The Sedonas

“Before rock royalty, Knoxville, Tennessee’s The Sedonas opened the evening with a set that felt both fresh and familiar. From the moment they hit their first chord, the band caught your attention. Rooted in Americana and blues but spiked with psychedelic edges, their songs carried an energy that filled the hall with promise. They didn’t sound like an opener; they sounded like a band on the rise, intent on leaving their stamp. Tracks like “Livin’ Fastly”, “It’s Bad” and “Happens Right” showcased their knack for mixing soulful harmonies with jagged intensity. Midway through the set, frontman James Connor Wike grabbed a megaphone and began singing through it, throwing his voice like a rock ’n’ roll ventriloquist. It was a striking, unexpected touch, a throwback to the 1990s. Scott Weiland of Stone Temple Pilots had pulled the same move in the height of the grunge era. For a moment, The Sedonas bridged generations of rock, proving bold gestures still land in 2025. Their ability to shift gears, from stripped-down intimacy one song to full-band fire the next, kept the crowd locked in. By the time they left the stage, the cheers were real, not polite. They didn’t just open for ZZ Top; they primed the room for what was to come.”

“Our opening act tonight will be The Sedonas… They have opened up for many top-level groups so they had experience, very simple demands, and knew how to deliver to a new audience. This got the nod from our team and the Live Nation promoters, and they’re off to the races tonight. The audience seems to like them, despite not knowing the band or history. Well, this is sure one that this band earned.”

“James Connor Wike believes the Sedonas songs have always sounded their best live. Perhaps it’s a notion precipitated by the Knoxville-based foursome’s desire to win over audiences as an opening band, but whatever the Sedonas have been doing over the past decade, since forming, has worked and landed them in supporting slots, opening for The Who, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and ZZ Top. The Sedonas’ recent run of shows also prompted the band to revisit a collection of live performances since forming in 2016 on their latest album, "Opening Selects." Each called “bootlegs,” the 14 tracks on "Opening Selects" are a mixed chronology of the Sedonas’ catalog spanning their 2017 debut "American Paint" through their third album, "The ’79 Session," in 2022. 'All of these tracks have been broken in for several years now,' said Wike in a previous statement. 'They have the feel we always intended.' Opening Selects is a collection of what the Sedonas have done best, live, introducing the band’s musical DNA of Americana, country, rock, blues, and more genres. 'Our sound has generally been very raw and live, even in the studio,' adds Wike. 'We take risks onstage with improvisation, and that comes through clearly on "Opening Selects." It highlights how cooperative our group can be live.' The album kicks off where everything started for the band with a live version of “Live My Years” from "American Paint," then into “You Know (You Ought to Know)” and “Too Tired (For Common Sense),” from "The ’79 Session," along with the Sedonas’ funkier 2018 single, “Mind.” Live versions of tracks from the band’s 2020 release, "The Sedonas LP," also slip in with the harder rock “Livin’ Fastly,” and “It’s Bad,” along with more nuances on the slower “Trace of Rain” and “1 Day or Another.” As the band gears up for more shows and hits the studio again, Wike reflected on the Sedonas’ first live release, touring with legends, and where they’re headed next...”

“Anyway, what about the new single? It’s a proper thigh slapper, that’s what it is. Within seconds, you’ll be patting your upper leg as if it’s a particularly adorable labrador. The chorus soars both sonically and lyrically: 'Don’t ever dwell through your wrong / Won’t ever help you move on.' Shout out too for the guitar solo-ing, which is more intricate than a microscopic doll house. Personally, I find that whistling can be as irritating as a heatwave in May, especially when performed by a middle-aged man who seems desperate to communicate to everyone within the same post code that life is tickety-boo. However, whistling can be useful for enhancing songs as well as retrieving labradors. If it’s good enough for Maroon 5 and Benny Blanco, it’s good enough for The Sedonas. Whistling along to "Whistlin’ Along" is infinitely more pleasurable and beneficial to humanity than the bland piping of a man who’s too proud in his ability to put one foot in front of the other. 'Down my road / I keep trying cause it’s all that I know.' Yes, that’s more like it.”

