Trailer Choir’s “Rockin’ The Beer Gut”

Welcome back to The Expressionist Magazine

Sometimes fate plays a big part in our lives, and we never even know until it hits us.  That’s what happened to this fun loving, comedic country music group called “Trailer Choir.”  Their entire being was dealt the hand of fate, and that hand has nothing in store but to bring them to the top.  Blessed with rich opportunites, being in the right place at the right time, and being found by a legend has made this trio of best friends’ dreams a reality.

It all stared in Nashville, Tennessee when Big Vinny came down to the city to learn more about writing and performing music. His father was an amazing musician that toured with the likes of Steve Miller; so music was in his blood and now it was time to bring it to perfection.  He bought a place on 18th Street in the city, and one night around 3 A.M, Vinny walked outside and there was Butter, sitting on his porch playing the guitar with two strings missing.  Vinny recognized him as Butter who he’s seen play around town, so he asked Butter if he could play him a song.  He did and they struck up a friendship and started to write music together.

The team solidified one night when Butter was on stage performing. Big Vinny was on the floor watching and dancing, when Butter invited him up on stage to dance.  That was all it took. The magic was embranded and the people felt it as well.  Butter said he wanted him to be a permanent part of his act.  They became the hit band we now know today as “Trailer Choir.”

So what about Crystal? How did she join the band?  It was a strange incident that normally would not be allowed to happen, but again fate paved the way to make this group a trio one night at a show in Nashville.  Butter and Big Vinny were on stage performing, when a beautiful blue eyed vixen jumps up on stage and tells Big Vinny,” Move over, I’m singing with you.”  ”Be my guest. Who am I to tell that pretty young thing no?”  That’s all it took, the trio was officially bonded.  Crystal brought a new sound to the group and got them into a whole new way of performing.

“Plus she made us look good. At every frat show there are guys lined up next to the stage. They don’t move, since she joined us,” laughs Vinny.

Fate wasn’t done yet, no sir.  After a show in Nashville, they got word that Toby Keith, the legendary country music singer was there and loved their act and wanted to see them.  Star struck, the trio walked to Toby’s side and graciously listened to the amazing offer he had. He wanted to work with the band and if it worked out, sign them to “Showdog Records,” Keiths label.

It took a few months to prove themselves, get the contracts signed and finalized, but it was worth the wait for as it turned out Keith was the magic they needed. Trailer Choir was about embark on an amazing ride.

Trailer Choir started to tour opening for Toby Keith, and have done so around 49 times to date.  The tour was much more than just a job. They got to tour with a friend and learn from a legend whose been there and done that and there is no better way to learn than that.  So much of Toby has rubbed off on the band, which really helped make them the fun loving, fan appreciative band they are today.  They say they have to “earn each and every fan,” something they picked up from Keith.  They treat their fans as each one is special, which they are. “We’re out for our fans, it wouldn’t be any other way.”

In just a year’s time, the accolades have rolled in for this band of buds. Honors include About.com’s Best New Country Group/Duo winner, their song “Off The Hillbilly Hook,” which was on the soundtrack to Toby Keith’s movie Beer for my Horses, their song “Last Man Standing” which was used by ESPN & ABC for a NASCAR promo, and most recently the release of their full CD, Trailer Choir-Off the Hillbilly Hook, on which the “Rockin The Beer Gut” single has exceeded the 100,000.00 sales mark!

Vinny told me about the ESPN/NASCAR promo. He was sitting in a bar up in Detroit with Keith, and they were watching TV when “Last Man Standing” blasted over the TV.  Keith looked at them and said “Damn boys, you’re on TV.”  Nothing can send chills up your spine like hearing your song blast across the TV and having a legend be proud of you.

Even though this band is young and has accomplished so much already, I can only see them going farther than this.  They have an amazing fun loving act that the people love. Their stage presence with each other is magical, making the duo addicting, which emanates through their music.  When all is said and done, I can see them in the Grand Ole Opry, and I can see them in the Country Music Hall Of Fame.

So when they come to your city, don’t miss them. And don’t forget to get your cowboy hat, boots and suspenders on and hit the town “country style” for some fun.  Oh, and most importantly, don’t forget to “rock the beer gut!”

If you want to contact Trailer Choir, just hit them up on their MySpace page, which Big Vinny runs. He will answer any e-mails you send.  Want an autograph?  Just catch them on the street or after a show and they will be happy to oblige.  Their website is www.trailerchoir.com It has links to all their sites and news.

Don’t miss the podcast “Artist One on One” that we had with Big Vinny.  To check it out  just go to our Podcast link.