Bakersfield Sound Revived: The Soda Crackers Debut Vinyl Album

The Bakersfield Sound, a legendary country music tradition pioneered by artists like Merle Haggard through the iconic Tally Records label, is experiencing a vibrant revival through The Soda Crackers. This six-piece band, self-described as your Sun-Fun-Stay-Playboys, has just released their self-titled debut album, available both Online for streaming and on vinyl. The project is a heartfelt homage to their city's musical heritage, spearheaded by rhythm guitarist, lead vocalist, and fiddler Zane Adamo, who emphasized the album as a "Bakersfield' inspired endeavor, start to finish." The recording process, which began in December 2024 and concluded in July 2025, was a meticulous year-long effort to solidify the band's identity, taking place primarily at Ecco-Fonic Studio in Northridge, CA, under the direction of traditional Country & Western guru Deke Dickerson, with additional sessions in Oklahoma.

The album features ten tracks—a mix of six original compositions and four covers of the band's biggest influences. Original songs include lead guitarist Ben McCarthy's "Don't Start A Fire" and "Blackboard Boogie," alongside Adamo's "Goin' Broke, Livin' Rich" and "Tomorrow's Used To Be," plus a re-recorded version of their debut single "Two-Step Solution." Mixing and mastering were handled by Dickerson and Kyle Appleton of Appleton Productions, ensuring a polished sound that honors the raw, authentic spirit of the Bakersfield Sound. For vinyl enthusiasts, the physical album is now available for purchase, with options including a limited edition "Tequila Sunrise" colored vinyl and standard black, celebrating the classic medium that first brought the region's music to life.

Fans can acquire the vinyl Online through the band's store, at Going Underground Records locations in downtown Bakersfield and Little Tokyo, or at any Soda Crackers live performance. The band is also hosting an album release party on Saturday, December 13th, at the Fairfax Grange 570 Dance Hall in Bakersfield, where they will perform songs from the new album alongside favorites from country music greats. This release not only marks a significant milestone for The Soda Crackers but also reinforces Bakersfield's enduring legacy in country music, blending nostalgic reverence with fresh, original artistry for both new listeners and longtime aficionados of the genre.