![Right Now Up South Tour Is Staying At Home](https://townsquare.media/site/163/files/2020/04/pcd2.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Right Now Up South Tour Is Staying At Home
Up South was started by Mike Villalva, who had been singing, writing, and performing in Nashville and wanted the band feeling back.
He came to Minnesota and started the band in 2014. Danny joined the band in 2017.
Mike started playing piano and did not love it, because he wanted to be Jerry Lee Lewis, but the teacher wanted him to play mary had a little lamb. He picked up guitar in high school and that was it.
Danny began playing his Mom's cookie jars with wooden spoons and would make noise with that, to him it was drums. Later on he found a misplaced set and started teaching himself.
Mike wanted Up South to be the updated country sound but wanted to have steel guitar in the mix to give it that country sound.
When I asked them what their best band story was they told me they were playing a place and sheriff deputies came in and raided the place. Mike said it wasn't funny when it was happening but it is funny now.
They have "Far Too Long" and "Paradise" out for singles. They are currently recording their EP (until the social distancing is gone). Right now they work by sending each other phone files while the gigs are on hold.
Up South is:
Mike Villalva - Vocals/Guitar
Jason Biechler - Lead Guitar/Vocals
Josh Braun - Pedal Steel/Fiddle
Kevin Barnes - Bass/Vocals
Danny Martdi- Drums
![KOOL 101.7 logo](https://townsquare.media/site/163/files/2022/01/attachment-512.jpg?w=100)
12 Iconic Landmarks In The Twin Ports
More From KOOL 101.7
![The Movie Band “The Wonders” Are Reuniting Friday April 17th](http://townsquare.media/site/163/files/2020/04/GettyImages-1144218-e1586854745213.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![BWCAW Closed Through May 4 to Honor Stay-At-Home Order](http://townsquare.media/site/150/files/2020/04/RS40383_GettyImages-186467090-scr.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Watch the First Clip From David Bowie Biopic ‘Stardust’](http://townsquare.media/site/295/files/2020/04/Bowie-movie.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Duluth Pack Has Changed Things Up Now Making Gowns For Medical Personnel](http://townsquare.media/site/164/files/2020/04/GettyImages-1219007573.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![See Mario Lopez and Elizabeth Berkley as Slater and Jessie in ‘Saved By the Bell’ Reboot Trailer](http://townsquare.media/site/442/files/2020/04/saved-by-the-bell-2020.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![You Can Now Invite a Llama or Goat to Your Zoom Meetings](http://townsquare.media/site/341/files/2020/04/GettyImages-72476330.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![WATCH: Community Holds Disney Parade for Make-A-Wish Kid Whose Trip Was Canceled](http://townsquare.media/site/341/files/2020/04/little-girl-disney.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Live Nation CEO Sets a Timeline for Ticket Refunds](http://townsquare.media/site/295/files/2020/04/Live-Nation-CEO.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Open Letter To Duluthians: Have A Little More Respect For Your Home](http://townsquare.media/site/164/files/2020/04/IMG_0353.jpg?w=980&q=75)