Silverada w/ Drew Cooper

Evolution. It’s what keeps the best bands afloat — song after song, show after show, record after record.

Mike Harmeier formed Mike and the Moonpies in his early 20s, a workingman’s country band, honing their craft with five-hour sets on Austin’s dancehall circuit before expanding across America. By the early 2020s, they’d become global ambassadors of Texas music, from Abbey Road Studios to the Grand Ole Opry.

The growth led to introspection. As their music changed, why not their name too? Silverada marks this evolution.

“Back in the day, all we wanted to do was play the Broken Spoke,” says Harmeier, reminiscing about the Austin honky-tonk where Silverada found its roots.

The album, their ninth, showcases their accumulated strengths — sharp songwriting, pedal steel melodies, and a versatile rhythm section — while breaking old rules. “Radio Wave” and “Eagle Rare” demonstrate their sonic exploration.

Harmeier penned Silverada in his backyard studio, drawing inspiration from diverse sources. Recorded at Yellow Dog Studios, the album balances progression with roots, honoring their past while looking ahead.

“We spent the first part of our career figuring out who we are,” says Harmeier. “Now we want to evolve not only the sound of the band but the dynamic of the live show too. Silverada sets the stage for the next leg of the journey.”