Treaty Oak Revival’s Rowdy Country Rocks Railbird Festival 2025 Day 2

By on June 17, 2025

The Kentucky sun blazed on June 1, 2025, when Treaty Oak Revival hit the Limestone Stage at Railbird Festival. Their 3:30 p.m. set brought high-energy Texas country to Lexington’s Red Mile, shaking the infield. Consequently, the crowd, now packing the field, roared for their raw anthems. For 45 minutes, this Comanche quartet delivered a wild ride, though their banter sparked mixed reactions on Day 2.

File Photo: Treaty Oak Revival performs in Lexington Kentucky at the Railbird Festival on June 1, 2025. (Photo Credit and Copyright; Larry Philpot/SoundstagePhotography.com)

Their performance was a blend of gritty riffs and barroom hooks. For instance, they opened with “In Between,” its driving beat igniting cheers. Meanwhile, Sam Canty’s vocals carried a rough, defiant edge, like a Texas rebel. The band—tight and loud—kept the pace fast, with Lance Roark’s guitar blazing. Moreover, “Have a Nice Day” had fans shouting along, its bold lyrics hitting hard. By the end, with “Quit Quittin’,” the crowd was pumped, despite some grumbling about their talk.

From Texas Plains to Country Buzz

Treaty Oak Revival formed in Comanche, Texas, in 2019, born from high school friendships and local gigs. The members—Sam Canty (born ~1998), Lance Roark (born ~1997), Jeremiah Van Zant (born ~1999), and Cody Holloway (born ~1998)—grew up in small-town Texas. Canty, the frontman, picked up guitar at 13, inspired by his dad’s Waylon Jennings tapes. Roark, also on guitar, fell for country after hearing Chris Stapleton. Van Zant’s bass came from rock roots, while Holloway’s drums were shaped by Texas bar bands.

File Photo: Treaty Oak Revival performs in Lexington Kentucky at the Railbird Festival on June 1, 2025. (Photo Credit and Copyright; Larry Philpot/SoundstagePhotography.com)

Their early shows in dive bars built a cult following. Consequently, their 2021 debut album, No Vacancy, caught fire online, with “In Between” going viral. By 2023, their follow-up, Have a Nice Day, hit country charts, earning festival slots like Railbird. For example, they’ve played Austin’s Two Step Inn, sharing stages with Cody Johnson. Now based in Fort Worth, they blend Red Dirt country with rock, often compared to Whiskey Myers for their raw edge.

Bands and Bandmates

Treaty Oak Revival is the main project for all members, with no major side bands noted. Their core lineup includes:

  • Sam Canty – vocals, guitar
  • Lance Roark – guitar
  • Jeremiah Van Zant – bass
  • Cody Holloway – drums

They’ve opened for acts like Flatland Cavalry but haven’t formed formal collaborations. Meanwhile, their personal lives stay low-key, with no news of romantic ties to other artists. For instance, Canty’s focus on rowdy shows and Texas pride drives their image. Their brotherhood vibe fuels their music, keeping the spotlight on their sound.

Television, Film, and Awards

Their media presence is modest, fitting their grassroots rise. They performed on a 2022 Texas Music Scene episode, playing “In Between.” Additionally, their song “Have a Nice Day” was used in a 2023 indie film, Lone Star Drift, about a Texas racer. For awards, they haven’t won major ones yet, but they took the 2022 Texas Country Music Awards for Emerging Band. Moreover, they were nominated for the 2024 Austin Music Awards for Best Country Act. Hall of fame nods are far off, but their fanbase grows fast.

Biggest Songs

Their music thrives on streaming and live shows, with a few tracks breaking out:

  • “In Between” – Written by Sam Canty and Lance Roark, this 2021 single has over 20 million streams.
  • “Have a Nice Day” – Penned by the band, this 2023 track hit country playlists, nearing 15 million streams.
  • “Quit Quittin’” – Written by Canty, this 2021 song is a live-show anthem, gaining steady streams.

Controversies

Treaty Oak Revival’s rowdy image has sparked some trouble. At Railbird, their frequent F-bombs between songs, not in lyrics, drew heat. Parents with kids and some adults found it excessive, calling it unprofessional. For instance, Canty’s casual profanity during banter about Texas bars turned off families expecting a cleaner show. Consequently, social media buzzed with complaints, though younger fans shrugged it off. In 2022, they faced similar flak after a bar gig where Van Zant’s drunken stage rant went viral. They apologized, citing youth, and the issue faded. Otherwise, their focus on music keeps drama minimal, but their loose talk courts occasional backlash.

The Railbird Ruckus

At Railbird, Treaty Oak Revival brought Texas chaos to the Limestone Stage. Their set felt like a honky-tonk brawl. For instance, “In Between” opened with Roark’s fiery guitar, pulling fans to their feet. Meanwhile, Canty’s gravelly vocals in “Have a Nice Day” sparked fist-pumps from younger fans. Holloway’s drums kept the pace relentless, driving “Quit Quittin’” to a fever pitch.

The stage setup was bold—dual guitars, bass, and big drums—with Texas flags draped behind. As a result, the crowd, a mix of country fans and festivalgoers, got rowdy, snapping photos. During “Have a Nice Day,” Canty’s call to “raise hell” drew cheers, but his F-bomb-laced banter afterward soured some. Moreover, their cover of George Strait’s “Amarillo by Morning” won back traditionalists, though marred by more profanity in the intro.

The set wasn’t perfect. A sound glitch muddled “In Between’s” intro, but Van Zant’s bassline saved it. Additionally, the 3:30 p.m. slot meant some families were present, amplifying the profanity backlash. For example, parents near the stage were seen ushering kids away during Canty’s rants. Nevertheless, the music itself was flawless, with fans shouting lyrics by the end. The Limestone Stage buzzed with energy, though tempered by mixed feelings.

Their performance was a Day 2 jolt, blending country fire with rock rebellion. For example, Roark’s tale about writing “In Between” in a pickup truck felt real, connecting with fans. Meanwhile, their music hit hard, appealing to younger crowds craving anthems. However, their crude banter overshadowed the set for some, with parents muttering as they left. Consequently, they proved their musical chops but stirred debate about stage etiquette. Their show was a nod to Railbird’s wilder side, though not for everyone.

As they left the stage, fans lingered, some raving about the riffs, others griping about the language. Their set showed why Railbird loves bold acts. Treaty Oak Revival brought grit, volume, and Texas swagger, making the Limestone Stage their own. Yet, the profanity left a mark, splitting the crowd’s love. As a result, their music echoed across the infield, a loud spark for Day 2. The Kentucky sun seemed to pulse with their chaos as their notes faded.

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