Enjoy spending your weekends listening to live music? Check out Swamp Fox Theory.
They are a local band from the Monroe area growing in the live-music scene.
Swamp Fox Theory includes four members: Petey Thigpen- singer and guitarist, Jake Lofton on the bass guitar, Devin Girod on drums and Early Ray Borden- lead guitarist.
The band started off as a trio, but later picked up Borden.
Girod describes them as a “unique, fun mix of guys.”
Several of the members attended ULM and Girod is currently enrolled in ULM’s graduate program.
The band considers their genre to be “Bayou rock” or “College rock.”
Swamp Fox Theory is inspired by bands such as Jimi Hendrix, Citizens Cope, Cross Canadian Ragweed, Gareth Asher, Corey Smith, Black Crowes, Benjy Davis Project and Tom Petty.
The band enjoys playing blues, playing heavy on the bass and throwing in a touch of improv.
Swamp Fox Theory performs 70 percent original and the rest are covers.
The band feels like some of their best cover songs are “Wagon Wheel” by Old Crow Medicine Show and “Home” by Philip Phillips.
Their original track, “Seven Mai Tais,” is also a crowd favorite.
The band is currently traveling with Irene and the Sleepers and also plays with other local musicians on the weekends.
The band has traveled to venues in Texarkana, Shreveport, Hattiesburg, New Orleans, and several other southern locations.
Swamp Fox Theory is in the process of talking to a producer in North Carolina, which Irene and the Sleepers currently affiliate with.
Lead guitarist, Borden, said, “Swamp Fox Theory gives us all a chance to be artists. We all have real lives and playing music is an escape.”
The name Swamp Fox Theory is derived from a Revolutionary War hero, said bass guitar player Lofton.
Francis Marion was a military officer in the American Revolutionary War and had the nickname “Swamp Fox.”
Marion was called this because his theory of war was to attack from the sides.
Mel Gibson plays Marion’s character in the movie “The Patriot.”
Lofton informs us that this name gave them the musical inspiration to “attack the audience’s ears.”
The members of the band agree that playing shows is not about the money.
“Doing what we love is all that matters,” said Borden.
Swamp Fox Theory has a Facebook and MySpace page for those interested in checking out their sound.
The band will continue to play at local venues all over Monroe and surrounding areas.
Upcoming coming concerts for Swam Fox Theory will be Feb. 2 at the Voodoo Cafe in Shreveport, Feb. 8 at Pickle Barrel, Feb. 9 at Watermark Saloon in Columbia and March 2 at Live Oaks Bar and Ballroom.
