When Rusty Stevens met fellow guitarist Mike Vanhoy after one of Mike’s gigs in the small town of Albemarle, North Carolina, in 2010, he was blown away by his fierce finger-picking style, somewhat reminiscent of Fleetwood Mac’s Lindsey Buckingham, and Mike’s melodic yet blistering solos. Though Rusty had taken a hiatus at the time after years of performing, his passion for songwriting, singing, and playing remained a vital part of his identity as he continued writing and contemplating his next musical endeavor.

Soon afterward, the two got together for a spontaneous acoustic jam session that felt nothing short of phenomenal. Their chemistry was undeniable, an experience Rusty recalls as amazing and “like being back home again.” The music seemed to flow effortlessly and their new dynamic generated a spark.

The newfound inspiration led Rusty and Mike to form a duo and continue collaborating for the next four years, performing local acoustic gigs and bolstering their rapport as musicians. As their playing evolved and their audiences grew, they sought opportunities to perform larger shows at bigger venues, broaden their scope, and take the music to new heights. 

The time had come to expand the lineup and form a full band. Rusty recruited a rock-solid bassist, Rob Conrad, and yet another scorching guitarist, Chip Cooper, both stellar musicians with whom he had played in Satchel Foot in the 1990s. During their time together as a popular groove band in Boone, North Carolina, they had recorded an album and toured the Southeast with artists including Dave Matthews Band, Hootie and The Blowfish, Edwin McCain, The Screamin’ Cheetah Wheelies, and Aquarium Rescue Unit, among others. More than 20 years later, music brought them together again for a familiar yet new and exciting experience.

Trey Walker, a Charlotte, North Carolina, native, longtime friend, and former drummer for Dahli Llama, Muscadine, and New August enthusiastically agreed to join the group, now dubbed The Deep Shallow Band. Shortly before recording their new release, “Copy and Paste,” in 2023, Rusty heard powerhouse vocalist Jackie Fallar and arranged a meeting to gauge her interest in joining the band in the studio. Fallar’s deep, soulful style and sweet harmonies provided the perfect complement to Rusty’s vocals and the band’s overall sound and feel. She was a natural fit and soon became the newest member. 

Together, The Deep Shallow Band has embarked on a journey of songwriting, rehearsing, and refining their distinct blend of “Southern soul rock and roll” influenced by the likes of the Allman Brothers Band and The Black Crowes. In support of “Copy and Paste,” they are enjoying every opportunity to boogie and share their music with enthusiastic crowds near and far. They are especially looking forward to their next show and whatever other adventures the future has in store.