Looking for a great time and some great tunes, then Soulvault is the band for you.
Soulvault is a four-man band with a play list including today’s favorite rock tunes like “Buddy Holly” by Weezer and “How You Remind Me” By Nickelback. They also jam with some great oldies like “Brick House” by the Commodores.
The members are Dan Groner, bass, Bryan Qualls, percussion, Keith Harkelroad, lead guitar, and Byron Wright, lead vocals.
The band chooses their play list by audience reaction.
“We imagine people dancing to it,” Groner said.
Soulvault has only been playing together for six months but they play like they have been together for years. They have an immense talent and didn’t miss a note on any of the songs they play.
Soulvault plays in various locations around the Tri-Cities, where all the members of the band are from. They love the crowds here.
They not only play covers, but are working on their own material that should be ready for the public soon.
“The original stuff is on our web site. Check it out,” said Wright, the lead singer who is also an active member of National Guard.
“We want to specifically play to people who are already there like at Bennigan’s and O’Charley’s. If you play for an audience in a restaurant they are more likely to be a listening audience and are very responsive. They generally seem to like it,” Groner said.
“We get into it more when people get into it. I love it when they get up on the tables,” said Harkleroad, the bass player.
Soulvault has faced many challenges as they have tried to get their name out in Johnson City.
“The first challenge is getting your foot in the door. There are many bar managers that don’t know who you are and you just have to be persistant,” Groner said.
“There are so many bands around here. A lot of places have been burnt by band after band,” Harkleroad said.
“Now instead of us calling them, they call us,” Groner said.
There are plans in the works to also play a tailgate party here at ETSU.
“The goal for us just to play. Why even be worried about a record deal? Our first step is just to be consistent and learn our music. The big goal is to make enough money to just play,” Groner said
The name Soulvault has a special meaning to the group. They say it is supposed to be a vault people keep things in that really touch your soul. Hence, the band plays songs that make you move and keep you listening.
“It’s something for your soul,” said the band.

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