Diamond Rio Returns With ‘The Kick’ & Two New Members

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Diamond Rio. Photo: Robby Klein

Diamond Rio is starting a new chapter in their career with a new song, “The Kick,” and two new band members: Micah Schweinsberg on drums and Carson McKee on fiddle/mandolin and harmony vocals.

The new instrumental-laden track is the first song and video to be released under the new band configuration and displays the mastery of their respective instruments in its blend of country meets bluegrass. The fast-paced instrumental features the two new members in the accompanying video which was filmed in Franklin, Tennessee and directed by Schweinsberg. The band’s long-time guitar player, Jimmy Olander, developed and wrote the treatment.

The four-time CMA and two-time ACM Vocal Group of the Year formed in 1989 and consisted of Marty Roe (lead vocals), Olander (guitar/banjo), Dana Williams (bass/vocals), Dan Truman (piano), Brian Prout (drums) and Gene Johnson (mandolin/vocals), and have had no member changes until now. After a 33-year journey, the band bid farewell to retiring members Prout and Johnson, and welcomed new bandmates McKee and Schweinsberg.

“Micah is an unbelievable musician. He brings renewed energy to our live performances. Carson was not what we were looking for to start,” says Roe. “We wanted another Gene, but that doesn’t exist. Carson is an amazing young musician and we are so lucky to have her. She can sing as high as Gene, which was hard to find, and her vocals blend so well with mine and Dana’s. She also brings an energy to the stage that keeps us old guys on our toes.

“Brian is the most musical drummer I’ve ever played with and Gene brought a uniqueness that will never be fully replaced,” he continues. “Diamond Rio’s vocal sound would not be the same without him. I will forever be grateful for the priceless contributions of my two partners. We all wish them well in their retirement.”

Lorie Hollabaugh
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