Southbound 75: High Energy Road Warriors With New Single, “That Summer”

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Described as “Old Dominion meets Maroon 5”

With a name like Southbound 75, you might guess that this is a band that spends a lot of time on the road – and you’d guess right.

But they did take a brief break from the road long enough to sit down with me in Nashville.  The occasion was this year’s Country Radio Seminar (CRS) where air personalities and radio programmers get to meet each other and the recording artists whose songs they play at their stations.

The five members of Southbound 75 are Mark Lorenzo (lead vocals/acoustic guitar), Justin Pietrowski (lead guitar), Vance Eskesen (bass), Jessee Allen Porter (fiddle) and Gregg Giacobbe on drums.

The guys have just released their latest single titled “That Summer” (Brown Lee Ent/Sony Orchard), produced by Jimmy Ritchey who, as a songwriter, has penned hits for the likes of George Strait, Mark Chesnutt and Jake Owen.

I talked with the guys about the story behind the song. “’That Summer’ is really about being happy where you are,” explained Mark Lorenzo. “It’s about looking back and remembering things fondly but things don’t always work out like you think. It’s about ‘Those were good times and where are those times now?’ But you know what? I’m good with working ‘til seven and going to sleep at eight! I don’t need all the wild stuff right now. I think I’m good right where I am.”

Southbound 75 is a pretty cool name for a band and I asked if all the miles they’ve logged on Interstate 75 influenced the choice of the name.

“Yes it did,” acknowledged Gregg. “We started our touring in Ohio and started working our way back down south.  We had people in Ohio and Georgia and Florida join the band and it just seemed appropriate.”

Touring may sound romantic, but life as musical road warriors can be tough.  I asked what the hardest part of being on the road is.

“I think it’s the same thing for all of us,” said Justin. “We spend a tremendous amount of time away from family.” However, he added, “The support system is amazing.”

I asked the guys if they have a favorite place to stop and grab a bite when they are burning up the miles. With one voice they all replied: “Buc-ee’s!”

“They’re opening a Buc-ees’s in Ocala, so that would be a stop every single time,” said Mark. We’ll never get past Ocala! How ironic we all said Buc-ee’s. Now we need an endorsement from Buc-ee’s!”

Southbound 75 has quickly become a fan favorite due to their high energy live shows, described as “Old Dominion meets Maroon 5” but are a totally unique band.

They’ve been recognized as “Best New Country Band” by the Tampa Bay Musicians Network, 2023 Country Band of the Year by the Mississippi Music Foundation and has been spotlighted on The Country Network and CMT.com. When they’re not headlining their own shows, you can often find them supporting acts such as Russell Dickerson, Joe Nichols, Jordan Davis, LOCASH, Gary Allen, Elvie Shane, Jimmy Allen, ERNEST and Lainey Wilson.  Either way, you’re in for a good time!

Find upcoming tour datesat their website, on Facebook, follow on Instagram, Tik Tok and YouTube. Find Southbound 75 music on Spotify here.