lead vocals/rhythm guitar), of
Bridgewater VA, and (original guitarist/cousin)
Jeremy Swecker, of Monterey VA, coined
the band name from a place in Highland
County, Virginia where their family roots and
traditions run deep. After being joined by
Tyler Thomas (drums), of Bridgewater, with
little knowhow the threesome began to build
their dream of making music from the ground
up. The real turning point for the band
came when Tyler’s uncle Linden Holsinger,
of Harrisonburg, came out to Bridgewater
for a weekend jam session. Lin, a guitarist by
nature, had also had experience playing the bass, keyboard, and was at that time the drummer for a band called The
Four of Swords. With so much knowledge and over 20 years of musical experience, Lin was able to help everyone
work to become better musicians and learn how to do things the right way. After convincing Lin to play full time, and
sticking a bass guitar in his hands, the line-up was set. The latest addition of electric guitarists, Casey Armstrong and
Bradon Williams has ampt up the HB sound like never before.
On February 28th, 2006 The Hackens Boys played their first show as an official group, and have not looked
back since. In the spring of 2008 we were voted Best Local Artist in a survey conducted by the Daily New Record’s
Escape Magazine. In the winter of that same year we opened for one of our Texas country heroes, Drifter’s Church
recording artist Chris Knight. The following year, we were named Best Artist Featuring Original Material in the
Shenandoah Valley, again by the Daily News Record’s Escape Magazine. In the summer of 2009, we were fortunate
enough to open for Broken Bow recording artist Craig Morgan. Playing to a crowd upwards of 4,000 people was an
unbelievable opportunity, and one that we won’t soon forget. That summer also brought with it a change in the band’s
line-up. After a work accident forced lead guitarist and original member Jeremy Swecker to take a leave of absence,
Bart Morris, of Harrisonburg, has been a great blessing. Bart’s 20+ years of experience in a rock heavy background
accompanied with an outstanding vocal range and ear for music has made him a perfect fit. With 180 plus shows
under our belts, we continue to grow with each performance. 2010 will see our first original CD release, a ten to
twelve song independent LP headlined by two of the tracks included on our original demo, “Back Home” and “Livin’
My Life”. With such an array of influences both lyrically and musically, this rock infused brand of melodic modern
country has been dubbed “Country Candlebox” by several members of our audience.
With a unique blend of Rock and Country tunes we cover a variety of songs that are fan favorites, and some that
if you don’t know, you will be singing by the end of the night. Our set ranges from rock legends Led Zeppelin, Lynyrd
Skynyrd, and Pearl Jam to classic and contemporary country artists like Jason Aldean, Sammy Kershaw, and David
Lee Murphy. We also like to pay tribute to our Texas Country heroes Cross Canadian Ragweed, and Chris Knight.
With such a variety to choose from, we can cater to nearly any type of environment or crowd who is willing to have
a good time. Our music is characterized melody and timing accompanied with great three part vocal harmonies that
really set things apart. On top of everything, the defining aspect of our band is our great fan base. The Hack Pack” is
the group who brings the party, and a major reason why we have such a good time doing what we do.
Contact: Josh Eye • (540) 560-1697 •
• E-mail: josh@HackensBoys.com
Accolades…
Voted Best Cover Band in the Shenandoah
Valley for 2010 – Escape Magazine (Daily
News Record)
Voted Best Artist In the Shenandoah Valley
Featuring Original Material for 2009
– Escape Magazine (Daily News Record)
Voted Best Local Artist In The Shenandoah
Valley for 20009
– Escape Magazine (Daily News Record)
Performed With…
Broken Bow Recording Artist – Craig Morgan
Drifter’s Church Recording Artist – Chris Knight
Rebel Records Recording Artist – Steep Canyon
Rangers
Nashville Recording Artist - Kingbilly
Big Penny Recording Artist – SwampDaWamp
Recording Artists…
The Hackens Boys have released their self-titled debut
CD which includes 11 original song that solidify the
Rock and Country mixture this group has won awards
for. Tracks include: Movin’ On, Broken Everyday,
Back Home, Strong Enough To Last, Livin’ My Life,
Back In The Day, Roll The Dice, Ready For The Road,
Nature’s Son, Somethin’ You Don’t Do, and Southern
Rock Can’t Die.
Audio samples are available at:
Contact: Josh Eye • (540) 560-1697 • Bridgewater, Virginia • E-mail: josh@HackensBoys.com
Musicians…
Josh Eye - Always an avid music enthusiast, Josh’s instrumental aspirations did not
begin until 2003. While attending Tennessee Tech University on a baseball scholarship,
Josh was given his first guitar and he hasn’t put it down since. After assuming the
role of lead singer when the band was founded in 2005, Josh’s vocal abilitiy and stage
presense have grown imensely, making him one of the best front men in the valley.
With such a wide variety of influences including Ronnie Van Zant of Lynyrd Skynyrd,
Gary Allan, Paul Rodgers of Bad Company, Cody Canada of Cross Canadian Ragweed,
and Garth Brooks, Josh’s outstanding vocal range allows him to cover several genres of
music. A native of Bridgewater, Virginia, Josh is also an excellent song writer.
Linden Holsinger - As the eldest member of the group, Linden has been playing some
form of music since he was just 15 years old growing up in Harrisonburg, Virginia. A
guitarist by nature, Linden’s first live band experience was in 1988 when he played
lead for Speed of Sound out of Harrisonburg. After deciding to attend Shenandoah
University in 1991, he hopped on with bands such as Stygian and Johnny Lingo
while wor king toward a degree in classical as well as jazz guitar. A jack of many
trades, Linden also drummed in two bands before joining the Hackens Boys in 2006,
including Reinmaker and Four of Swords. With many rock influences like KISS, Led
Zeppelin, Alice In Chains, Jimmy Hendrix, and Van Halen, Linden’s bass licks and solid
harmonies bring a trademark dimension to the band.
Bart Morris - A music junkie, Bart has been playing the guitar since he was just 14
years old. His first true on stage experience came in 1988 when he and Lin Holsinger
anchored the two guitar attack of Speed of Sound. After moving to Utah’s Salt Lake
Valley in the early 90’s, he found a home playing lead guitar for the progressive rock
group Wolf Child. Returning home a few years later, he also played lead in Reinmaker,
and bass guitar for Four of Swords. As the latest addition to the group, Bart brings a
ton of experience and knowhow to the band. With over 20 years of experience playing
the guitar and influences ranging from Molly Hatchet to Slayer, his style truly brings a
unique flavor.
Tyler Thomas - Tyler’s first experience on a drum kit came when he participated in
the middle school band, but wasn’t revisited until 2005 when the Hackens Boys began
to take shape. Through many equipment upgrades, steady practice, and tedious
attention to detail, Tyler has really come into his own as a drummer over the past 4
years. Drummers like Jon Bonham of Led Zeppelin, Randy Ragsdale of Cross Canadian
Ragweed, and Rich Redmond of Jason Aldean are who he strives to be like. Also a
guitarist by nature, (much like his uncle Linden Holsinger) this Bridgewater, Virginia
native spends much of his spare time song writing for the band.
Contact: Josh Eye • (540) 560-1697 • Bridgewater, Virginia • E-mail: josh@HackensBoys.com