The Soda Crackers Release Debut Album, Reviving Bakersfield Sound on Vinyl

The Soda Crackers, a six-piece band from Bakersfield, California, have released their self-titled debut album, continuing the tradition of original music on vinyl that was pioneered by legendary local record label Tally Records. The album represents a year-long recording process that began in December 2024 and concluded in July 2025, with the band deliberately taking their time to establish their musical identity before releasing their first collection of songs.

Rhythm guitarist, lead vocalist, and fiddler Zane Adamo, 32, explained the album's significance as a "Bakersfield inspired endeavor, start to finish" that pays homage to the legendary Bakersfield Sound artists who preceded the band. This release matters because it represents a contemporary continuation of a distinctive American musical tradition that originated in California's Central Valley during the mid-20th century, offering both preservation and evolution of a sound that has influenced country music for decades.

Recording took place primarily at Ecco-Fonic Studio in Northridge, California, under the direction of traditional Country & Western expert Deke Dickerson, with additional sessions at Angel Cowboy Studio in Oklahoma City and by Alex Clark in Norman, Oklahoma. The album features ten songs, including six original compositions by current and former band members and four covers of artists who influenced The Soda Crackers. Lead guitarist Ben McCarthy contributed two originals—"Don't Start A Fire" and "Blackboard Boogie"—while Adamo wrote "Goin' Broke, Livin' Rich" and "Tomorrow's Used To Be" and re-recorded the band's debut single "Two-Step Solution."

The implications of this release extend beyond the band itself to the broader music industry and cultural preservation. In an era dominated by digital streaming, the decision to release on vinyl demonstrates a commitment to physical media that appeals to collectors and audiophiles while honoring historical formats. The album is available for streaming on all platforms, but physical copies can be purchased online, at Going Underground Records locations in downtown Bakersfield and Little Tokyo, and at all Soda Crackers shows. Limited edition "Tequila Sunrise" colored vinyl is available alongside standard black records, with prices ranging from $25 to $35 for autographed and special edition versions.

For the local Bakersfield community and music enthusiasts nationwide, this release represents more than just another album—it's a cultural artifact that connects past and present. The band will celebrate with an album release party on Saturday, December 13, at the Fairfax Grange 570 Dance Hall, where they will perform songs from the new album alongside covers of classic Bakersfield Sound artists. This event provides an opportunity for fans to experience the music in a traditional dance hall setting, further connecting contemporary performances with historical venues that shaped the original Bakersfield Sound movement.