The Merles are a classic country/western swing band based out of Austin, TX featuring Todd Deatherage, Derek Tarnow, Loren Tarnow, Phil Spencer and Matt Winegardner. They play a mix of originals and covers by their favorite artists, such as Bob Wills, Hank Williams, Lefty Frizzell, Ernest Tubb, and of course, Merle Haggard. The band strives to create a classic stripped down honky-tonk sound with dueling twangy guitars, upright bass, tight harmonies and light drums played with brushes keeping the dance beat.

The Merles originated in 2005 in Brooklyn, NYC, when singer/songwriter Todd Deatherage and guitarist Eric Dunst decided to put together a band that played their favorite classic country songs. Eric enlisted his neighbor Joel Layton on a snare drum, and thus the band and sound were formed. The trio, along with Drew Fleming on bass/vocals, entertained people all over Brooklyn through busking in the streets and whiskey-filled late nights at well-known establishments.

In 2008, Todd moved to Austin and with Eric’s blessing, continued to use The Merles moniker with a new Austin line-up. In searching for another guitarist, Todd collaborated with his co-worker at the Allegro School of Music, Derek Tarnow. Together they performed in local dives and eventually added Matt Winegardner on drums and Mike St. Clair on upright bass. This quartet played all over Austin, garnering a local following. Recently, the band has added Loren Tarnow on backing vocals further developing the band’s classic country sound. Due to St. Clair’s busy touring schedule with other bands, Phil Spencer joined the group as the primary bass player during 2014. The band also enjoys having some of Austin’s finest country musicians occasionally sitting in with the band. These days, The Merles are busier than ever playing the finest dance halls and honky-tonks in Central Texas.