From his Ohio roots through stretches in Paris, Prague, NYC, L.A. and Athens, GA, Easton has earned his credentials with a string of highly acclaimed releases and incessant touring, leading to his latest encampment in the high desert country outside of Joshua Tree, CA. With six solo releases under his belt, he has shared stages in North America, Europe, and Japan with artistsinfluences Lucinda Williams, John Hiatt, M. Ward and more. His continuous adventures are evident in the songs on BEAT THE BAND. The recording marks his first entirely independent release since his 98 debut, Special 20, and is also his first effort recorded and produced with a traveling band comprising Easton, Aaron Lee Tasjan guitar piano, Madison Square Gardeners, Mark Stepro drums, Ben Kweller, and Alex Livingston bass, Grand Champeencollectively known as The Freelan Baronsduring a five day session at Nashville's Club Roar. It was mixed by Grammy® winner Steve Christensen Steve Earle, Joe Sample in Houston. Eastons direction and depth of craftsmanship shine on Beat The Band one foot standing firmly in the history of American folk music, while the other strides deftly into lush pop harmonies and song constructions.