South 70: The Heartland's Arena Rock Powerhouse

South 70 is an American rock band from Cincinnati, Ohio, known for its anthemic blend of heartland rock and modern hard rock. The group achieved mainstream success in the late 2000s, with their second album "Midwestern Skyline" reaching the Top 20 on the Billboard 200 chart and spawning several rock radio hits.

Early career

Formed in 2003, the band's original lineup consisted of vocalist/guitarist Mike Corgan, lead guitarist Vince Holt, bassist Ray Dawson, and drummer Leo "Trip" Tripp. They honed their sound through relentless touring across the Midwest, building a loyal regional following. Their self-released debut EP, "The 71 North Sessions," caught the attention of independent label Rock Ridge Music, which signed them in 2006.

Breakthrough

South 70's breakthrough arrived in 2009 with their sophomore album, "Midwestern Skyline," released via Rock Ridge Music with distribution through Warner Music Group's Independent Label Group. The album's lead single, "Rustbelt Heart," became a staple on rock radio, propelling the album to number 18 on the Billboard 200 and earning a gold certification for over 500,000 copies sold in the United States.

Key tracks

Rustbelt Heart — This platinum-selling single defined their heartland rock sound and became their first Top 5 hit on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart.

Midwestern Skyline — The album's title track showcased their knack for soaring, melodic choruses and became a concert staple.

Steel and Grace — A powerful ballad that demonstrated the band's dynamic range and received significant adult contemporary radio play.

Interstate Lines — This collaboration with guitarist Tom Morello featured his signature sonic experimentation, broadening their audience.

The band's follow-up, 2012's "Pressure & Time," debuted at number 12 on the Billboard 200 and was supported by tours with acts like 3 Doors Down and Shinedown. After a hiatus, South 70 returned in 2018 with the album "Resilient," which marked a return to their grittier roots and charted on the Top Rock Albums chart. They have maintained a consistent touring presence, particularly in rock festivals across North America.

Fans of South 70's brand of anthemic, guitar-driven rock often appreciate the work of Shinedown for their similar command of massive rock choruses and emotive lyrics. The heartland storytelling echoes in the music of The Gaslight Anthem, though with a more punk-inflected energy. Listeners drawn to the melodic hard rock elements should explore Alter Bridge for their technical prowess and vocal power. The working-class ethos connects with the earlier sounds of Bob Seger, a clear influence on the band's narrative style.

South 70's catalog remains in regular rotation on a variety of rock-focused radio stations, from mainstream rock FM stations that champion guitar-driven hits to online rock radio streams that cater to dedicated rock audiences. Their anthems are particularly favored by classic rock FM stations that have embraced the newer wave of heartland-inspired rock acts, ensuring their music reaches both long-time fans and new listeners daily.

You can hear the powerful rock anthems of South 70 on radio stations featured right here on onairium.com. Tune in to discover their hits and deep cuts playing across our curated network of independent music radio stations and classic rock channels.