In September 2014, Austin John of the Austin John Band moved to Nashville, TN with his girlfriend Dawna Zahn to pursue their music career. Austin had hit the ground running in the Syracuse music scene with the help of friend and fellow musician Collin Aberdeen (Los Blancos) after Aberdeen discovered Austin at Shifty’s open mic in 2012. Austin then spent the next two years playing in the Syracuse area as a blues trio with bass player Booth Johnson and drummers Louis Miceli, Mark Tiffault, or Dave Olsen. The Austin John Band made a tremendous impact on the blues scene in Syracuse, quickly gaining fans where ever they went.

Auburn, NY native Dawna Zahn had spent the last few years singing in the rock n’ roll, blues and honky tonk band Silver Queen Casket Company, which Austin joined in late 2014. Like the Austin John Band, Silver Queen quickly gained popularity in the Auburn/Syracuse area. Without any formal training, Dawna’s unique vocal style developed through her love of the raw, swampy sounds of early blues and rock n’ roll.

Bassist Hank Miles, also from Seattle, is the son of a touring jazz bassist. Hank has been playing and recording,”since he could move and make noise” and grew up on tour until it was time to start school. Some of his former bands include Redneck Girlfriend, Go Like Hell, and Shivering Denizens (who shared stages with country legends David Allen Coe and Billy Joe Shaver).

Austin, Dawna, and Hank met over a few beers at Mickey’s Tavern in Nashville this February. After a few minutes of rambling off influences such as Howlin’ Wolf, Etta James, Bo Diddley, Big Maybelle, Wynonie Harris, and Nick Curran, the group decided to form an early Rhythm & Blues, Rock N’ Roll combo… And thus, the Highjivers were born.