The trajectory of Bumpin Uglies started over a decade ago, making music with friends, playing backyard parties and anywhere else they could get a gig. For Brandon Hardesty, lead vocals and guitar, it was a simple time, but one that taught him lessons that stay with him today as he leads the band into the 2020s. One was that he would do whatever it took for him and his band to be successful. Another was in discovering that doing it his way was the only way, which still applies today. Bumpin Uglies do things their way, free to play, think, and write however they feel, critics and the mainstream music industry be damned.

In the early days, Hardesty was hustling waiting tables while stoking his musical fire with every minute of free time he had. A point came years ago when he knew it was time to put up or shut up if he was going to make a career as a musician, so he dug into doing all of the things it takes to grow Bumpin Uglies from a grassroots local band into a nationally touring act. It took a tireless DIY ethic; and it still does, but if Brandon did not have the singular focus on breaking through and achieving his musical dreams, the story of Bumpin Uglies wouldn’t be what it is today.

Bumpin Uglies are a band that have hoisted themselves up and forged their own path, but even as they look around at where they are, how far they have come, it is clear to them that there is so much more work to do and they continue to do it every day. With the help of bassist Dave “Wolfie” Wolf, drummer TJ Haslett and keyboardist Ethan Lichtenberger, they are doing just that.

The band’s latest release “Slow Burn” featuring Jacob Hemphill of SOJA has caught fire among fans, garnering hundreds of thousands of streams, multiple Spotify editorial playlist additions and most notably, making it onto Pandora’s Top Thumb Hundred in the first week.

Currently on tour supporting the new single, the band is making their way down the west coast, hitting Cali Vibes on the way, before coming back East to close out their winter tour. There are plenty more dates already announced, as well as the band’s own festival, Weekend at Wolfies, in June.

Who is Bumpin Uglies?

Brandon Hardesty — Vocals, Guitar
Dave Wolf — Vocals, Bass
TJ Haslett — Drums
Ethan Lichtenberger — Keys