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But don't fret! After 9 years as frontman and main songwriter for the South Austin Jug Band, it hasn't taken long for James Hyland to get back on stage once the band announced they were parting ways. James, who the Austin American Statesman called the "Leader of the new old school", has found the transition rather smooth. Going back to where it all started James Hyland and his band The Joint Chiefs are holding a Sunday night residency at Momo's in the heart of the Live Music Capital of the World. Born in Charlotte, North Carolina but raised in South Texas, James moved to Austin to attend the University of Texas. Graduating in 2000, he immediately hit the road writing and singing for the South Austin Jug Band. After 9 years of a constantly changing cast, Hyland was the only original member still around. "The band had really changed and become something else, so I'm very happy to finally lose the word jug." Already hard at work on his first solo release since the jug band, Hyland says, "This next album is going to end up where Strange Invitation was headed." Hyland's songs have deep country and rock roots with an undeniable hint of Motown. Call it Americana. The last South Austin Jug Band album, Strange Invitation (which was self produced), won much praise from critics across the country and overseas, including an award from The Indie Acoustic Project for Best Americana Album of 2008, as well as garnering constant radio play. Hyland attributes his success to hard work, great influences, and lots of luck. James writes everyday, a work ethic that he swears by. "Larry McMurty says he writes a page a day, I like that, if I can get a page a day, I'm satisfied." It's clear James Hyland is here to stay and the world of music is stronger because of it. James and his band are hard at work in the studio with Austin producer Stephen Doster working along side them. His next album is scheduled to be released in the spring of 2010.
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The rumors are true. The South Austin Jug Band has disbanded.