The music industry is one of the most competitive fields out there, and only the best of the best have what it takes to be a star.
Local Mississippi band, Pothole Paradise, has what it takes to reach stardom. The indie-rock band is composed of four talented young men from Jackson MS: drummer Sam Strogner, lead guitarist Ricky Miller, bassist Pete Dowing and lead singer Andrew Puckett.
On May 23, 2021, they released their debut single, “Blue Eyes,” marking the beginning of their music career. Puckett said that the songs he writes are not for himself but for people to connect with, and he leaves all interpretations up to the listeners. Though the songs the band writes may not have a specific meaning to them, they have an impact on listeners, and the lyrics are sure to leave some in awe. The band has since put out one album, one EP, and two singles. Their most well-known song, “Up to Colorado,” was written about Puckett’s desire to visit Colorado and his fortunate opportunity to spend the summer there.
Puckett’s voice has a soulful feel to it, a quality that is rare in artists today. When he is on stage, it is evident that he belongs under the spotlight. The band appears to radiate joy while on stage, with smiles that never waver. It is almost as if they are so overjoyed that they get to make music and perform their songs in front of people who love them.
The band’s beginnings started when the founders were very young.
“Ricky and I did a thing called Fondren Guitars Rock band when we were kids and then one day in like tenth grade Pete and Andrew joined in. We kept doing it every weekend, and it just went from there,” said Strogner, implying that he did not expect anything to come from their music.
After seeing this group in concert at the Cathead Distillery in Jackson, it is safe to say that they have what it takes to reach stardom. Not only do they put on a phenomenal show, but they also have a way of captivating the audience with their vocals and the comfort they seem to find on stage. Fans can see the way Miller appears to be one with his guitar, seemingly pouring his soul into every note he plays. When the band performs, they appear to be having the time of their lives, creating an environment where even those who do not know their music are sure to have a great time.
All of their music can be streamed on Spotify and Apple Music, and the band can be found on Instagram and TikTok under the username “Pothole Paradise.”
Anna Corcoran