About Route 358

"We want to be recognized as the string band that focuses on lyrical storyline and stays true to our sound, on stage and in studio”-Route 358
Route 358 began as a jam session at the kitchen table that sounded anything but musical. Then a trip to the studio to record a live performance video of the song “Alone Tonight” started the four-piece Americana/Roots artists on their current trajectory.

358's sound can be described as having one foot in bluegrass and the other in a swampy mixture of pop, country, folk and rock.Their songs tell tales of love, love-lost, ghosts, prohibition speakeasies and the roads they travel together.  

“Only The River Knows,” the bands first album, was praised for its “distinctively vintage sound, combined with beautifully honest songwriting and emotional performances” (Rebecca Cullen, Stereo Stickman).

Songs from the album earned the band a nomination for “Americana/Roots Artist of the Year” by the Arkansas Country Music Awards as well as a selection as a showcase artist for Folk Alliance Mid-West and The John Hartford Memorial Festivals.

For the past two years the band has toured playing venues and festivals in Arkansas, Colorado, Nebraska, Indiana, Missouri and Texas. In October 2018 the band released their second album  “Lantern’s Light”. and will be touring in support of the release in 2019! 

Route 358-Only the River Knows
Route 358’s music has a delightfully vintage sound to it, which, combined with their beautifully honest songwriting and emotional performances, makes for something that reaches out to you in a distinctly genuine way.

Lord Forgive Me is a stunning place to start. It’s a superb melody, building intensity from the offset and then pausing before offering the satisfying resolve at the end of each sentiment. The lyrics as well need to be compelling, poetic and passionate, in order for that melody to draw you in and keep you involved. That’s exactly what you get here, the song is inherently organic, but the effect of everything within is huge. The musicianship is wonderful, as are the vocal performances – the song connects with you and holds tight to your attention and affection with the simple strength of expressive, heartfelt songwriting and musical presentation.

The band’s creative drive evolves a little further for Watch It Burn, the riffs, the rhythm, how connected every element is within. The pace of the music carries you away, though it’s far from manic, it’s an easy groove that accompanies the somewhat dark lyricism in a striking way. 
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Route 358 are a magnificent band, the music is so pure and yet so entrancing at every step. Their songwriting is at the top of its game, and the sheer and seemingly effortless high quality of this project makes for an unmissable playlist that will see you through so many evenings or long drives home. For those who are lucky enough to catch the band performing live, don’t sleep on the opportunity. Exceptional music.
 
​Originally Published, February 9th, 2018
-Rebecca Cullen, Stereo Stickman,

Tour Dates

Route 358 in the NEws!

Route 358-Only The River Knows: Vintage Aurally Alchemic Americana Folk
-Amelia Vandergast, A&R Factory 
Route 358 Set to Release New Album
-Kyle Kellams, Ozarks at Large, KUAF 91.3
Good Day NWA: Route 358
-Jaclyn House,  KNWA
Good Day NWA: Route 358 Performs
-Jaclyn House, KNWA 
Route 358-Americana/Roots Artist of The Year Nominee
-Arkansas Country Music Awards, March 2018
Route 358-Semi-Finalist John Hartford Memorial Festival Band Competition-2018
-John Hartford Memorial Festival, March, 2018 
Route 358-Semi-Finalist Arkansas Times Musicians Showcase-2018
-Arkansas Times, February 1st, 2018 
Route 358 Rolls Out a New Album
The band Route 358 is officially releasing the new album Only the River Knows.....They recently came to the Carver Center for Public Radio to discuss the CD.
-Kyle Kellams, Ozarks at Large, KUAF 91.3, September 21st, 2017
Route 358's Style of Fun 
Defining the music Route 358 plays isn't easy, but listening to the band is.
​-Kyle Kellams, Ozarks at Large, KUAF 91.3, February 24th, 2017
Route 358
Route 358 can be described as an Indie Americana/Bluegrass band that expels a rich sound. The music made by Fayetteville natives will take you through a romantic guided imagery...... A comforting feeling that can be received through music, Route 358 will stir those emotions. 
-Caitlyn Grimste, Americana Alley, KPSQ 97.3, January 10th, 2017
Eye Love Fayetteville-Route 358
If you love acoustic music with a mix of folk, rock, pop, country and bluegrass, you gotta love Route 358!
-Holly Anderson, February 24th, 2016