Five years after their debut album release, country Americana duo Smith and Tegio have released their sophomore record, Can’t Stay Here, and the two have witnessed a whole lotta life in between.
While their steadfast passion for making meaningful music remains the same, Austin Smith and Mark Tegio hopes their latest release will showcase a period of growth and dedication that has enhanced the uncanny songwriting talent that’s always been present.
The longtime San Diego buddies first began churning out songs in Tegio’s dad’s shed-turned-studio. Skateboarders by day turned music enthusiasts by night, the duo met at a mutual friend’s skate shop, where their musical partnership found its roots. As their skills developed in tandem, Smith and Tegio curated a seamless, cohesive sound which was not limited by their humble beginnings in the shed studio.
Their long-awaited sophomore album, Can’t Stay Here — which hit streaming services December 8th — is a 10-song collection, each track offering a collaborative effort with some of the band’s fellow musician friends.
Initially, the duo planned to release a brief EP, but when Covid threw a wrench in everyone’s plans, the two continued adding songs to the mounting tracklist, and thus, their second album was born. Though no longer recording in a shed, Smith and Tegio’s latest tracks were primarily recorded in Smith’s bedroom in Santa Cruz. Henry Chadwick, a close friend, helped the duo overdub the songs at a series of studios, developing the overall vibe and flow of the album.
The opening track and lead single, “Hell Raising Habit,” immediately sets the traditional country-blues tone, acting as a catchy anthem whose western flare and twangy guitar melodies sets the mood for what’s to come. With Tegio on lead vocals, the track’s playful message about “hell raising habits” offer a delightfully nostalgic vibe with a fun sing-along chorus. Nearly a full minute is devoted to the song’s intro, showcasing the duo’s knack for anticipatory song building.
Released as their third and final single, “Shine” slows things down a notch, offering a gentler melody and the tender side of Tegio’s vocals. Narrating the story of a blooming love, his words plead for a bit more time with his lover under the fading sun.
The fourth track off the album, “Second Hand,” offers a more haunting side of the duo, further showcasing their sonic versatility. Feeling ruled by the passage of time, Smith takes the vocal lead on this poignant early November single.
“Same Old Waltz” is yet another tender standout track, featuring Ezza Rose on backup vocals alongside Tegio. This track’s slow pace aligns with its title, feeling like a nice easy waltz in time with falling out of love with someone. Like going ’round and ’round in a relationship that’s going nowhere, this song laments the loss of a once-beautiful love that has since faded.
The final track, “At the Table (Revisited)”, features Smith back on lead vocals and harmonica. A fitting conclusion with a slightly somber melody, this song celebrates longtime friendship and connection. At nearly seven minutes, this is the longest track off the album and a proper tip of the cap, leaving the listener with passionate instrumentals and an echoing harmony.
In a recent Facebook post, Smith and Tegio encourage fans to listen to this album “from front to back as if it was a record,” so as to maximize the listening experience. The tracklist was specially arranged so that each song carefully leads into the next, unfolding like the chapters of any good story.
Debuting in 2018, the bearded brothers in arms released their self-titled debut album of 10 alternative folk songs. Since then, Smith and Tegio have had experience touring the western United States, picking and playing at venues all over, earning their chops. Their initial two-man band has been joined by a pedal steel and stand-up bass, both of which enhance the traditional country feel of their Americana-induced music.
Though Tegio now resides in Portland, Oregon, and Smith lives in Santa Cruz, California, this promising musical brotherhood continues just like it did in the early days. The band has some shows lined up in The Golden State in January, and hopefully has more coming for winter/spring.
