Anita Campbell
County Reporter
A popular local country and rock band, Dirt Road Addiction, will be featuring a new lead singer this summer as Benton County native Rider Smith joins the group.
Smith will replace P.B. Wilson who is moving to Houston, Texas, as a District Sales Representative for Nucor.
“There was a public announcement for auditions for DRA so I tried out,” said Smith. “Then I was called in for a second audition and they asked me to join the band.”
Smith, a 2019 graduate of Lincoln High School, has been involved in music as long as he can remember. He was a member of the LHS Choir and Show Choir and taught himself to play the guitar.
“I spent a great deal of my high school career in the music room at Lincoln High School with Mrs. (Erin) Helland,” said Smith. “She is the best and was great to encourage me in music.”
Helland was very impressed with Smith as a student. “As a music student, Rider was always thinking outside the box,” said Helland. “He used his musical interests and talents to uniquely define his own journey as a performer. In high school, Rider taught me to look outside the typical expectations for a high school student. Instead, he showed me that the possibilities are endless! He truly enjoys his craft and it is an honor to have played a small part of his journey!”
After graduating from LHS, Smith attended State Fair Community College in Sedalia, but then COVID hit and changed how students were attending school. However, during his time with the SFCC Choir Smith met his wife, Tatum, and continued his journey in the music field.
“My dream is to make music my career and I want to go as far as it will take me,” said Smith. “I am very excited about this opportunity to play with a band with the reputation of Dirt Road Addiction.”
Smith has been performing for different venues around the area. This past year Smith performed weekends at Rick’s Oar House on the Lake of the Ozarks as well as Primitive Old Crow and Benton Ridge Winery.
When he isn’t playing music, Smith is attending Barber School in Sedalia
“Music is my passion, but I want to have a backup plan as well,” said Smith. “
Dirt Road Addiction is a hard-hitting Country and Rock band based out of Missouri. Their sound has been described as "Jump-Country." People crowd the stage and jump around to the infectious rhythms and electric vocals. They play a heavy mix of modern country, rock, pop, and more which is evident through their extremely diverse setlists and their original music. Dirt Road Addiction has played all over the Midwest at venues such as Busch Stadium, the Missouri State Fair, Kauffman Stadium, Ozarks Amphitheater, and various fairs, festivals and events.
Dirt Road Addiction's Debut EP premiered in the Spring of 2018 and debuted in the Top 10 of Country Music on iTunes and Amazon!
"DRA" has amassed over 35,000 fans on Social Media outlets and has followed acts such as Lady Antebellum, Florida Georgia Line, Little Big Town, and more. Dirt Road Addiction has had the pleasure of opening for the likes of Easton Corbin, Colt Ford, and more. Their fans, "Dirt Road Addicts" have proven time and time again that they will follow this band all over the Midwest to have a good time.
Dirt Road Addiction prides themselves as being one of the hardest working bands in the business. While learning new music constantly, upgrading their live show, and constantly working on technique, Dirt Road Addiction has been working on original music for over two years now. Their debut EP is available NOW on iTunes, Amazon, and CD Baby.
“I really appreciate this opportunity to grow as a musician with DRA,” said Smith. “I am busy right now working on all the songs for our shows. I appreciate all the help from the band as well as P. B. Wilson as I make this transition as the lead singer.”
Smith will be joining DRA in early June. DRA will be playing at Jubilee Days in Warsaw and Bear Bottom Resort in Sunrise Beach on the Fourth of July weekend as well as in the Bud Tent at the Missouri State Fair. Other appearances include the Mid America Music Festival in Trenton and the Toad at the Lake of the Ozarks. Check DRA Facebook page for their other appearances all summer long.
