It is one of the classically strange ironies in local music. Bands bust a hump to get recognized nationally, and then when the opportunity presents itself, they decide against it.
Thus the story of the Nudie Cowboys.
Last spring, the contemporary country band realized respectable local airplay on the Coast and WCMS while hitting other east coast markets (Nashville being one of them) with the release "Midnight Realm." Recently, Terry Fraley of the Nudie Cowboys received a call from the managers of Wynonna Judd and Jo Dee Messina to do the lead out song for the Nudies', "Let Myself Go." Even the title is ironic, for Fraley passed on the deal.
"It's a 20 year overnight success story," explains Fraley. "It's really cool when people like that contact you, but then the novelty wears off and you begin looking at the long hull. You don't want to sell yourself out too quickly." If nothing else, the proposals should be viewed as confirmation that the Nudie Cowboys are on to something big. "It's not like I'm saying, "no, you can't have it." It's just that we want to do it first," he says laughing.
Hailing from Kentucky but calling Hampton Roads home, Fraley loves to play the starving artist but admits that his entrepreneurial skills have kept him from missing meals. Sole proprietor of Eaton Gogh for 10 years, co-owning another restaurant, and being a partner at Muddy Creek Audio, keep Fraley hopping, but he still finds time to write. Using the lyrics as foundations, Martha and/or Shea will create the melodies, and then, of course, the rest of the band fills out the rest of the song. "There is a lot going on right now, but it all seems natural. Even though everything is taking off, it doesn't seem like a job. And that's good," he jests.
SPLASH labeled the Nudie Cowboys as one of the Top 10 bands to watch in 2003. And so far, this premonition has come to fruition because the new single is taking on a life of its own and getting much radio attention. We hate to tell ya we told ya so, but... The band is creating a large and loyal following, and we have a feeling that this regional fan base will just be the tip of the iceberg.
By the way, Martha & Shea Roebuck are are part of their own group, Lazy Stars, and
The Nudie Cowboys Feature the vocals of Martha Roebuck.