Crossroads of America

Records

“We love where we’re from,

and we’ll tell you about it”
- husband&wife
I have come to the realization that
I am constantly talking about Cross-
roads of America Records when it
comes to the content on this blog. I
think that is because not only do I
love the music that comes from this
label, butalso because I want every-
one I can tell to know who these
bands are and what they are doing!
Based in the college town of Bloom-
inton, Indiana, XRA is comprised of
predominantly of about six bands all
of whom are from the state of Indi-
ana. A state that is typically talked
down upon, it is in fact rich with loy-
alty and traditions that are hard
to find in most other places. To me
Crossroads of America Records rep-
resents all that is good about Indiana.
The music that comes from this label
is genuine and honest, lacking all of
the gimmicks and media a lot of mu-
sicians are corrupted with in todays
music world. When you see an XRA
band you feel like you know them
almost, as if you have been friends
with the guys in the band forever.
Which is a great feeling, to feel that
connection to something as cool as
a record label with so many great
bands making such great music in
the same town. XRA was created in
2006 by the members of the band
husband&wife, whom I have written
about several times before. more abut the bands on pg. 3 and 4. writer of Rodeo has made an amazing transi-
The intention originally was for
husbnad&wife to promote their own husband&wife- This band can put you
music through this label they all of a in array of moods from sad, to happy, to
sudden created out of thin air. Soon inspired. Like the eample I used before
to realize that they had tons of husband&wife depicts all that is good and
other friends who made great music, honest of Indiana. They are constantly sur-
and they now had the means to put prising us with better and better jams, whether
out their music as well. This is where I they be rocking or very relaxed well written
ultimately came up with the name and songs. Husband&wife is my favorite band, and
logo for my blog, loyaltyisroyalty. I encourage you to check out their music!
If you think about what that means,
to me it speaks for itself. In our hu-
man existence there is arguably no
greater feeling that of loyalty. So
much so that in a since it could make
you feel like royalty, knowing that
people care fore you, love what you
Doug Burr- This Texan sure does know
are creating, and would back you
how to write a song. His new album “O Ye
up no matter what the circumstance
Devestator” is a great piece of dark, melodic
may be. To me that is how XRA
Americana that almost makes your heart ache.
makes me feel, and I know it’s how
Yet in a way that makes you want to listen to
a lot of people feel about XRA. The
the album constantly, it has a way of warm-
great thing about XRA is whether
ing you up. If you are looking for a record to
you like rocking music, or more chill
listen to after making some coffee on a cold
music, or instrumental music versus
night, than look no further. Doug Burr is the
music with great songwriting, there
answer.
is something for you in the XRA
catalog. The Crossroads of America
family consists of the founding band
husband&wife, Marion natives Rodeo
Ruby Love, Alexander the Great,
Fort Wayne natives Metevari, Van
Burren native Frank Schweikhardt, Rodeo Ruby Love- With folk pop roots,
and Texas native Doug Burr. Learn Zach Melton, the fearless leader and song-
tion into a lively pop/punk band with almost a
ska vibe. This band’s music can always put you
in a good mood, and even make you wanna
party. If you ever see them live than I guaran-
tee some dudes are taking their shirts off.
Metevari- Most people I know are always
talking about how all instrumental bands sound
the same. Well for Metevari, that is just not the
case! These guys are some of the most cre-
ative dudes I have ever seen. They know how
to make moving music that you could almost
meditate off of. They just recently released
“Loosen the Bands” a one sided 12” Lp and its
amazing! Check it out at www.xrarecords.com.

Frank Schweikhardt- This Van Burren, In-

diana native is one of my favorite songwriters.
Frank Schweikhardt knows how to use space in
his music like no one I have ever heard before,
and it is truly an experience just to see him live.
If you were ever looking for a reason to use
those giant headphones, than his most recent
album “Life But No More” is the answer.

Alexander the Great- If you like to party,

and by that I mean have a good time dancing
and singing along with good songs, than ATG
is a band that needs to be in your collection. It
would be hard to listen to this band and not get
pumped up and want to sing along. They’re mu-
sic is a high energy sort of punk that definately
gets the food a tappin! Check them out!