One Year Later-Remembering Radio Company at Sagebrush

One Year Later-Remembering Radio Company at Sagebrush

It’s hard to believe a whole year has passed since Radio Company performed in Austin with back-to-back sold-out concerts at Sagebrush on August 19th and 20th, 2024. I was lucky enough to be there both nights, and even now, those shows feel as vivid to me as if they happened yesterday.

When I think back, what stands out isn’t just the music, even though Jensen Ackles and Steve Carlson delivered everything Radio Company fans could have hoped for; it’s the way the whole experience wrapped itself around the audience and weaved an incredible story. That story began with astounding music, rooted in fabulous performances, carried a honky-tonk vibe and ended in memories built to last a lifetime.

Not all of it was easy. The heat was so intense it felt like a weight upon you, with humidity that was cloying. The worst of it came from hours of standing still in the long line up, praying the doors would open, only to find no relief inside. All of it was a tapestry of discomfort that effectively converted regular fans into battle-worn comrades who survived an ordeal and came out the other side, forever connected by the experience. This is the texture that comes with the memories. Those challenges quickly faded with the passage of time, and now only the good stuff remains and shines even brighter by contrast.

There is nothing that compares to seeing a band perform live.  When an artist shares something as personal as their own creations to a room full of eager fans, the energy is thrilling and palpable.  I remember the first night as being a breaking-in of sorts. It became the foundation that invited the unmistakable party-vibe that culminated in the second show. I think the initial performance helped the band find their bearings, while the subsequent concert allowed the musicians to lean into their own enjoyment and they let their hair down. Ackles and Carlson seemed looser, freer, and their joy spilled over into the crowd.

Ackles’ deep, clean baritone hit with its usual power, Carlson’s raspy edge brought grit and charm, and together their harmonies melted seamlessly into something greater than the sum of its parts. Along with what these two artists are capable of delivering, there was a deep well of talent on stage with them and the result was both expansive and deeply intimate at the same time.

Radio Company’s sound has its roots in rock ‘n roll, but so much of what they produce is masterfully layered with soulful harmonizing and a kicky country twang so reminiscent of that style. Their sound never fails to pull on the heartstrings and is capable of evoking the entire spectrum of emotion from melancholy heartbreak to toe-tapping, foot stomping joy. Their rich delivery of sound and energy filled every corner of Sagebrush. It’s in the walls now.

There are two additional memories that really stand out for me. The first is when, at the end of the night, some friends and I sat out front of Sagebrush on the old worn picnic tables and sampled from the food truck, the best chicken quesadilla I have ever tasted. The second is when I got back to my hotel room. I sat on the edge of my bed, exhausted. And when I looked down at the hem of my pants, they were caked with Sagebrush dust and patron sweat and spilled drinks. It was kind of glorious.

One year later, I realize those two August nights at Sagebrush weren’t just concerts, they were shared moments that stitched fans and band together in ways only live music can. Absolutely unforgettable, they remain some of the best shows I’ve ever experienced.

I want to thank 3saPhotography for the photos included in the video above. KeepFromDrowning supplied all the photos included in the original Sagebrush publication. Their generosity is deeply appreciated.

Check out the original concert article here.

Music/Keep On Ramblin’ Title Track by Radio Company, Album – Keep on Ramblin 2023