About Us
The Music of the South
Being born & raised in the south, the Heathens grew up listening to the music that has influenced so many over the years from RocknRoll to Blues & Outlaw Country. Joe & Ronnie both grew up in musical families, both learning to play at a young age, while Donnie just loved music & knew he wanted to play someday. While Joe came from a more Blues, Bluegrass background, Ronnie‘s was more Country & Gospel, but all 3 grew up loving Classic Rock & Outlaw Country. And when they get on stage all this comes together to make the unique sound that some call Southern Rock, but they simply call it Heathen music!
Out of a Devastation Comes the birth of Heathens
After a Hurricane had came through our NC hometown a drummer from a local band (Donnie Smith) decided to have a fundraiser with a concert featuring other local artists. One of those artists to answer the call was local Singer/Songwriter & guitarist Joe Frye, neither of them knew that after that day their lives would change forever. During the time after that they stayed in touch as the band Donnie played in came to an end, then a call came in looking for a band to play a festival in their hometown. With plenty of time to prepare the two decided to put something together. Donnie called a friend of his & longtime band mate & bass player Ronnie Latham. And on April 11th 2019 all 3 played together for the first time, it was magical & they knew it! They immediately got to work & by the time they played the gig that brought them together they had already played a couple shows & had a list of upcoming shows, playing covers & original songs! And they’ve been going strong ever since, each year playing more & more shows & writing new songs, and they’re just getting started!
Looking to the Future
During the shutdown through Covid we spent that time writing songs & as soon as we could get into the studio we started recording our first full album, which is available now wherever you stream music. Once we were able to start playing shows again we hit it wide open & we‘ve been burning up the roads across NC & the surrounding area ever since!
What’s Happening Now
This year 2023 marks our 4th year together as a band! We’ve got a long list of shows at a lot of new places & at our favorite spots as well on the calendar this year. We’re currently writing new music & recording for our 2nd album & we’ve got a whole lot more in store! So be sure & stay tuned, come out & see us live & jump on the Heathen train we’re ready to ride!
