Young & Haggard
Read on to learn about the members of this up-and-coming country band out of Manitoba, Canada.
Dylan Martens
Lead Vocals - Rhythm Guitar
Dylan started off his musical journey behind a drum kit but, as of late, he’s been lighting up the stage with his strong lead vocals and rhythm guitar. A great vocal range and versatile tone, combined with his talent on multiple instruments, has propelled Young & Haggard to quickly become a band that is adored by their fans. Born an entertainer, it was just a matter of time before Dylan stepped away from the drums to lead such a band as this.
Brock Reimer
Lead Guitar - Backup Vocals
Brock Reimer cut his teeth learning from, and performing with, The Jakebrakes. He also spent countless hours under mentors and local heroes at jam nights across Winnipeg, including Blues icons such as Big Dave McLean, Tim Butler, and Brent Parkin. Although he’s known for his chickin’ pickin’ country guitar, you can also catch him playing and singing the blues from time to time. Such an example is the solo project he recorded back in 2012 named Anvil & Steel (available on Spotify and Apple Music). A few of the other bands he’s played for include; The Rock Ridge Pickers, Luke Reimer, Blindfold, 5 Acres, and Classic Overdrive.
Adrian Petkau
Lead Guitar
Adrian Petkau has joined Young & Haggard recently and his playing style couldn't be more suited to the band. Combining a more modern tone with smooth finesse and execution compliment the band's strong foundation. His lead and rhythm playing alike really capture the essence of the songs they perform and adds a depth to the music that wasn't there before when the band was performing as a 4-piece. A welcome addition to the group, Adrian has pushed Young & Haggard to the next level!
Roger Thiessen
Bass Guitar
Roger Thiessen is the newest member of the band, rounding out the sound on bass guitar. Coming from a family of locally renowned musicians, it’s no surprise he landed the gig when Young & Haggard was looking to find a replacement for their former bassist. Tightening up the rhythm section with solid bass lines, his cool demeanor and chill playing style enable the band to really lock into the groove.
Riley Sobering
Drums
One of Riley Sobering's biggest highlights as a drummer came when offered the job of recording in Nashville. The marketing director for record company "Full Circle Music" - who has produced albums for Newsboys, Skillet, and Toby Mac - found Riley's YouTube channel and asked him if he'd be interested in coming down to Nashville to record some songs with his band's latest project. Pretty cool for his first gig in a studio! Check out Riley's YouTube channel, “Riley Sobering Drumming" or, better yet, watch him live with Young & Haggard!
Young & Haggard
The story behind the name...
Many people have asked about the name, Young & Haggard. Although the band is not a tribute band for either Merle Haggard or Neil Young, they have great respect for these musicians and there is this play-on-words that adds a little something to the title. Another misconception, early on, was that the eldest member in the band, being about 30 years older than the rest, was considered the “Haggard” while the rest of the band was “Young”. In actuality, the inspiration for the name came from a Willie Nelson tune (written by his son Lukas).
A word from co-founder, Brock Reimer;
“In Willie Nelson’s song, No Place To Fly, there’s a line that states, ‘I know I’m still young, but I can only get older’. This brilliant phrase perfectly described a dilemma I’d been having in that, whenever I would comment about my body feeling old, people kept telling me, “Oh you’re young, you can handle it” or “You’re too young for back pain” and many such comments alike. So, when I heard this line, I realized that, yeah, I may not be THAT old but, hey, with each passing day I can only get older, never younger. I already have all kinds of aches and pains that people tell me I shouldn’t be having at my age but, that’s just the way it is. So, if you ever have the notion to call me young, well then you might as well call me Young & Haggard. I shared the name with the band and, as they say, the rest is history.”