The Merles are an original, classic country band based out of Austin, TX featuring singer/songwriter Todd Deatherage, drummer Matt Winegardner and pedal steel player Mike Simms. The group strives to create an old school, traditional sound that echoes the memories of yesterday’s country. With catchy choruses and danceable tunes, their influences include Hank Williams, Ray Price, Lefty Frizzell, George Strait, and their namesake, Merle Haggard. The Merles have garnered a following by playing honky-tonks and bars around the Texas area- often clocking in over 120 shows a year. Some of the venues they frequent are Luckenbach Dancehall, Mercer Street Dancehall, Lonesome Rose, Globe Theatre, and The Little Longhorn Saloon. They have opened for such national artists as Dale Watson, Johnny Bush, Jason Boland, Bri Bragwell, Jason Eady, and Rosie Flores.