Ryan Shupe and the RubberBand
Founded in the mid-1990s in Ogden, Utah, Ryan Shupe and the RubberBand is an American bluegrass group. The group members include: Ryan Shupe (fiddle, guitar, ukulele, mandolin, lead vocals), Roger Archibald (guitar, vocals), Ryan Tilby (bass guitar, string bass, banjo, vocals), Craig Miner (banjo, bouzouki, mandolin, guitar, vocals), and Nate Smeding (drums).
The group recorded four studio albums on their own independent record label before being signed to Capitol Records in 2005. The title track of their first album for Capitol called “Dream Big” produced a Top 40 hit on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Songs charts. The second single from the album never made it on the charts, and as a result, Ryan Shupe and the RubberBand were dropped from the Capitol Records label. The band signed with Montage Music Group in 2008.
Traditionally, the band plays country venues and festivals all over the United States such as the Telluride Music Festival and Nashville, Tennessee. Nonetheless, their musical influence is drawn not only from bluegrass, but rock as well, leading them to be dubbed, according to Deseret News, as “a mix between Dave Matthews Band and Dixie Chicks without the political agenda.” Since their formation they have become one of the most successful musical acts from the state of Utah among other acts such as SHeDAISY, Peter Breinholt, and Neon Trees. The band has appeared on Good Morning America, E! TV, Mountain Stage, Woodsongs, GAC and CMT.
In the Fall of 2015, Ryan Shupe released a new album called “We Rode On.” According to the official website:
We Rode On” marks a striking career transition and a meaningful evolution in Shupe’s songwriting, his life, and the band’s sound. It strongly and deftly combines the rock side of their musical arsenal with the acoustic instruments and virtuosic jamming the band has become known for in their live shows.
The album focuses on themes like family, love, and maturity. The epic title track, “We Rode On” triumphantly belts out the phrase “singing songs at the top of our lungs” while the anthemic “Sun Will Shine Again” is a mantra to Shupe’s children. The catchy, rocking “If I Stay” and “Just Say Yes” deal with love interest dilemmas. “Dream Big”, a revamped version of their Billboard charting Capitol Records release, is triumphant, inspirational and powerful.
A few of the band’s upcoming tour dates include:
| Date | Venue | Location |
| November 28 | Peery’s Egyptian Theater | Ogden, Utah |
| December 4 | Covey Center for the Arts | Provo, Utah |
| December 19 | Cox Auditorium at DSU | St. George, Utah |
| January 15 | Highway Center for the Arts | Gilbert, Arizona |
| January 16 | Vail Theatre for the Arts | Tuscon, Arizona |
Follow Ryan Shupe and the RubberBand
Recent Posts
Myster Su’a Expresses Importance of Family in New Music Video
This week’s “Video Find of the Week” features a music video by Saimasina Su’a (professionally known as Myster Su’a). The song that he sings called “Before I Die” is a powerful message to us all of just how important family should be. In the description of the video...
New Music Video Beautifully Reminds Us of Our Heavenly Father’s Love
Father's Day celebrates more than our dads, grandpas, and uncles. In a new Father’s Day music video, Brigham Young University’s Young Ambassadors remind us all that Father’s Day doesn’t just honor our earthly dads and grandpas, but also our Father in Heaven. Their...
Face To Face With Beyond Measure
I had the great opportunity to meet with Eric Corpuz- founder and current manager of Beyond Measure, and another wonderful group member, Janet Vallem, who just recently became alumni of Beyond Measure. Both Eric and Janet provided exciting and important information...
Tyra and Sander’s “Jesus of Nazareth”
A lot of the music we listen to these days is upbeat and has catchy lyrics that we like to sing along to, but sometimes a pure musical number is what we need to feel a calming presence and peace in our life and escape from songs that constantly play in the background...
David James Archuleta Finds the Balance Within
Since returning home from his two-year mission in Santiago, Chile, for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, singer/songwriter David Archuleta has been on the move sharing positive messages of hope and encouragement in many different venues. He recently...
Found a Friend by James the Mormon
Suicide and drug overdose are major stigmas in our society today and are issues that need to be more openly talked about and addressed. People do not like to speak about painful or hard things in life. It is not often that you hear serious subjects such as depression;...