There are singer/songwriters out there that claim to be country, but very few actually live the life. Austin native, Ben Pickett has worked many odd jobs from general construction to ranch hand, to big rig truck driver. Currently he is raising a family and running his own farm and training for the local amateur team roping association. Pickett spent his youth in the Austin, playing in various bands throughout the underground music scene. While on tour through South Louisiana, Pickett fell in love with the people, music and culture of Lafayette. After his return to Austin, he convinced his girlfriend to relocate to Lafayette.
While in Lafayette, Ben played in various metal, punk and bluegrass bands but had yet to realize his dream of bringing his brand of Americana to a wider audience. Pickett started a three piece band with bass player Jeremy Steward (Frigg A-Go-Go). The summer of 2016 witnessed the birth of Durwood. The three piece band played locally and regionally at various clubs and festivals until it was decided to revamp the group. The decision to change the band lineup happened to coincide with the breakup of another local “Hard Country” group, Doublewide. The aftermath of the Doublewide break up left two professional musicians looking for a new project to sink their teeth into. Dave “Pappa Puff” Nezat (Chubby Carrier, Motorhome) assumed drum duties and Justin Lewis (Wayne Toups, Jo-El Sonnier) took the wheel as Durwood’s lead guitarist. The four piece immediately started working on new songs and revamping existing songs. Durwood booked some studio time at the legendary Dockside Studios in Maurice, La. and started work on their debut album. While Durwood’s music does not fit neatly into any one genre, the Texas country music influence is apparent. Durwood writes songs about life. The struggles, heartache, defiance and day to day grind, are all captured in their brand of Rock and Roll.