Eli Young Band, who just released their latest single, “Break It In,” is currently opening for Chris Young on the winter leg of his Raised on Country Tour, and it’s an outing that’s been in the works for a while. “We’ve known Chris for a long time,” explains lead singer, Mike Eli. “As he was having his first few singles and out there doing radio tour, that’s when people started noticing us. And so we had crossed paths a little bit back then. And so over time we had talked about writing songs together and doing something together at some point.”
Besides the fact that they’re all from Texas, drummer Chris Thompson says another reason they all get along so well is, “Chris kinda feels like he’s cut from the same cloth that we are, too.” They all have a strong work ethic and drive, and Chris says, “Personality wise, it feels like a really good mix. Sometimes you work with artists and you’re like, ‘Wow, we really are on different planets,’ you know, but Chris really just… it’s a natural fit.”
One thing that almost stopped the tour from coming together is that they are the Eli YOUNG Band and he is Chris YOUNG. Mike Eli says, “I think maybe management folks and booking folks always get weary on something like, ‘Oh they have the same name. I think it’s going to get confusing.’ We think that’s bogus.”
If name confusion might be an issue, EYB’s bassist, Jon Jones, jokes, “We’re hoping to pull some Brett Young fans in by accident.”
Eli Young Band – Chris Young tour :53
Mike Eli – “We’ve known Chris for a long time. As he was having his first few singles and out there doing radio tour, that’s when people started noticing us. And so we had crossed paths a little bit back then. And so over time we had talked about writing songs together and doing something together at some point.”
Chris Thompson – “Chris kinda feels like he’s cut from the same cloth that we are, too. We were just at a show with him last week and we were all hanging out, and he’s all about just kind of put his head down and working hard and all that kinda stuff, It’s kinda the same thing we’re about. So just like, personality wise, it feels like a really good mix. Sometimes you work with artists and you’re like, ‘Wow we really are on different planets,’ you know, but Chris really just… it’s a natural fit.”
Mike – “I think maybe management folks and booking folks always get weary on something like, ‘Oh they have the same name. I think it’s gonna get confusing.’ We think that’s bogus. So we’re glad that he took the chance because I think it’s going to be a really fun tour.”
Jon Jones – “We’re hoping to pull some Brett Young fans in by accident.”