Founded in 2012, Blacktop Mojo is an American rock band that hails from Palestine, Texas. The band was formed by lead vocalist Matt James and drummer Nathan Gillis, who were later joined by Ryan Kiefer on lead guitar, Kenneth Irwin on rhythm guitar, and Matt Curtis on bass. Their music is an amalgamation of hard rock, post-grunge, and Southern rock influences, leading to a unique sound that has helped them gain a growing fanbase.
The band made their initial mark with their debut album, “I Am,” released in 2014. This album set the tone for their future endeavors, presenting a blend of hard-hitting rock anthems and soulful ballads. While the album did not break into mainstream charts, it received positive reviews and gained the band a dedicated local following. Following their debut, the band focused on honing their live performances, playing in various venues around Texas and the surrounding states.
2017 was a pivotal year for Blacktop Mojo, marked by the release of their sophomore album “Burn the Ships.” The album garnered more attention than their debut, both critically and commercially. Songs like “Where the Wind Blows” started getting radio play, and the band’s cover of Aerosmith’s “Dream On” even caught the attention of Steven Tyler himself, which gave them a significant publicity boost.
As they moved towards their third album, “Under the Sun” in 2019, the band continued to evolve their sound. Infusing elements of grunge, country, and alternative rock, the album was well-received and showcased the band’s growth as musicians and songwriters. Their latest album, simply titled “Blacktop Mojo,” was released in 2021 and leans into modern rock territories yet retains the band’s signature southern flair.
I Am
Released 2014
“I Am” is Blacktop Mojo’s debut album that marked the beginning of the band’s journey into the rock scene. A raw mixture of post-grunge, classic rock, and metal, the album sets the tone for the band’s future endeavors. The music is heavy yet melodic, showcasing the band’s wide-ranging influences, from Soundgarden to Black Sabbath.
The album features Matt James on vocals, Nathan Gillis on drums, Ryan Kiefer on lead guitar, Kenneth Irwin on rhythm guitar, and Matt Curtis on bass. “I Am” was produced by Philip Mosley and recorded at Audio Dallas Recording Studio, Texas. The recording took place over several weeks in the spring of 2014.
CD Track Listings:
- “Open Road” – 3:54
- “I Am” – 4:20
- “Trouble On The Rise” – 3:39
- “Why” – 4:02
- “Next Bullet” – 4:01
- “Johnny’s Song” – 4:05
- “October” – 5:06
- “Set It Free” – 4:25
- “Edge of Tomorrow” – 4:31
- “Texas Flood” – 5:47
Burn the Ships
Released 2017
“Burn the Ships” is a significant progression from their first album, demonstrating a maturing sound and more complex compositions. The album has a robust mix of Southern rock, grunge, and metal, allowing the band to reach a wider audience and solidifying their place in the modern rock landscape.
Featuring the same lineup as their first album, “Burn the Ships” was produced by Philip Mosley and co-produced by Jimmy Johnson. It was recorded at Sound Emporium Studios in Nashville between October and December 2016.
CD Track Listings:
- “Where The Wind Blows” – 4:09
- “End Of Days” – 4:43
- “Burn The Ships” – 4:45
- “Prodigal” – 4:19
- “Shadows On The Wall” – 3:45
- “Sweat” – 3:29
- “Pyromaniac” – 4:09
- “8000 Lines” – 4:49
- “Dog On A Leash” – 3:33
- “Make A Difference” – 4:02
- “Chains” – 4:05
- “Dream On” – 4:30
- “Underneath” – 4:10
Under The Sun
Released 2019
“Under the Sun” serves as a potent third installment in Blacktop Mojo’s discography. The album infuses elements of hard rock, grunge, and even a bit of country to create a cohesive sonic landscape. Songs vary from heavy, anthemic tunes to softer, introspective pieces, providing a full-bodied listening experience.
The album retains the core lineup of Matt James on vocals, Nathan Gillis on drums, Ryan Kiefer on lead guitar, Kenneth Irwin on rhythm guitar, and Matt Curtis on bass. Produced by Philip Mosley, the album was recorded at Rosewood Studios in Tyler, Texas, in the spring of 2019.
CD Track Listings:
- “Lay It on Me” – 3:51
- “Set It Free” – 4:21
- “Come Get Your Coat” – 3:29
- “Keep” – 3:35
- “It Won’t Last” – 4:21
- “All Mine Now” – 4:15
- “Can’t Sleep” – 4:31
- “The Lashing (Ghost)” – 4:01
- “The Void” – 4:37
- “Under the Sun” – 3:42
Blacktop Mojo
Released 2021
Their latest album, simply titled “Blacktop Mojo,” is a culmination of years of experience and artistic growth. The album leans more into the alternative and modern rock territories while still incorporating the band’s signature southern flair. It encapsulates the essence of Blacktop Mojo, summarizing their evolution while setting the stage for future endeavors.
