“Somewhere between the lost and found
We're all just waiting to be seen.”
— "Dragons" by Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors
We’re going back-to-back: for the second week in a row, we’re focusing an entire Swap on one artist. Last week, it was the Turnpike Troubadours. This week, it’s Drew Holcomb.
Our Bonus Track guest shares the story of seeing Drew at a battle of the bands before he got big—a front-row seat to the very beginning. Meanwhile, Jonathan, Ben, and Kody each offer up a Drew Holcomb song to add to your weekend playlist.
Jonathan’s pick: Cover of Islands in the Stream
This love duet, originally written by The Bee Gees, was made famous by Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton. Nobody does it like legends Kenny and Dolly, but it is great to hear Drew and Ellie’s connection in this classic.
Ben’s pick: Rain or Shine (Feat. Ellie Holcomb)
This song is nod-your-head-bluesy right out of the gate. I liked this one the first time I heard it, and it’s still an easy listen. You get a groovy Drew. You get a playful Ellie. Then, you get the rich harmonies expected from Drew + Ellie. Memory Bank (released in 2025)—starting with the album cover—makes you believe in a musical fairytale love story.
Kody’s pick: Find Your People
“You can’t go it alone. Everybody needs help. You gotta find your people, then you’ll find yourself.”
The older I get, the more this rings true. What a fun anthem celebrating the gift of friendship.
“Who does not long for that city from which no friend leaves?” —St. Augustine.
Bonus Track: Back-to-Back in ATL: Ryan Adams, then Drew Holcomb
It was the summer of 2004. I had just graduated from Auburn University with a business degree and was heading to postgraduate studies in Kentucky in January. I was trying to make some quick cash by doing this random six-week marketing job during the time in between. I found myself traveling all over Florida and then ending in Atlanta. Ready to move on from this depressing job, I rode the MARTA to downtown ATL and had one lonely ticket to see Ryan Adams at the Tabernacle. For the depressed and weary, all one needs is a little “La Cienega”—not to brighten the mood, but to match it. There’s something strangely comforting when music does that.
The following day, I got in touch with one of my high school buddies, Drew Holcomb. Also fresh out of college, Drew was playing at the “Songwriters Shootout” at Eddie’s Attic that night. To counter my loneliness the night before, some live music for a couple of Memphis boys sounded great. While we waited for Drew to take the stage, we shared a pitcher and listened to some good and some not-so-good music. Apparently, the judges at Eddie’s and I agreed that Drew was the clear winner. I couldn’t even tell you what Drew played that night, but I remember having the thought, “Dude, Drew’s got some talent.” At the time, I thought he was just messing around with music… How wrong I was.
It’s funny how music finds you when you need it—two shows in two nights, and somehow, things felt a little less heavy.
Barrett Fisher is one of the pastors at Christ Covenant Church in Atlanta, GA. He took his wife and six kids to an outdoor NEEDTOBREATHE and OneRepublic concert last year. The concert he’s most looking forward to this year is Mumford and Sons in ATL.
Have a great week, Swappers. Enjoy some tunes and go slay all the dragons that stand in your way.
-TheMusicSwap