Drive!Drive at Exit/In
Nashville, TN | August 28th, 2026
Photographed and Written by Talia Sigurdson
When people think of Nashville, Tennessee, most people will think of honky tonks and country music. But a truly underrated part of this city is the rock scene, and Drive!Drive is a perfect example. The trio was created by lead vocalist Alex Johnson, who not only wanted to establish something new and different, but also simply wanted to have fun making music. After a year-long search, he found guitarist Gavin Hurlburt and drummer Philip DeLuca, and the group has reached broad audiences ever since.
On Friday night, concertgoers packed into the historic Exit/In for a show they’ll never forget. Matthew Orgel kicked off the night showcasing his impressive vocals, stage presence, and vulnerability throughout the set.
With the audience ready to rock, Drive!Drive took the stage opening with their 2023 hit “Hotel Lobby,” and the crowd was instantly hooked. Not only did the intimacy of this 500-capacity venue break the barriers between artist and fan, but their undeniable energy is a force to be reckoned with. Between impressive vocals, complex guitar riffs, and drum beats you’ll feel in your bones, Drive!Drive was meant for this stage.
They not only performed their original alt-pop hits including “Love To Hate You,” and “Just Say” from their debut EP Love / Hate, they also asked for the crowd’s help to during the Jonas Brothers’ song “Burnin’ Up”, and even joked beforehand about not being asked to open for the group on their upcoming tour.
Drive!Drive is a band you will want to make time to explore. Their discography is continuously expanding, with the recent release of “When You Know”, and although this was a one-off show for the Nashville group, you can request they come to a city near you here!
