Pecos & The Rooftops emerged from the vibrant college town of Lubbock, Texas, not in a state-of-the-art studio, but within the walls of a spacious five-bedroom house. This humble beginning laid the foundation for their signature sound, a potent blend of lowdown country grit and classic rock energy that has resonated with fans nationwide, even catching the attention of artists like Zach Bryan. Formed in 2019 by a close-knit group of friends, the band, fronted by the compelling voice and poignant songwriting of former Marine Pecos Hurley, quickly distinguished themselves in the crowded landscape of Americana music. Alongside Hurley, the band boasts a lineup of accomplished musicians and songwriters: Brandon Jones on rhythm guitar, Zack Foster wielding the lead guitar, Kalen Davis anchoring the bass, Garrett Peltier driving the drums, and Hunter Cassell adding textures with guitars and keys.
The name Pecos & The Rooftops itself is a testament to their origins – a nod to the rooftop of their shared house, a place for camaraderie, beer, and impromptu jam sessions. It was under those very stars that they honed their craft before unleashing their debut single in 2019, the simmering anthem “This Damn Song.” The track became an unexpected phenomenon, achieving RIAA Platinum certification and amassing over 250 million streams globally, proving the band’s raw appeal and connection with listeners who appreciate authentic, heartfelt music. Riding this incredible momentum, Pecos & The Rooftops embarked on a relentless touring schedule, hitting clubs across the country and seizing opportunities to open for prominent acts, including the burgeoning country star Zach Bryan. This period on the road solidified their stage presence and broadened their fanbase, reaching corners of the country from local Texas venues to perhaps even stages near Little Rock, though specific dates are not detailed.
In 2020, they further expanded their sonic palette with the release of the “Red Eye EP.” This project showcased their growth, incorporating more intricate arrangements, guitar-driven dynamism, and subtle hints of jazz and psychedelic influences, demonstrating a band unafraid to push boundaries while staying true to their roots. Hurley’s songwriting remains the emotional core of Pecos & The Rooftops. He possesses a remarkable ability to explore the darker facets of life, unflinchingly addressing themes of heartbreak, isolation, self-destructive behaviors, and the struggle against personal demons. “5AM,” their Warner Records debut single, exemplifies this. The song plunges into a cycle of bad decisions and their lonely aftermath. “Wish I could say that I saw it coming—problem is I never do,” Hurley laments, his voice imbued with raw honesty over a melancholic guitar riff, capturing the feeling of being trapped in a loop of one’s own making.
Hurley himself explains the genesis of “5AM” as stemming from “a habit of going to the bar and getting drunk and staying up all night.” He elaborates on the song’s core message: “You kind of know that when you go to bed it’s probably not going to end well—because you fucked up again and you can’t get out of the cycle. It’s about being by yourself in the early hours of the morning. It’s just one of those ‘You fucked up’ songs.” This raw vulnerability and relatable narrative deeply connect with their ever-growing fanbase. Pecos & The Rooftops have cultivated a dedicated following, evidenced by over 350 million global streams and over 101 million video views. Their journey, marked by extensive touring and captivating performances, has positioned them as a band on the cusp of even greater success. While specific tour stops alongside Zach Bryan in locations like Little Rock aren’t explicitly mentioned in available materials, their shared touring circuits and rising popularity within similar music scenes suggest potential past or future collaborations in various cities.
“5AM” serves as a compelling preview of their highly anticipated major label debut LP, promised to be a bolder and more expansive collection of songs slated for release later this year. Hurley’s aspirations for the band are ultimately rooted in connection and impact: “At the end of the day, I just want to help people with our music, honestly.” With their electrifying live shows and the promise of their forthcoming full-length album, Pecos & The Rooftops are well-positioned to achieve just that, reaching audiences far beyond their Texas beginnings and potentially even connecting with fans who discovered them through shared bills with artists like Zach Bryan, wherever those stages may be, perhaps even in places like Little Rock.
