Fans line up in front of the Fox Theatre before a sold-out concert. (CU Independent/James Bradbury)
Four years ago, four college students from the south were playing any gig they could land after embarking on a passion project: Starting a band during COVID.
What separates The Stews from others is that, in 2024, they’ve long left behind Auburn University due to the high demand for their live shows all across the nation. The Stews are now finishing off the first leg of their “Chicken Fight” album release tour.
“Me, Blake and Wyatt all went to high school in Atlanta,” bassist Bennet Baugus said. “When we all went to college, Wyatt met Preston. When COVID hit, we ended up jamming during that first COVID winter break. With Preston, the pieces fit perfectly. I guess the rest is history.”
“We were hanging out trying to come up with a name and Preston’s roommate said, ‘We’re all just stewing right now.’ It stuck,” said rhythm guitarist Blake Dobbs.
They recall their early gigs in casual college settings, and pay homage to their roots as a college band. Having been a part of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity at Auburn, they often found themselves performing in casual environments.
“Being labeled a ‘college band’ can carry negative connotations, but starting out at Auburn was huge for us,” said Baugus. “The frat provided a practice space and biweekly gigs. Knowing many people got our foot in the door. For the first six months, we played backyard parties and frat shows. We owe our growth in popularity to that experience.”
As a Southern band, they draw inspiration from their upbringing. Growing up in what is considered the birthplace of classic rock and blues, they were influenced by a variety of styles that shaped their early musical identities.
“In Dothan, Alabama’s guitar shops, old musicians discussed chops. That was my introduction to music, hearing Southern classics from them,” lead guitarist and vocalist Preston Hall said.
However, the band collectively agreed that their taste has expanded beyond blues and southern rock.
“What’s great about today’s age is being able to find and stream any type of music,” said drummer Wyatt Griffith.” Growing up, we all had parents that showed us really cool music, but across the board, we like to listen to just about anything.”
Baugus also attributed the band’s unique sound to the member’s varied personal tastes.
“Preston’s into Southern rock, Wyatt likes ’80s music, I’m into the ’60s and Blake is all over the board,” said Baugus. “When one of us contributes an idea, that doesn’t decide the course of the song. That’s just one brick.”
Dobbs also said that these tastes can change by the day, adding to the band’s style.
“We go with the mood of the day,” said Dobbs. “If Preston is into Spanish guitar, Bennett’s listening to Daniel Lanois, Wyatt’s listening to The Police and I’m listening to jazz, that’s one hell of a combination; who knows where that’ll go? It’s exciting being able to make that ‘stew,’ if you will.”
Their journey as a band comes with valuable insights for those who wish to follow in their footsteps.
“For artists in the cover band phase, if you’ve got a good group of musicians, start trickling those original ideas into your sets, even if they’re not finished,” said Griffith. “Play ‘em anyway. Always look towards the next step. Never get comfortable.”
Griffith also emphasizes commitment from all members, noting the challenges that arise when some are not fully invested. He said that perseverance is essential, reminding new musicians that, even during tough times, it’s crucial to keep pushing forward.
“It’s challenging if one guy wants to get going while there’s weak links,” he said. “We were fortunate that all four of us were all in from the start, even if there were moments like, ‘What the hell are we doing, just playing frat shows?’ But none of us regret it; we gave it our all and took a chance.”
Hall emphasized the importance of taking every opportunity, reflecting on their experiences and the lengths to which the band has gone to perform at various gigs, ranging from unconventional payment arrangements to playing for sparse audiences.
“We were doing whatever it took to play gigs,” said Hall. “I got in trouble with the law because we got paid in beer and I wasn’t even of age. We played events where no one showed up. You gotta turn around and play to each other and just do it for the love of music.”
In the ever-evolving landscape of the music industry, the allure of viral fame can be both enticing and discouraging for aspiring artists. With platforms like TikTok, band members acknowledge the challenges that come with comparing their journey to others who have seemingly skyrocketed to success overnight.
“You see all these people blowing up on TikTok, going from 100 to 100,000 followers just because their soundbite went viral,” said Baugus. “You pull up your phone, and you’re immediately comparing yourselves.”
Despite this temptation, they emphasize that true success comes from hard work and dedication.
“If you’re serious about playing music and proud of your work, find any means to share it across the country,” Baugus continued. “First, 50 people show up; a few months later, it’s 100. Then 200, and that’s the growth we’ve seen. It’s grueling at points but incredibly rewarding.”
Dobbs also emphasized the importance of putting the team first.
“One day, we looked at each other and realized we were making more money than we knew what to do with,” Dobbs continued. “We never thought we’d get here. Nobody wanted to take it for themselves. We talked about getting wedges to hear ourselves on stage, a trailer, and a sound system so we can show up anywhere and play. Piece by piece, we built the machine that is today. Reinvesting in our business is key.”
As the music industry increasingly popularizes viral fame and online metrics, the band members emphasized the importance of creating meaningful experiences over superficial numbers. They believe real success lies in the real world.
“What truly matters is doing something tangible, something that you can feel proud of,” said Dobbs. “Whether it’s seeing a physical increase in ticket sales or spotting someone in California wearing your hat the morning after your show, those moments feel better than 5.5 million views next to a heart button.”
As The Stews continue to evolve from their college roots to a nationally recognized band, their journey is a testament to the power of perseverance as a group and genuine connection with their audience. By prioritizing creativity in sound and meaningful experiences over fame, they have crafted a unique identity that resonates with fans across the country. As they continue on their tour, they commit to making every performance better than the last.
The Stews took the stage on Oct. 10 at the Fox Theatre in Boulder, kickstarting the show with the title track from their new album “Chicken Fight.”
In attendance was Katherine Whittier, a University of Colorado Boulder senior from Atlanta, the same city that three of the band’s members hailed from. She’s been following The Stews since their beginning, proudly introducing their music to her friends. Tonight marked her fifth Stews show.
Their performance attested to the years of diligence towards leveling up with each show. They didn’t just play song after song; they constructed a cohesive narrative that exhibited their chemistry. Throughout the performance, each band member had pivotal moments, with different instruments taking the spotlight as they seamlessly transitioned between songs. Their stage interactions felt like a conversation between old friends.
As the night drew to a close, Whittier – already well-versed in the band’s antics – pointed out what was coming next.
The Stews ‘ended’ their set and left the stage, only for the crowd to chant for more. It was all part of the experience. With the fans’ energy at its peak, The Stews returned to deliver their all-time fan favorite, “9-5.” The familiar opening melody sent the crowd into a frenzy, closing the night on a high note.
Contact CU Independent Staff Writer Enya Bayaraa at enuun.bayaraa@colorado.edu.