The album featured Matt James on vocals, Nathan Gillis on drums, Ryan Kiefer on lead guitar, Kenneth Irwin on rhythm guitar, and Matt Curtis on bass. It was produced by Philip Mosley and recorded at Rosewood Studios in Tyler, Texas, in late 2020.
CD Track Listings:
- “Wicked Woman” – 3:29
- “Bed Tundy” – 4:13
- “Rewind” – 3:55
- “Jealousy” – 4:10
- “Strain” – 3:21
- “Signal Flares” – 4:12
- “Bar’s Been Raised” – 3:45
- “End of the Line” – 4:38
- “Jasper” – 5:02
- “Watch Me Drown” – 4:15
Complete List Of Blacktop Mojo Albums And Discography article published on Classic RockHistory.com© 2023
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![Rob De Luca of Spread Eagle, Sebastian Bach & UFO: 10 Albums That Changed My Life From humble East Coast origins to grandest stages worldwide, veteran bassist Rob De Luca has seen and done it all. De Luca first hit the local Boston rock and metal scene in the late 80s after meeting guitarist Paul DiBartolo, bonding over Van Halen before forming Bang. Regional success came quickly, but eventually, the members of Bang went their separate ways, with De Luca and drummer Tommi Gallo heading to NYC and hooking up with Ray West and, later, DiBartolo to form Spread Eagle. By 1990, Spread Eagle was on the fast track, with a contract through MCA Records and a self-titled debut album poised to crush skulls. But poor timing and MCA's sad indifference left Spead Eagle out in the cold despite being a hard-boiled answer to Guns N' Roses's West Coast sleaze. Spread Eagle's first chapter came to an end in '95. As for Rob De Luca, his nimble fingers and gift for melody and songwriting kept him moving forward. Soon, he found a gig with former Skid Row frontman Sebastian Bach and the legendary outfit UFO. And in 2010, after coupling up with Ray West and his cousin Rik De Luca, Spread Eagle retook flight. During a break from Spread Eagle's increasingly busy touring schedule, Rob De Luca dialed in with ClassicRockHistory.com to run through the ten albums that changed his life. But only after adding, "I made a playlist of these songs, including some I've written or co-written. Do you hear any of these albums' influence on me?" Listen here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3LWJuhDrE8JmzhsmTeIDUq 10) Gentlemen by Afghan Whigs (1993) Here's an entry that was so important to me. This may be the darkest break-up album of all time. Greg Dulli has been in many projects, but I feel Gentlemen is his zenith. Somewhat undefinable at times but always profound and honest. Listen to "Gentlemen," "Fountain and Fairfax," and "What Jail Is Like." 9) In on the Kill Taker by Fugazi (1993) By this time, I had been sucked in and spit out by the major-label record industry. Glam came and went; grunge was history, too. I was searching for new sounds. When I heard Fugazi's twin guitar approach, I knew this was what was missing. Fugazi may be considered a less polished sound than the albums above; however, once you "get it," it hits you like a ton of bricks, and there's no going back. From the moment I heard Fugazi, I went to every NYC show after. It's easily some of the best concerts of my life, and possibly my favorite bassist in Joe Lally. And their DIY ethics refused to charge us more than $5 a show! In on the Kill Taker is a powerful album demonstrated in songs such as "Smallpox Champion," "Great Cop," and "Public Witness Program." 8) Appetite for Destruction by Guns N' Roses (1987) I discovered many of these albums (sometimes long) after they were released. However, I was at the right place at the right time for this one. Steve Ostromogilsky had a Berklee College of Music lunch card and used to sneak out sandwiches for me. One day, he invited me to hang out at his place and listen to music. As we got off the train, he put Sony Walkman headphones on my ears and said, "Hey, check out this brand-new group." A song like "It's So Easy" was so different from the popular Sunset Strip sound at that time. Me and about 499 other informed rockers were lucky enough to see them on their first East Coast tour at the sold-out Paradise on Commonwealth Avenue, Boston (the same street Aerosmith started on). I saw Gn'R every tour after until I took a break when Buckethead joined. Gn'R is the band I've been lucky enough to see the most times live, almost 100! Everyone on this album is just stellar. Axl [Rose] had the tones, power, melodic sensibilities, and foresight to do what no other singer did then. Slash's playing was beyond memorable. Duff [McKagan] is one of the most underrated bassists in rock history, and learning his Appetite basslines is a masterclass. Steven [Adler] had the natural swing, and Izzy [Stradlin] was the secret weapon songwriter. Everything that's been heralded about this gem is deserved and true. Check out "It's So Easy," "Out Ta Get Me," and "Mr. Brownstone.' 