Drew Holcomb and the Neighbors on Tour mean they are “Strangers No More”

The Americana Group Travels America To Celebrate Their New Album

Date: June 22nd, 2023

Venue: The Anthem

Washington, DC

What’s up, everyone? Derek here, a.k.a. The Photographic Ginger and I’m back again with another incredible night of music in our nation’s capital. 

With the release of their latest album Strangers No More, it’s clear that the catalyst of a global pandemic brought Drew Holcomb, much like everyone, to think deeper about the things we often take for granted, things such as our friends, the connection we have with others and life. With their new album, Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors bring a variety of topics to life through songwriting and a mix of upbeat feel good songs and stripped-back moments that let the words tell the story. 

As they make their way across North America whether it be as headliners or supporting Darius Rucker, they’re celebrating the new and old. Shutter 16 Magazine and I are no strangers to the band. I myself, was first introduced to them shortly after the release of their 2013 album Good Light as they were out supporting South Carolina creators NEEDTOBREATHE. Ever since that set, I’ve been obsessed as songs like “The Wine We Drink” and “Live Forever” pack such power in their lyrics and vocal delivery. 

On this stop of the tour a new song titled “That’s on You, That’s on Me” kicked things off with the five-piece band creating a foot-tapping, body-swaying, bar-jam type feeling. An immediate hit to get the crowd going and introduced to the guys. Shortly after in the set, we take a step back to their previous album with a song that mesmerized me from the moment I first heard it as it creates a feeling of empowerment and showcases the musicianship of the band as a stripped-back guitar blended with simple percussion and foot stomps create the magic of “Dragons.” 

This is a band that naturally coming from Tennessee knows how to make great music that brings people together. Drew took a moment to introduce his own people in the form of the band, including NEEDTOBREATHE’s Josh Lovelace on keys. Which was a perfect lead into their song “Find Your People”. 

To round out their set they hit us with a cover of Tom Petty’s “Running Down a Dream” before creating an entire jam session to the rhythm of their song “Family” which had the crowd chanting the word “family” throughout the chorus. The entirety of the set helped to create new fans and certainly put a smile on the face of existing ones such as myself. 

In the event you catch them on tour with Darius Rucker, you may even be treated to a collaboration of Rucker’s “Don’t Think I Don’t Think About It” live during his set. 

See the full gallery of the night here!

If you happened to capture any shots of the night, feel free to tag us on social media at Shutter 16 Magazine and throw in #Shutter16 and #TwitFromThePit for the world to see.