Restless Road: Crafting Authentic Stories and Charting Their Unique Path in Country Music

The journey to country music stardom is often a long and winding one, a truth well-known by the talented trio, Restless Road. Comprised of Zach Beeken, Garrett Nichols, and Colton Pack, the group first captured national attention in 2013, making a memorable run to fourth place in the highly competitive third season of The X Factor. While many might assume such early exposure would pave an immediate path to success, Nashville, the heart of country music, is famously referred to as a “10-year-town” – a place where perseverance, resilience, and a deep well of talent are prerequisites for breaking through. Restless Road experienced their share of these formidable obstacles, navigating the industry’s challenges with unwavering determination, continually honing their craft and refining their unique sound.

However, fate often has a way of intervening at unexpected moments. For Restless Road, their fortunes began to shift dramatically at the onset of the global pandemic. This period, which brought uncertainty to so many, became a pivotal turning point for the band. They signed with superstar Kane Brown‘s influential label, a testament to their undeniable talent and potential. This partnership propelled them into a new era of visibility and opportunity. Simultaneously, the trio discovered an unprecedented connection with a massive audience on TikTok, a platform that transformed their trajectory. There, they not only shared their original music, resonating deeply with fans, but also delighted followers with their signature countrified covers of popular hits, quickly accumulating a dedicated following and solidifying their place in the contemporary country music landscape.

Building on this momentum, the band embarked on their highly anticipated Bar Friends tour, bringing their electrifying harmonies and heartfelt lyrics directly to their growing fanbase. During these captivating live performances, Restless Road even playfully acknowledges a comparison that has frequently surfaced among their audience – that to the iconic pop-rock trio, the Jonas Brothers. This good-natured embrace of fan observations adds a uniquely charming and self-aware element to their show, forging an even deeper connection with concert-goers who appreciate their authenticity and humor.

Speaking exclusively backstage at the Gramercy Theater during their Bar Friends tour, Zach Beeken enthusiastically shared the band’s perspective on the Jonas Brothers comparison. “First of all, we’re fans! We’ve always been fans,” he told HollywoodLife, highlighting their genuine admiration for the celebrated group. Garrett Nichols echoed this sentiment, adding, “I mean, who isn’t a fan?” Colton Pack further elaborated on how the comparison organically emerged: “We started to notice when the three of us would go out anywhere, people would either say, ‘Are y’all brothers?’ Or they’d ask, ‘Are y’all like the country, Jonas Brothers?’ Especially when we did The Bachelor.” Recognizing the humor and frequency of the observation, the band decided to integrate it directly into their live set. “We think it’s hilarious, so we thought we’d make a bit out of it during our show and it’s really fun,” Colton explained, illustrating their commitment to creating an entertaining and engaging experience for their audience.

The moment itself is a highlight of the Bar Friends tour, injecting an unexpected burst of energy and pop-country fusion into their setlist. With their electrifying harmonies and a stage synchronicity that has drawn comparisons to legendary groups like Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, Restless Road seamlessly breaks into the Jonas Brothers’ iconic hit, “Burnin’ Up.” This playful, yet expertly executed, interlude is a testament to the band’s versatility and their willingness to connect with fans on a deeper level. Garrett Nichols further explained the intention behind this crowd-pleasing segment: “It’s a really fun moment in our show. I think people are thinking it, so we just wanted to give the people what they want and kind of make fun of ourselves, too.” This self-deprecating humor and genuine desire to please their audience underscores the band’s approachable and authentic persona, making their live performances unforgettable.

Beyond the engaging covers and tour banter, Restless Road remains deeply committed to their original music, which serves as the true heart of their artistic expression. While on tour, the trio has been excitedly testing out new songs, giving their dedicated fans an exclusive first listen to material that will undoubtedly shape their next musical chapter. This interactive approach allows them to gauge audience reactions and refine their sound in real-time. These fresh tracks are performed alongside the nine songs from their successful 2020 EP, showcasing their growth and evolving artistry. Colton Pack offered profound insight into the band’s songwriting philosophy, emphasizing the deeply personal nature of their lyrics. “All of the music we put out is really about the three of us. We all came from different upbringings, so we all bring different things to the table, and in almost every song there is a lot of truth,” he stated.

This “melting pot” of individual experiences is what gives Restless Road’s music its unique depth and resonance. Each member contributes their distinct life perspectives, creating a rich tapestry of stories that are both deeply personal and universally relatable. Colton continued, “It may not be the truth for all three of us, but it’s a story from one of us. In everything we put out, it has to mean something to us at the end of the day. If it doesn’t, then why are we saying it?” This commitment to authenticity is a cornerstone of their creative process. It ensures that every lyric, every melody, and every harmony is infused with genuine emotion and meaningful narrative, forging a powerful connection with listeners who seek honesty and relatability in their music. Whether it’s tales of love and heartbreak, challenges and triumphs, or reflections on their individual journeys, Restless Road ensures that their songs are not just catchy tunes, but profound expressions of their collective and individual truths.

As they look towards the future and the creation of their next big hits, Restless Road draws inspiration from some of country music’s most enduring and beloved bands. Garrett Nichols revealed that the trio “looks at the success at some of the biggest country music bands, like Zac Brown Band, Alabama, or Brooks & Dunn” for guidance and motivation. These legendary groups are celebrated for their longevity, their diverse musical catalogues, and their ability to connect with multiple generations of fans through storytelling that spans a wide array of human experiences. “You kind of see they have like, a song for this and a song for that… and sometimes we start that way when we’re making new music,” he explained. This strategic approach to songwriting allows Restless Road to explore various themes and musical styles, ensuring that their discography will be as varied and compelling as their inspirations. By studying the masters, they aim to emulate their success in creating music that not only entertains but also leaves a lasting impact on the hearts and minds of their audience, securing their place as a significant voice in modern country music.

The journey of Restless Road is a compelling narrative of talent, perseverance, and a deep-seated commitment to authentic storytelling. From their early days on The X Factor to their breakthrough with Kane Brown’s label and their meteoric rise on TikTok, Zach Beeken, Garrett Nichols, and Colton Pack have proven their resilience and their ability to adapt and thrive in an ever-evolving music industry. Their Bar Friends tour is not just a series of concerts; it’s a celebration of their unique bond, their shared experiences, and the diverse stories they weave into every song. The playful embrace of the Jonas Brothers comparison, their heartfelt songwriting, and their reverence for country music legends all contribute to a dynamic and engaging artistic identity that resonates deeply with fans. As they continue to write and perform, drawing from their collective “melting pot” of life experiences, Restless Road is undoubtedly paving a unique and exciting path in country music, promising a future filled with even more captivating tunes and authentic narratives that will continue to connect with listeners around the world.

Fans eagerly await the release of more new music from Restless Road, knowing that each track will carry the genuine spirit and rich storytelling that defines their artistry. In the meantime, be sure to stream their existing music on all major platforms, and keep an eye out for their tour dates to see if they’ll be performing in a city near you this summer. Experiencing their electrifying live show on their Bar Friends tour is an opportunity not to be missed for any country music enthusiast looking for fresh, authentic, and truly captivating talent.