The Soda Crackers have released their self-titled debut album on streaming platforms and vinyl records, marking a significant step for the six-piece band that identifies as "Sun-Fun-Stay-Playboys." Recorded over approximately a year and completed in July 2025, the project was described by rhythm guitarist, lead vocalist, and fiddler Zane Adamo as a "Bakersfield" inspired endeavor from start to finish, drawing directly from the legendary Bakersfield Sound artists that preceded them. This deliberate approach reflects the band's commitment to solidifying their identity before releasing music, with Adamo noting that "all the stars aligned these past 11 months or so to put out our first album."
Recording primarily took place at Ecco-Fonic Studio in Northridge, California, under the direction of Southern California traditional Country & Western expert Deke Dickerson. Additional sessions occurred at Angel Cowboy Studio in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and with Alex Clark in Norman, Oklahoma, ensuring a blend of regional influences. The album features ten songs, including six originals by current and former band members and four covers of artists who influenced The Soda Crackers, showcasing their roots while introducing new material. Lead guitarist Ben McCarthy wrote two originals, "Don’t Start A Fire" and "Blackboard Boogie," while Adamo contributed "Goin’ Broke, Livin’ Rich" and "Tomorrow’s Used To Be," along with a re-recorded version of the band's debut single A-side, "Two-Step Solution." Mixing and mastering were handled by Dickerson at Ecco-Fonic Studio and Kyle Appleton of Appleton Productions, ensuring high-quality production that honors traditional sounds.
While all tracks are available for streaming, the band emphasizes the vinyl format, continuing the tradition of original music on vinyl in Bakersfield, reminiscent of the historic local label Tally Records. This focus on vinyl underscores the cultural significance of physical media in preserving musical heritage, offering a tangible connection to past traditions alongside contemporary accessibility. The vinyl records are available for purchase online, at Going Underground Records in downtown Bakersfield and Little Tokyo, and at all Soda Crackers shows, with options including a limited edition "Tequila Sunrise" colored vinyl and standard black vinyl priced at $25 each plus shipping, and autographed and limited edition variants costing $30-$35 online.
An album release party is scheduled for Saturday, December 13, at the Fairfax Grange 570 Dance Hall in Bakersfield, where the band will perform songs from the new album along with favorites by influential artists. Adamo expressed hope that fans enjoy the album and attend the show, highlighting the communal aspect of music appreciation. This release matters because it revitalizes the Bakersfield Sound for modern audiences, blending nostalgia with innovation, and reinforces the importance of vinyl in an era dominated by digital streaming, preserving a piece of musical history while fostering new artistic expressions. The implications include potential growth for the band, increased interest in regional music traditions, and a reminder of how physical formats can enhance cultural engagement, making this announcement a noteworthy event in contemporary music circles.
