Cohesiveness. It's a word defined by Webster as "The act or state of sticking together tightly." That word defines this group of men in more ways than one. It defines them in their pursuit of their dreams by moving through the ups and downs together and not giving up on each other. It also defines them in their onstage performance that is broken down by the band and is analyzed so that the next night out will be better than the previous. It’s this kind of approach that is allowing Seven Hours to Southland to carve their own unique niche in the crowded music scene today. With so many others around them looking to “make it” or to “hit it big” this foursome cares for the music and the music alone. Front man Derek Hicks grew up understanding that music isn’t about fame and fortune, but about the heart and the honesty that needs to be communicated through the power that music can bring. “I grew up in Yukon, Oklahoma watching my cousin Grady [of Cross Canadian Ragweed] pursue his dream and always hearing him saying that it can’t be about the money or the fame and just to get out there and play, just play what you love and nobody can stop you,” says Hicks. It is this mentality that Seven Hours to Southland has adopted that is leading them to the success that they have achieved and the success they look forward to having. Seven Hours to Southland began in December of 2006 and consists of the foursome of front man and guitarist Derek Hicks, drummer and vocalist Ragan Crawford, vocalist and bass guitarist Coby Michalek, and lead guitarist Kyle Roop. “The chemistry that is created when these four men hit the stage is truly an amazing thing to watch,” says Randy Ryder (NGU Entertainment). “You just know these guys are in this for all the right reasons, and it just leaves you wanting more.” The guys understand the road ahead of them is one of a long journey but it’s the journey that makes it all worth it. This road started out many years back with each man knowing in his heart that all he wanted to do was play good, honest music. Currently the guys are touring playing to shows all over the Oklahoma, Texas, Arkansas, and Louisiana region and working on getting their first full length record done by the end of the year. After sharing the stage with such acts as Cross Canadian Ragweed, Wade Bowen, Jason Boland and the Stragglers, Luke Bryan, Colt Ford, Back Porch Mary, Willie Stradlin, Corey Crowder, and upcoming shows with Micky and the Motorcars and more, as well playing numerous benefit shows with a few other regional acts, the phone calls are flowing in and it couldn’t be a better feeling for a young band. When asked about the music they play Southland said, “we just want the music to be honest and real, when I sit down to write a song it has to be something that has some sort of personal meaning, whether it be funny or sad, if I’m singing the song, and the guys are playing it, it has to have a personal connection to us, that’s what keeps us honest and real, and the crowd knows that.” When asked what makes this an exciting time for Southland Derek said, “Man, a group of best friends get to play music together. When you’re kids you might all go sign up to play baseball together, well we play music, and getting to play with your best friends and not just business partners, that makes this so much fun. We share in all the times together, good and bad, then we write songs about them, and get to see them make a difference in other people’s lives, and that’s what matters most to us.” Seven Hours to Southland is truly paving a path of their own not only musically but in the message they send and the originality they portray. You can count on seeing them at venues large and small for many years to come, with the lyrical and soulful richness that just pours out into the crowd, and consumes everyone that hears it. Seven Hours to Southland is on a mission, and they will never stop until one day that mission is complete.