Backstory:
Unlawful Land was born out of the eclectic music scene of Austin, Texas, during the vibrant alternative era of the late 90s. The band was established by four childhood friends – Jake Shepherd (lead vocals, guitar), Billy Hawkins (drums), Sara Norris (bass, backup vocals), and Mike Thompson (lead guitar). They were all born and raised in Austin, sharing a fondness for music since they were kids. Their bond grew stronger through high school jam sessions and local gigs, eventually leading to the formation of Unlawful Land.
Their music became a reflection of their shared experiences, a mix of melodic nostalgia and rebellious energy, echoing the spirit of their hometown. It didn’t take long for their distinctive sound to catch the attention of local music enthusiasts, eventually leading to their big break – a signing deal with a well-known indie record label in 2001.
Genre:
Alternative Country-Rock
Title:
“Midnight Run”
Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
[G]Driving down these dusty roads, [D]underneath the Texan sky,
[Em]Memories of youth unfold, [C]as the miles go passing by.
[G]Four free souls, no plans in hand, [D]making music in our band,
[Em]In the heart of this Unlawful Land, [C]we found our promised high.
(Chorus)
[D]Midnight run, under the [G]lone star sun,
[Em]Chasing dreams, our journey’s [C]just begun.
[D]In this Unlawful Land, we [G]made our stand,
[Em]With guitars in our hands, we claimed our [D]Midnight Run.
(Verse 2)
[G]Sweat and tears, and laughter loud, [D]echo through our past,
[Em]Standing tall, amidst the crowd, [C]we knew it would not last.
[G]Time, it flies, but songs remain, [D]each note a memory’s stain,
[Em]In this Unlawful Land, we gained, [C]a love that holds us fast.
(Chorus)
[D]Midnight run, under the [G]lone star sun,
[Em]Chasing dreams, our journey’s [C]just begun.
[D]In this Unlawful Land, we [G]made our stand,
[Em]With guitars in our hands, we claimed our [D]Midnight Run.
(Bridge)
[G]We sing for those who understand, [D]the power of a song,
[Em]In this Unlawful Land, we found where we [C]belong.
(Chorus)
[D]Midnight run, under the [G]lone star sun,
[Em]Chasing dreams, our journey’s [C]just begun.
[D]In this Unlawful Land, we [G]made our stand,
[Em]With guitars in our hands, we claimed our [D]Midnight Run.
Favorite Fan’s Testimonial:
Molly Hernandez, a die-hard fan since their earliest shows, states, “Unlawful Land isn’t just a band; they’re an experience. Their music resonates with me in a way that no other band does. It’s like they’ve woven the very essence of Austin into their songs. ‘Midnight Run,’ in particular, always brings a tear to my eye and takes me back to those warm, carefree summer nights spent under the Texas sky. Their authenticity in both music and personality is what makes them my favorite band.”