For the past few years, Charleston-based band Jared Petteys & The Headliners have been pounding the pavement across South Carolina. From Tribbles Bar and Grill in the Upstate to popular spots along the Carolina coast, the rock band is building a fan base with both locals and snagging the occasional tourist along the way.
On the band’s latest single, “Just Go Baby,” the trio pound through a straightforward Americana rock song that’s instantly recognizable style-wise and reels in listeners, especially live. “I wrote the song around a guitar riff, which is usually how I write my music, something that kind of sticks out on guitar,” Petteys explained. “I’m obsessed with the sound of it, and that’s what gets the ball rolling for me.”
Recorded at Big Animal Studios on James Island, owned by Eric Bass of Shinedown, “Just Go Baby” shows Petteys’ evolving musical style. Describing the track, Petteys said, “I took a combination of a rockabilly kind of deal and meshed it with more of a 70s classic rock vibe.” While the band’s work is rooted in traditional rock ‘n’ roll, Petteys has seen the band evolve with live performances. “We’re trying to appeal to a wider audience, especially in a modern age. My older stuff was very traditional, but as the band has evolved, it’s become more of its own thing.”
Petteys believes the song’s broad appeal lies in its Americana roots, which combine familiar elements of rock, country, and blues, making it accessible to a wide audience. “We think this single will help propel us to a more national level, and it’s exciting times for us,” he noted.
The band’s live performances are a significant part of their appeal, with venues like the Hot Fish Club in Murrells Inlet providing the perfect backdrop for his energetic shows. “The first time I played there, we started with almost no audience, but within an hour, the place was wall-to-wall with a diverse crowd,” Petteys recounted. “It’s like a crazy circus every time we play there.”
Having moved to the Charleston area in 2018, Petteys has steadily built his career from the ground up. Starting with local gigs, he has expanded his reach to regional and national levels. “We’ve been pushing out from Charleston to the rest of South Carolina, Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Florida. Now, we’re aiming for a national scale,” he said.
The single release party for “Just Go Baby” is at Tribbles Bar and Grill on Friday, August 1, with national tour to follow. Jared Petteys is ready to make a mark with “Just Go Baby,” a track that promises to resonate with fans old and new. Be sure to catch them on tour near you and stay tuned for the release of the upcoming album.
