Dave Beddingfield, Max Becker, Taylor Nicholson, Patrick Drohan, Bryce James
Photo Credit: Sean Money + Elizabeth Fay
This week we talked with Dave Beddingfield from the band Atlas Road Crew. In just a few short years, the band has played all over the Eastern half of America, has opened for several notable bands, and played a slot at Wakarusa Music Festival in Ozark, Arkansas.
Who are you and what is your role in the band?
My name is Dave Beddingfield and I am the lead guitarist for Atlas Road Crew
How did the band start?
We started my senior year at the University of South Carolina. Myself and four other friends started jamming for fun, playing our friends’ parties, local bars, and fraternity parties. Word started spreading fast about the band and before we knew it, we found ourselves playing all across the East Coast.
How has being from Charleston shaped your sound?
Just being from the south in general has shaped our sound.
Where did the name come from?
We used to practice in a tiny storage unit. It was hot as hell in the summer and blistering cold in the winter. The infamous storage unit was off Atlas Road. We had a few other ideas on band names but when “Atlas Road Crew” was brought into the conversation, we were all sold. It is a very unique name.
Who are your influences and how have they shaped your sound?
Some of my favorite bands are the Allman Brothers, Phish, and Led Zeppelin. I am pretty much obsessed with listening to the amazing guitar work that comes from Warren Haynes, Trey Anastasio, and Jerry Garcia. I love playing challenging riffs that really push my dexterity to the next level and these guitarists continue to push the envelope for me.
You just released your album Halfway To Hopkins in February. How has the response been?
Halfway to Hopkins has been a dream come true. The response has been incredible. As a little kid, I have always dreamed of releasing a CD. That dream came to fruition when Halfway to Hopkins was released.
Favorite city/venue to play?
I am going to have to say playing in Charlotte, North Carolina is my favorite. I grew up there and every time we play, it is just a big reunion of friends from my childhood to college.
Meaningful moments or stories from being in the band so far?
Well… this particular incident was recent. We were heading back to Charleston from Orlando, driving on Interstate 95. Around 2 p.m., Â we saw a wreck happen a few cars ahead of us. We parked on the shoulder of the road and I got out of the van and ran to see if I could help. The pick-up truck that was involved was flipped over and was on fire. When I got to the window, an older gentleman was unconscious and couldn’t get out of the truck. I pulled him out and carried him to safety. The ambulance came several minutes later and the guy was taken off. The gentleman called me the other day and told me he was going to be okay. Just a few broken ribs and bones but is going to survive. Probably the craziest thing I have ever been a part of.
Anything else you want to add?
I need help coming up with a great Fantasy Football Team name.