7) Wish You Were Here by Pink Floyd (1975) Another contender for my favorite album and band of all time. Using The Beatles machine (same recording studio, engineer, record label), Pink Floyd made what I feel is their strongest, most cohesive album (my second favorite of theirs would be Animals). This list mainly consists of bands with an instantly recognizable sound. Floyd is certainly no exception to that! This album included a solid handful of undeniable rock radio classics, bookended by two halves of the mind-blowing song "Shine on You Crazy Diamond.' That song was written about former band member and founder Syd Barrett. It would be hard to live in a world without this album. Check out "Welcome to The Machine," "Shine on You Crazy Diamond (parts 6-9),' or even better yet, listen to the whole thing in one sitting! 6) Decade by Neil Young (1977) About this time, I started playing guitar. As a beginner, it was comfortable jamming to this album because the chord changes were simple—a great "first ten years" retrospective of Neil's stunning, unique songwriting. Neil is a treasure who always writes from the heart and stands up for what's right. Check out "Southern Man," "A Man Needs a Maid," "Down by The River," and "After the Goldrush." 5) Highway to Hell by AC/DC (1979) When I heard this album, I was firmly "me." My life would be 100% focused on hard rock music forever. AC/DC are like air; they're ubiquitous. Everyone knows them and their incredible songs. However, as a young teen in Wilmington, Delaware, I only had WMMR 93.3 FM Philadelphia and a few friends to inform me about the world of Rock outside my bedroom. AC/DC had not gone mainstream, and their albums were available primarily in the USA as imports. To put things more in perspective, I only knew two people in the world who had heard of AC/DC. A friend had an import that we played in Steve Buckley's basement, which sounded ripping. When Highway to Hell was released, WMMR started spinning the title track, and I immediately bought the album, listening to it every single day after school. Then WMMR announced AC/DC was coming to the Spectrum in Philly, supporting Ted Nugent! I liked Ted but loved AC/DC, so my good friend Mick Cummins and I bought tickets, and he drove us up to the Spectrum (where we saw most of our concerts). Bon Scott was in fine form, and the band went over great. Although the crowd knew Ted better, Angus [Young] wouldn't let anyone upstage him. I'll never forget it! Unfortunately, Bon would be gone in 6 months. Check out "Walk All Over You," "Touch Too Much," "Shot Down in Flames," and "If You Want Blood (You Got It)." 4) Toys in the Attic by Aerosmith (1975) By the time I heard this, I was now in my teens. I had a childhood friend up the street, Jim Linberg (we're still good buddies). His older sister had a great album collection, including Toys in The Attic. Once I heard that groove, my taste changed. I lost interest in rock music that didn't have some sort of "swing" feel to it. I think Rocks is a slightly better Aerosmith album (and possibly my favorite album of all time), but both are perfect or very close. Check out "Uncle Salty," "Adam's Apple," "No More No More," "Round and Round," and "You See Me Crying." 3) Alive! by Kiss (1975) When I was still a little kid, I asked for Cheech and Chong's Up in Smoke album for Christmas. The entire family came over for an enormous feast, and I dropped the needle. When my mother heard the content, she turned off the album and said I had to exchange it. My mom was cool, but I was young and knew much more about life than she suspected. Anyway, the next day, she drove me back to the store. In the music section, promoted on an "endcap" was a Kiss Alive! display. I had never heard of Kiss, but that cover picture told me I had to have it! My first foray into hard rock. Check out “Strutter.” I went through my Kiss phase very quickly, I believe in a matter of months because I discovered the previous entry, Aerosmith's Toys in the Attic. 2) Honky Chateau by Elton John (1972) When I was a wee lad, my parents bought a used Volkswagen camper van from my uncle Ozzie. My favorite Elton John album is Yellow Brick Road, but Honky Chateau is great and easily one of his best. It sent me down a lifelong rabbit hole of loving everything about the 1970s partnership between Elton and lyricist Bernie Taupin. The simple beauty of voice, the master songwriting, the perfect backing band, the clear, unobtrusive recordings, and always Bernie's incredible lyrics. The day this album was released, Elton became an unstoppable force that conquered the music industry. Check out "Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters" and "Rocket Man." 1) Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band by The Beatles (1967) Another tape that was included in the VW Camper. The van had a bunch of music tapes, and one was Sgt Pepper. I was too young to understand the sophistication of the music, but that was one of the many skills of The Beatles. They attracted listeners at every level, even little kids. I still feel that immediate connection to Sgt Pepper; now, I hear so much more. It's an album that changed the world and the world of music. Check out "Lucy in The Sky with Diamonds," "A Day In The Life," and "Fixing a Hole."](http://www.classicrockhistory.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Shutterstock_1815495569-1-300x200.jpg)
