BetterAuds Team
Flat River Band has released their new music album “Every Dog Has Its Day.”
One thing is apparent when you listen to The Flat River Band. The trio, comprised of siblings Andy, Dennijo, and Chad Sitze, love to have fun when they are playing music – and it shows. This bond has carried the success of the band throughout the years as the trio has opened for the Dixie Chicks’ Natalie Maines, Alison Krauss, Ricky Skaggs, Rhonda Vincent, TG Sheppard, among others.
The brothers have also charted #1 hits on the bluegrass gospel charts as well as have had their songs featured in the 2018 movie “The Least of These — A Christmas Story” featuring Duane Allen (Oak Ridge Boys), Deborah Allen, and Tayla Lynn (Loretta Lynn’s granddaughter).
That unabandoned joy and love of music come to the forefront when you listen to the band’s new album, Every Dog Has Its Day. The trio’s fifth effort is one that the band is very excited to bring to the attention of its fans.
Aaron McDaris who plays with Rhonda Vincent and the Rage was brought in to play the banjo, and much to the brothers’ surprise, he brought with him his 1934 Gibson RB-3 that was owned by Sonny Osborne who recorded the University of Tennessee’s theme song “Rocky Top” with that same banjo in 1967. One of Dennijo’s guitar superheroes, Johnny Hiland, who is legally blind, was brought in to play the electric guitar, while Stuart Duncan played the fiddle.
Those all-star names only add to the first-rate musicianship that fans have expected from The Flat River Band over the years. Again, Chad chalks that up to the undeniable bond between the three brothers that grew through a dozen years performing at Branson’s Silver Dollar City and five at Dollywood in Pigeon Forge. And just as the band features some special guests on instrumentation, they also include some of Nashville’s top tunesmiths on the disc, such as “In Another World,” a co-write with the highly respected John Scott Sherrill (“Some Fools Never Learn,” “The Church On Cumberland Road.”).
Telling stories – whether it be that of John or their own – is what the Flat River Band is all about.
1. Please tell us something about yourself.
We are 3 brothers that grew up in a family band. Grandpa played the dobro, grandma played the dog house bass, daddy played the flat top, mama sang, Dennijo played the mandolin, Andy played the spoons, and I (Chad) played the banjo.
2. How did you get into what you do right now? Please tell us more about your journey?
The journey itself started when our mom and dad used to take us to homeless shelters. Once a week, we’d travel to St. Louis in daddy’s Thunderbird. It was then when mama taught us to harmonize. We gradually started picking up various instruments, and that morphed into a family band.
3. Who are your role models?
There are a wide variety of role models…since we have 3 personalities. Everybody from New Grass Revival to Alabama or Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and The Eagles.
4. What inspires you?
Our Faith
5. Please tell us about your latest music release.
“Every Dog Has Its Day” basically is an inspirational road map that leads you down the road from yesterday. With old sayings that our grandpa passed down to our dad and he has passed down to us.
6. Which social media channels work best for promoting your work?
To be honest, It’s like a crazy necessary…we are kind of old school. But we have been using Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
7. What’s your greatest fear?
Here is a crazy answer for ya. We don’t fear because of our faith.
8. Looking back, what’s one thing you wish you understood better before you ever got started?
Honestly, I can’t allow myself to dwell on the past or hang out there in should’ve, would’ve, could’ve land. Between the three of us, I’m sure we all have things we wish we could’ve done differently. There is not enough space or time in this interview for me to go there mentally.
9. What are the strategies that helped you become successful in your journey?
Staying focused on the prize
10. What keeps you going when things get tough?
Faith
11. Any message for our readers.
When you have a dream and vision…no matter what it is… stay focused on the prize.
12. How can people connect with you?
They can connect with us via our website or through social media channels on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.