Back Country Roads provides fresh look at cover songs

Back Country Roads is relatively new on the country music scene - the band played its first gig as a full group in June 2009.

The band formed when two of its members, Mary Noren and Kyle Miller, began singing karaoke together at Northern Illinois University, where they were roommates. Shortly after, their friend Brian Miller started playing acoustic guitar for them, and the three played as a three-piece acoustic band.

The band underwent more personnel changes, including the addition of Kyle's great-uncle, Dave Miller, as bassist.

Now a seven-piece band, the group has gone from performing 30 gigs that first year to an expected 75 this year. Though they play mostly local venues and are still making their mark, the group has high hopes for the future - and they've come a long way since starting in 2009.

Back Country Roads will perform at the DuPage County Fair from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Friday, July 27, as part of the Spirits of DuPage event. Tickets are $40 and can be bought online at dupagecountyfair.org.

Dave Miller spoke with the Daily Herald about the band's music, evolution and future.

Q. How has Back Country Roads evolved over the years?

A. The members are young enough that they really attract a younger crowd, but it's really expanding now to all age groups, which is really neat.

I've hardly ever had to make a phone call to get a gig. People call us, which I've never experienced in any of the bands I've been in. We've been really lucky to be around some good people that have really been helping us out. Three years is a relatively short time, but it's expanding. We're getting more word-of-mouth.

Q. What can fans expect to hear at the DuPage County Fair?

A. We play a lot of modern Top 40, and we're starting to write some originals. The stuff we play is appealing to people. It's a lot different hearing it on the radio than seeing it live and we work at it pretty hard.

We do a lot of Lady Antebellum and Sugarland. We're getting more into Brantley Gilbert, Dierks Bentley, Eric Church - getting a lot more into the newer artists. But we're basically based on a vocal duet with Mary and Kyle, so it's pretty strong vocals.

Q. Why is Back Country Roads unique among other country bands?

A. Even though we're playing Top 40 country covers, it's just a very fresh look. We don't completely change the song, but we might play one a little rockier than they might have done on the original recording. We just kind of learn it our own way. A lot of them out there learn it verbatim; they learn it note for note. And if it's not verbatim, it's not right - well, we don't believe in that. We like to put our own little twist on things.

Q. What's it been like playing in the same areas where the group's members grew up?

A. That's really neat, and we actually have taken some jobs just because of that. We've done that with Mary because she lives in Oak Lawn, and if we get a job close over there, that's the only opportunity for her friends to come see us and that's like a picnic for her.

I think that's part of the success of a band, is the friends that follow us. It's a neat fan base and very loyal fans, too. It's a little looser when you're playing for friends. You can relax a little bit more, and you know they're not going to criticize you.

Q. What does the future look like for Back Country Roads?

A. In five, or even two, years, I'd like to have something on the air. We have an original song right now on iTunes and we have a couple others in the works.

Our issue is we don't take time, or have time, to go into the studio because we're playing so much. Over the winter, we'll get something going and try to get some airplay and see if we can get any popularity to be opening for some national acts. I'd like to be on the charts and everything, have songs on the Billboard - get the fame and fortune. I'd love to see it take off.