Wild ridE, as the name implies, will take you on a musical adventure. The
group is a self-described "Texas" band. However, when compared to the
majority of music classified as "Texas" or "Americana," these descriptions
sometimes fall short. The band's sound is probably best described as
"alternative country" -- without really being alternative at all, or for
that matter, even country. In sound the band needs a classification such
as "glam country" or "country metal," as it brings together so naturally
the sounds and lyrical styling of both country and hard-rock music.

The group from South Texas has become known for its live shows as much as
its unique, original style. The band has the stage energy of a rock group,
but can draw the most traditional country fans to the dance floor to
two-step. At any given performance, the audience is filled with cowboys,
bikers, punk-rockers, alternative fans and blue-collar workers, who all
find something they like in Wild ridE's music

The band was formed in December 1997 by Clyde Hepline of Brackettville,
Texas, when he was asked to fill a 45-minute time slot on a telethon for a
local television station. Hepline called fellow musicians Heath Childs,
Scott Nebel, Wes Robinson and Timmy Santos. Both the band and the show
were put together in Hepline's living room roughly 30 minutes prior to
show time. The group watched the 45-minute slot stretch to nearly two
hours as a result of the incredible reaction the station was receiving in
response to the band's performance. The guys finally had to end the show
because they ran out of material. Having enjoyed the musical chemistry
that was discovered, Childs, Hepline, Nebel and Robinson decided to start
a band, which they called "Wild ridE"

In 2000, Hepline decided to leave the band in order to pursue a career in
sound engineering. Before his departure, the band went into Cavalry
Studios in Brackettville to record the songs they had written, simply as a
memento for the band members. However, after hearing that Wild Ride had
been in the studio, fans became insistent that the band give them
something to listen to. In mid-2001, after Hepline's exit, Wild ridE
released a low-budget album entitled "Close Enough." It contained 10
original songs and was recorded in three days with little or no production
on the most of the songs -- the majority of them being "live" takes.
Before "Close Enough" was even printed, both of the local radio stations
(KDLK 94.1 FM and KTDR 96.3 FM of Del Rio) picked up one of the band's
songs titled "Easy, Little Mama" which was put in heavy rotation at the
request of listeners. Several months later, "Rodeo World" was released as
a single and received airplay across Texas and in several different
countries in Europe.

J.J. Guidry, who had co-written numerous songs with Childs, including
"Rodeo World", joined Wild ridE in the summer of 2003 as the bands bass
player.

In January of 2004 the band began recording demos of their new material in
preparation for their sophomore album. The songs, recorded by Hepline and
producer Rocco Fortunato, include 17 arrangements, ranging from modern
country power ballads, hard rock anthems, and traditional country and punk
songs.

It has taken nearly six years for the band to create a distinct sound that
is one they can truly call their own. They have succeeded in creating a
brand of music that can in no way be confused with anyone else. And the
music they create carries one resounding message: Life is a Wild ridE and
you only get one turn -- so you'd better make the best of it while you
can.

Straight From the Horse's Mouth

"Thanks for Wild ridE's latest album. It's a wonderful album and fits
right in with our show. We'll give it lots of spins."
Eddie Velkamp
"Texas Radio," The Netherlands

"I have had the pleasure of receiving Wild ridE's album "Close Enough." I
have listened to the band's first release, "Rodeo World", and have decided
to add the song (to the show), specifically highlighting the band, along
with the album and single."
Amanda Flores
Producer of "Texas Top 20 Countdown"
FM 100 KTEX, Weslaco, Texas

"Since the first CD-Tex compilation I had sent my way, I have been
thrilled with the music coming out of Texas. On the October issue Wild
ridE really caught my attention with Rodeo World, a great tune that I
like a lot, as do my listeners. They are putting out the real deal." 
Lars Lindberg
MCWC Radio, Sweden

"I would like to ask for a copy of the latest Wild ridE release titled
"Close Enough" because I want to introduce their music to our listeners. I
just heard the new song on the current CD-Tex release -- it's absolutely
great!"
Max W. Achatz
Country Jukebox, Munich, Germany

"Heard one of your songs on CD-Tex and it sounds great. Want more of your
stuff on our radio station!"
Alex Pijnen
BRTO Radio, Holland