Right Down The Line: The Heartland Rock Storytellers

Right Down The Line is an American heartland rock band known for its blue-collar anthems and narrative songwriting. Formed in Cincinnati, Ohio, the group achieved commercial success in the late 2000s, with their second album "Midwestern Skyline" reaching the Billboard 200 Top 40 and spawning a certified Gold single.

Early career

The band's foundation was laid in 2003 when childhood friends and vocalist/guitarists Mike Corrigan and Ben Shaw began performing at local bars. After solidifying their lineup with bassist Dana Cole and drummer Paul Richter, they self-released the EP "Rustbelt Echoes" in 2005, which caught the attention of regional independent label Steel City Sound.

Breakthrough

Right Down The Line's breakthrough arrived in 2008 with their major-label debut, "Midwestern Skyline," on Atlas Records. The album's lead single, "Steel Mill Ghosts," became a staple on rock radio, peaking at number 5 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart and earning a RIAA Gold certification for over 500,000 digital sales.

Key tracks

Steel Mill Ghosts — This Gold-certified single defined their heartland rock sound and became their first major radio hit.

Two Lane Highway — A fan-favorite album track that showcases their dual lead vocal harmonies and storytelling prowess.

Midwestern Skyline — The title track from their breakthrough album is a concert staple known for its anthemic, soaring chorus.

Right Down The Line — Their self-titled track is a gritty, guitar-driven number that cemented their early club reputation.

Hold Fast — This 2012 single marked a return to the charts after their third album, demonstrating their enduring appeal.

The success of "Midwestern Skyline" led to extensive touring, including opening slots for acts like The Gaslight Anthem and a performance at Lollapalooza in 2009. Their follow-up, "Hold Fast" (2012), debuted at number 32 on the Billboard 200 and maintained their presence on rock radio, though it did not match the certifications of its predecessor. The band took a deliberate hiatus after 2015's "The Long Haul," with members pursuing solo projects before reconvening for festival dates in 2022.

For fans of Right Down The Line's earnest, guitar-based heartland rock, similar artists include The Gaslight Anthem, who share a passion for narrative-driven rock anthems. The Hold Steady offers a similar blend of lyrical storytelling over powerful rock arrangements. Listeners also gravitate toward Drive-By Truckers for their detailed Southern and Midwestern tales. The heartland rock influence of Tom Petty is a clear and foundational touchstone for the band's melodic sensibilities.

The music of Right Down The Line maintains a strong rotation across multiple formats on our affiliated stations. Their hits are fixtures on classic rock FM stations, while their deeper album cuts find a home on independent music radio stations and online rock radio streams dedicated to 2000s-era rock.

You can hear the authentic heartland rock of Right Down The Line on radio stations featured across our network. Discover their catalog of blue-collar anthems and latest tracks by tuning into the rock stations available right here on onairium.com.