Honoring Service and Song: Low Down Revival’s Musical Mission
Low Down Revival, a veteran band hailing from Tennessee, is a Honky-Tonk Grassin band with blends of southern rock and blues. Their sound, a mix of influences like Merle Haggard, Johnny Cash, and southern rock blues, creates a unique listening experience that resonates with fans of both classic and modern Americana. Formed in 2020, the band quickly established themselves as storytellers and entertainers, weaving authentic narratives with compelling melodies.
A Veteran’s Journey to Music
At the heart of Low Down Revival is Matthew Aaron Evans, a military veteran from Ringgold, Georgia. Evans served as an infantryman and heavy anti-armor gunner with the 101st Airborne Division during Desert Storm. After completing several missions, he returned home to pursue his lifelong passion for music. His journey began with the guitar, later expanding to include the mandolin, upright bass, and banjo. Evans’ musical influences range from The SteelDrivers and Lonesome River Band to Ralph Stanley and Tyler Childers, shaping his signature sound.
For Evans, music is more than a career—it’s a form of therapy. As a disabled veteran, he credits music with keeping his mind active and focused. "I use music as therapy," he says, channeling his experiences and emotions into his songwriting. Evans collaborates with Freedom Sings USA, a Chattanooga-based nonprofit that pairs veterans with songwriters to tell their stories through song. He has earned praise from fellow songwriter Don Goodman, writer of “Angels Among Us.”
Pictured: Taylor Freeman
Band Members and Roles
The members of Lowdown Revival each bring a distinctive energy and expertise to the band, creating a dynamic and versatile ensemble. Vocalist Evans plays multiple instruments, including rhythm guitar and banjo. On drums, Chad Shipley drives the band’s rhythm with an infectious energy that keeps audiences on their feet. Meanwhile, Taylor Freeman, the steadfast bass guitarist, lays down the foundation for their signature sound, ensuring every note resonates with impact. Dustin Mitchell is the lead guitar player, who also shares lead vocals. Sitting in when needing to add a touch of Appalachian soul is Oriana Ross, whose fiddle playing weaves seamlessly into the group’s bluegrass roots, amplifying their sound with both fire and finesse. Together, these musicians form a cohesive unit that adapts effortlessly, whether performing as a stripped-down trio or the full five-piece lineup.
Pictured: Dustin Mitchell.
Photo by Eternal Perceptions LLC
Connecting with Fans and the Road Ahead
Low Down Revival’s music is deeply personal, and Evans takes great care in crafting each song before introducing it to the band. “Stuff just comes to my head,” he says, describing his creative process. The band’s live performances are equally impactful, often closing with a medley of older gospel songs that invite the audience to sing along. These moments of connection are what Evans cherishes most, saying, “I love it when the crowd sings along with us.”
Touring has also provided the band with memorable experiences. Evans recalls their first performance in Arizona’s mountains, where the beauty of the landscape and the unexpected chill of the evening left a lasting impression. “It’s really pretty, and there’s no humidity,” he says with a laugh.
As Low Down Revival continues to grow, Evans’ goal remains simple yet profound: “To play more shows and play until I physically can’t play no more.” Their dedication to music, combined with a genuine connection to their audience, ensures that Lowdown Revival’s journey is far from over.
To book them for your next event, email us at megan.loudandheavybooking@gmail.com. To learn more about Loud and Heavy Booking’s own mission, check us out on social media.
