Gonna Shine

The Zoo Crew is spinning the electrifying track "Gonna Shine" by The Georgia Thunderbolts, from their album Rise Above It All, and the Zoo Freaks are loving it! This fiery single, released on September 14, 2023, is a bold testament to the band’s Southern rock roots, blending anthemic guitar riffs, soulful vocals, and a pulse-pounding rhythm that sets the airwaves ablaze. According to a post on Rock and Blues Muse, the song serves as a glimpse into the band’s upcoming sophomore album, showcasing their ability to push Southern rock into new frontiers while honoring its legacy. The accompanying music video, directed by Jim Arbogast, captures the band’s raw energy and gritty aesthetic, drawing listeners into a world where classic rock meets modern swagger.

Delving into the trivia behind "Gonna Shine," the track represents a pivotal moment for The Georgia Thunderbolts. In a 2023 interview with Rock Metal Mag, the band described the song as a burst of optimism and resilience, reflecting their journey from humble beginnings to international stages. Frontman TJ Lyle shared in a Sonic Perspectives feature that the band’s music often stems from personal struggles and triumphs, and "Gonna Shine" embodies that spirit of perseverance. The song’s release was celebrated with a performance alongside rock giants like Black Stone Cherry, as noted on their official website, highlighting their growing presence in the rock scene. Fans on The Georgia Thunderbolts’ Facebook page have praised the track’s infectious energy, with one commenter calling it “the perfect road-trip anthem for blasting with the windows down.”

The Georgia Thunderbolts’ story began in Rome, Georgia, at the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, where high school classmates Riley Couzzourt (guitar) and Bristol Perry (drums) started jamming together. As detailed on their official website, the band formed in 2015, later expanding to include Zach Everett (bass, harmony vocals, keys), Logan Tolbert (guitar), and TJ Lyle (vocals, harmonica, keys). Their early days were far from glamorous—busking at gas stations and playing to near-empty venues, including a memorable gig in Alabama for a bartender and a three-legged dog, as recounted in a Rock and Blues Muse article. These gritty experiences shaped their hardworking ethos and authentic sound, influenced by Southern rock legends like Lynyrd Skynyrd, blues icons like Otis Redding, and even heavy metal acts like Pantera. Their big break came after a performance caught the eye of Mascot Label Group’s North American President Ron Burman, leading to their signing and the release of their self-titled debut EP in 2020, as noted on Wikipedia.

The band’s rise has been fueled by their relentless touring, sharing stages with luminaries like Deep Purple, The Allman Betts Band, and The Outlaws, as highlighted in a Rock At Night review. Their debut album, Can We Get A Witness, released in 2021, amassed over 6 million streams despite pandemic-related touring challenges, earning praise from Rolling Stone and Classic Rock Magazine. The Georgia Thunderbolts’ music, described as a blend of Southern swagger, bluesy yearning, and hard-hitting rock, resonates with their agricultural hometown’s working-class spirit, a theme evident in songs like “Spirit of A Workin’ Man.” Fans can connect with the band on their Instagram and X accounts, where they share tour updates and behind-the-scenes moments. The official Facebook page also hosts a vibrant community of fans, though no dedicated fan websites or specific fan-run Facebook groups were found. For the latest news and tour dates, Zoo Freaks can visit georgiathunderbolts.com and keep rocking with The Georgia Thunderbolts!