In the heart of Music Row lies an unmarked two story building we all know as Big Machine Records. Inside those four walls lies history, as evidenced by the monumental lobby wall dedicated to Taylor Swift with record plaques of other BMLG artists lining the wall across from the staircase. One meeting room in particular houses comfortable couches and a larger than life size mirror, perfect for conversation and relaxation. And that’s exactly what happened one hot spring day with Big Machine’s newest prodigy: the guys of Radio Romance. And why not? They sure do have a lot to smile and converse about these days. Their summer anthem, “Weekend”, has gotten a generous amount of airtime lately, including regular rotations on NASH ICON 95.5 and Ty, Kelly, and Chuck on NASH 103.3 FM.
With lyrics like “Love’s going up in flames. Families going down the drain. But life’s too short to care enough to cry and complain so just check it at the door. That’s what Friday nights are for . . . “ this song is bound to be blasted on boats, in backyards, and at the bars on Broadway all summer long!
Forged between the classic 90’s sound of David Lee Murphy and the more recent pop vibes of One Direction, Radio Romance is not looking to be put into a box. “The early 90s country music is what we grew up listening too. The production and harmonies were such a big deal,” explains lead vocalist Sam Hayes. “I mean how do you not love Alabama? Do you even love country music?”
With influences that span all genres, it’s no wonder that their band title came off of an old album cover from the 80’s.
Guitarist Josh Gramling told us the story. “We played Legends Corner every Tuesday and Friday nights—the 10-2 time slot, just trying to get our feet wet on Broadway as a cover band all the while trying to come up with names for an original band. Sam and I were counting tips one night when we looked up on the wall. Legends is covered by 45’s and after the Bud Light Neon sign, we saw an old Eddie Rabbit album from 80’s called Radio Romance. We thought that was a cool name—classic but progressive.”
Hayes added, “we did a little more research and found out in the Hall of Fame, the whole era of country music dedicated to the 80s is called Radio Romance which is really cool and full circle in a way. That’s when country became more mainstream. It was the peak of starting to break into pop and rock was starting to infiltrate country and blues.”
Although their shared love of the 90s and their brotherly antics may seem like they all grew up together, their story is not of the “childhood band formed in the garage” variety. In fact, their initial meeting is what some would consider odd. But as they shared with The Country Note, it’s what has always kept Radio Romance flying by the seat of their pants.
Hayes, the lead vocalist, had moved down almost a decade ago from Yorktown, VA not knowing a single soul. (Hence why Nashville gets it’s nickname “10 year town.”) He met Gramling, the guitarist, (who is also from Virginia) through mutual music friends and after commuting back and forth, Hayes convinced Gramling to move down here and sleep on a cot in his room for six months–perfect Nashville story already. The duo started beating doors down on Broadway as a cover band. Soon after, drummer Moises Padilla came into the picture. Padilla was living in Illinois in 2011 when he got a call from an old friend who encouraged him to check out the Nashville music scene and in particular a band who needed a drummer for a North Carolina gig. Padilla’s first time meeting the other guys? On stage two days later in North Carolina. Bring in Adam Smithwick, bass player. Smithwick can thank buddy and one half of Walker McGuire, Jordan Walker, for introducing him to the rest of the bunch. Fresh to Nashville by three months and playing any slot he could, Smithwick received a text from Walker about some great guys looking for a 4th person. Next thing they knew, they had a band and an audition for a relatively new competition called NASH Next.
A partnership between Cumulus Media and Big Machine Label Group, NASH Next is a grassroots talent search and artist development program that leads to a record contract and radio airplay for the lucky winners. And unlike some reality talent shows, NASH Next allows bands. The foursome endured multiple rounds of auditions while still performing and touring independently. After competing against 2700 acts nationwide (220 in Nashville alone), Radio Romance claimed the 2017 NASH Next title at the finals at the Wildhorse Saloon back in November.
And they have been going nonstop ever since.
“We’re kinda forged by fire,” Hayes laughs. The chemistry and bromanship between the guys is evident, whether they are onstage giving a high energy show or sitting on couches drinking water and chatting it up with media. If they’re not writing with each other and their tight knit group of writer friends, they’re on the road every weekend, giving it all they’ve got. Just last week, they garnered a whole new set of fans during CMA Fest, playing the coveted Chevy Breakout Stage right before Ashley McBryde and before CMA even officially kicked off, they opened up for Midland at the Cannery on June 5.
“We’re totally gonna fan girl over Midland”, joked Hayes. The guys admitted that they try and take a little piece of something from everybody they watch on stage after their set. “We opened up for Luke Bryan and he would do these medleys so we started incorporating medleys into our show, Gramling told us. “And then Eric Church is balls to the wall (we all pause for a good laugh on the word choice!) for an hour and a half—keeping the energy up even on ballads. You’re gonna get a little something of everything at our show.”
We cannot wait to see a full on Radio Romance show! You can catch them out on tour this summer. And in the meantime, we’ll be blaring “Weekend” and cheering the guys on as it climbs up the charts. For all things Radio Romance, check out realradioromance.com and follow them on socials, radio_romance on Instagram and romance_radio on Twitter!