Daybreakdown was founded in Oxford in the summer of 2003 after five musicians decided to band together to form a prominent southern rock band in Mississippi. Composed of keyboardist Eric Carlton, lead guitarist and vocalist Patrick McClary, drummer Tyler Rayburn and rhythm guitarist and vocalist Reid Stone, Daybreakdown wanted to be more than a blip on the rock radar of the South.
The band has been labeled “the hardestworking band in Mississippi,” and that was the members’ commitment from day one – to hit the road hard.
Daybreakdown draws on the many influences of the band members and draws comparisons to Southern music contemporaries Wilco and the Allman Brothers Band.
“Make Me Wiser,” the band’s self produced debut, includes songs such as “Naked,” “Elephant Dance” and “Dirty Sanford.” It’s easy to see the playfulness of the band reflected in the first album.
The band’s sophomore effort, “Shine Like Rust” is more of a coming-of-age album. More serious from a lyrical standpoint, it echoes a band that has shared many a stage, late night and mile together.
And the band has shared some miles together. Playing dates all summer long in New Mexico, Texas and Colorado, they’ve definitely paid their road dues.
“I like getting out on the road and playing music. Colorado was real fun,” McClary said. “To play our music for them out there and watch them like it is great.”
“We were surprised to see the response out west,” Carlton said.
Not only did the band generate a new audience with its Western tour, the members benefited from the time on the road.
“I felt recharged; it helped get us back in the swing of things. We are playing a lot tighter as a band now,” Carlton said.
As for “Shine Like Rust,” the band feels it reflects the maturation of the group.
“Our songwriting is stronger. The band has melded together.” McClary said. “We definitely have gotten closer. This one [album] is a little more serious – more real.”
For some members, in addition to the growth of the band, they feel it showcases other things too.
“I like the new feel – the underlying Americana vibe. It also sounds like we’ve grown up a bit,” Carlton said.
Coming off the road from its western tour, Daybreakdown is going to do what it does best: touring, of course. It’s back to playing and touring in the familiar haunts of the Southeast.