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The Derailers
Door-to-Door Honky-Tonk Salesmen
 Listen to Bob Edwards' report.
 Web Exclusive: Hear an extended version of the interview.
Hear an NPR review of Here Come The Derailers.
Feb. 1, 2002 -- "Hangdog honky-tonk at its best" -- that's what one fan called The Derailers.
Even people who don't usually like country music love this hard-working Austin-based band. The Derailers have been around since the early '90s, and they tour non-stop -- nearly 300 shows a year.
"We've toured very heavily to spread the word -- kind of door-to-door honky-tonk salesmen. That works for us," singer-guitarist Brian Hofeldt tells Bob Edwards on Morning Edition.
Hofeldt and singer/guitarist Tony Villanueva talk about their work and their country music heroes with Edwards. The Derailers' other members are bassist Ed Adkins and drummer Mark Horn.
With their sharply tailored suits and short, slicked-back hair, The Derailers are instantly recognizable to dance hall regulars even before they take the stage. When they do, it's to play classic country songs made famous by the likes of Roger Miller and Charlie Rich.
They play their own songs, too, infused with the sounds of rockabilly, Texas Swing, and even the West Coast Surf sound. Hofeldt channels Roy Orbison on the song "I See My Baby" from the band's latest album, Here Come the Derailers. Another song, "Bar Exam," recalls the sounds of Buck Owens or George Jones.
As popular as they are on the dance hall circuit, the Derailers have had a
difficult time making the playlists of most country music stations. They're hoping the new album
does the trick. It's already topped the alt-country charts and created a buzz among critics.
Other Resources
• The Derailers Web site at Sony Music Nashville
• A Derailers fan site
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