LANCO emerged as one of country music's most promising new acts in the mid-2010s, a band built on a foundation of heartland rock energy and relatable storytelling. Formed in Nashville, Tennessee in 2013, the group's name is an acronym for "Lanco And Company," a nod to lead singer Brandon Lancaster. The original lineup solidified with Lancaster alongside bassist Chandler Baldwin, multi-instrumentalist Jared Hampton, guitarist Tripp Howell, and drummer Eric Steedly. Their collective sound, blending modern country with anthemic, arena-ready choruses, quickly garnered attention on Music Row.
The band's breakthrough arrived with the 2015 release of their self-titled EP, which included the track "Greatest Love Story." This song began as a slow-burning fan favorite before exploding onto country radio in 2017. "Greatest Love Story" climbed to the top of the Billboard Country Airplay chart, becoming a multi-platinum smash hit and propelling LANCO into the national spotlight. The song's success was a testament to their songwriting, which often focused on small-town life, young love, and nostalgic memories, delivered with Lancaster's distinctive, raspy vocals.
Capitalizing on this momentum, LANCO released their debut studio album, "Hallelujah Nights," in January 2018 via Sony Music Nashville. The album debuted at number one on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart and reached the top ten of the Billboard 200, a significant achievement for a new act. "Hallelujah Nights" produced further hits like "Born to Love You" and solidified their reputation for crafting celebratory, communal anthems. The band earned a nomination for New Vocal Duo or Group of the Year at the 2018 Academy of Country Music Awards and was named one of the "Groups to Watch" by the Country Music Association.
Following extensive touring, including opening slots for major artists and headlining their own shows, LANCO returned with new music that showcased their evolution. Their sophomore album, "Lessons Learned," arrived in 2023, featuring a more mature and reflective songwriting style while retaining their signature energetic sound. Tracks like "Save Me" and "Walmart" demonstrated their continued ability to connect with listeners through vivid, everyday narratives. The band maintains a consistent presence on the road, known for their high-energy live performances that translate their recorded anthems into powerful concert experiences. As a collective, LANCO continues to represent a vibrant, guitar-driven corner of contemporary country music, building a lasting career from their Nashville origins.
