Digital Rodeo

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It was May of 2003 when Texas High Life first took the stage. It was Side Car Pub in Houston, TX. It began as a hobby. A way to keep friends and family together while doing something they loved. Since that first night in 2003, it has become so much more than that; energetic live shows, soulful songwriting, and ever-advancing musicianship. “I called up Mitch one Sunday and asked if he wanted to take our songwriting to another level,” Blake Myers said. “I wanted to start a band. Mitch and I had already been writing music together for a little over a year. I was tired of keeping these songs inside. I wanted people to hear them.” Blake and Mitch McBain set out to find the right guys to fit the bill. They turned to long-time friend, Keith Binder, to fill the drummer spot. With Keith came little brother Kevin Binder, to fill the Bass guitar hole. Needing a touch of electric guitar, Blake called the only man he knew that played; Cory Pendleton, long-time family friend from Wimberley, TX. After about three weeks of rehearsal, they took the stage for the first time. For two years, the band built-up steam. Playing as many dates as they could all around the Texas/Louisiana area. In September of 2004, they released their first record entitled “…Stand Up and Stay Awhile”. A live album recorded at Side Car Pub in Houston. “We needed to put something out there and I wanted to give back to the place that gave us our start,” say Myers. After their debut record was released, it opened up more opportunity for the band to progress as artists. They continued for the next year promoting “…Stand Up and Stay Awhile” and writing along the way in the hopes of putting out their first studio effort in late 2005. But on September 23, 2005, on the verge of recording their second album, Keith Binder passed away at his home in College Station. “We were in shock,” said Myers, “You never really think anything like this could happen to one of your friends. It was the hardest time in all our lives.” Through tragedy comes hope. With the urge of Kevin Binder, THL acquired long-time friend of Keith’s and THL, Derek Housel, to take over the drums. After the passing of Keith, the band continued on their journey to musical success. Their songwriting became deeper, more passionate. Through this renaissance of songwriting comes THL’s second album, “Yellowbird”. It is a tribute to Keith, but more than that, it is a tribute to the trials and tribulations endured by all the members of THL and their families as they continue to pursue what truly makes them happy. Music.