Earlier this year, their authentic Southern Rock concoction caught the ears of famed Southern Rock icon Richard Young of the Kentucky HeadHunters. “These boys are the real deal,” says Young, who produced their forthcoming new album, Redneck Revival, along with engineer / buddy David Barrick. “They sing about the blue-collar lives they live there in rural Louisiana, but their appeal goes well beyond the backwoods and mud holes of Haynesville, Louisiana.” “We wanted to write music that people could relate to,” Shively says. “We took a chance and sent some music to Richard, really just to see if he would even give it a listen. We were shocked when he called and told us he’d be interested in producing our record.” Young brought Louisiana Swamp Donky to his hometown of Edmonton, Kentucky, and the results are foot-stomping, Southern-fried Rockin’ country.
Though the four members of Louisiana Swamp Donky draw from a deep well of musical influences ranging from ZZ Top to Willie Nelson, their Southern Rock has “a ton of Country backbone.” “We love Merle Haggard and Hank Williams,” Shively continues. “But then again, my brother, Leif’s (lead guitars) influences are Allen Collins, Charlie Starr,and Zakk Wyld. Greg McHam (lead vocals and guitar) is a mix of Ronnie Van Zant and Warren Haynes with a little touch of Dio while being versed in early 70’s southern rock drawing form the local lore of the I-20 corridor. Drummer Kevin Davis reflects the drumming style of East Louisana / West Texas that all rock ‘n roll children love.”
Haynesville, Louisiana sits along the northern edge of Louisiana,not far from the Arkansas line and barely an hour from Shreveport, home of the famed Louisiana Hayride and artists like James Burton (guitarist for Elvis Presley) and blues legend Lead Belly. Haynesville LA is a small town with a population just under 2,500, the mostly Claiborne Parish is made up of folks who earn their livings in the timber and oil industry. “The majority of our free time is spent hunting or fishing,” Shively explains. “This is a small town where everybody knows each other’s business. We knew that we were doing musically would appeal to the folks here because we’re singing about our lives and theirs. We want them to hear one of our songs and say ‘that’s me.’ “A lot of it has to do with the makeup of the people and the fact that we are proud of where we’re from,” he continues. “We work hard and play harder. We’re just trying to be who we are. This isn’t a fairy tale, It’s reality music.”