“But inside the Blue Gate Performance Center in Shipshewana, a different kind of storm is brewing—one made of bluesy riffs, growling basslines, and the unmistakable swagger of Southern rock legends ZZ Top. Before the bearded icons could take the stage, the crowd was greeted by a surprise that quickly proved itself worthy: The Sedonas. Hailing from Knoxville, Tennessee, The Sedonas blend elements of psychedelic rock, blues, and alternative to create a sound that’s both timeless and fresh. Their energy was undeniable, with the lead singer radiating charisma and delivering an electric performance from the first note to the last. The standout moment from their 30-minute set came during the song 'Happens Right'—a groovy track that saw the frontman whip out a megaphone for a gritty vocal effect that added just the right amount of edge. It was one of those rare opening act moments that leaves you excited to catch the band again, not just content that they warmed up the room...”

“The true spirit of rock ‘n’ roll is a hard essence to capture, and some flourish easier than others. To fit the bill, one must have the walk, the talk, the looks and the stage presence to identify as a rock star. An unwavering sense of self-confidence and persistent networking are requirements for the trade, as well. East Tennessee is loaded with diamonds in the rough when it comes to notable musicians, but James Connor Wike and his band The Sedonas have solidified themselves as pillars of the Knoxville rock scene. Since their first album, 2017’s “American Paint,” The Sedonas have toured the country with such legendary acts as The Who, ZZ Top, The Black Crowes and many others. The group’s most recent release, “Opening Selects,” features tracks recorded from live performances and gives a great snapshot into the soul of The Sedonas. In anticipation of that new album, Wike and I sat down at Open Chord to discuss the new album and his past experiences that have influenced the style of The Sedonas thus far...”

“We start with The Sedonas. If there were ever any doubt that the band ranks among East Tennessee’s most potent and proficient acts, those questions are erased by its new album, “Opening Selects,” a live collection that captures the group in peak performance. Energized and unencumbered, the band delivers a fiery set rooted in rock ’n’ roll with strong R&B influences. The result is kinetic and compelling, a show of strength free from superficial constraints. The Sedonas waste no time setting the tone. Opening track “Live My Years” makes it immediately clear the band is firing on all cylinders. Songs such as “You Know (You Ought to Know),” “Too Tired (For Common Sense)” and “I’m Halfway Old” channel a mix of angst and antagonism hinted at by their titles alone. Lead singer James Connor Wike’s snarling vocals, Ryan Sise’s relentless guitar riffs, and the razor-sharp rhythm section of bassist Dre Phelps and drummer Casey Green combine to underscore the band’s prowess as a live act. “Opening Selects” offers all the evidence needed...”

“The Sedonas made a stop in Columbia, SC at the Township Auditorium on Friday night. The rock and Americana band out of Knoxville, TN was handpicked to open up shows for a run of dates in the Carolinas by the Steve Miller Band. The Sedonas, usually a quartet, only featured James Connor Wike (vocals) and Ryan Sise (acoustic guitar) for a stripped down presentation. The lights dimmed as Wike and Sise walked out onstage. An applause was plentiful to get the evening started. Frontman Wike sported his signature aviator sunglasses and blazer, while Sise wore a polo. The audience immediately knew that they were in for a treat once Wike’s showcased his powerful vocals for “For Once.” Sise started strumming the chords to “You Know (You Ought to Know).” Wike jumped in with a high note to showcase his vast vocal range. Wike also provided some whistling to complement the tune. They slowed it down with “Trace of Rain” from “The Sedonas LP.” Wike kicked it into overdrive to reach the high notes to end the beautiful song. The highlight of the evening had to be “Too Tired (For Common Sense).” From the bluesy guitar licks to Wike’s harmonica notes – it was awesome. You could tell the capacity crowd really enjoyed this one... Hopefully the next time The Sedonas come around, they will be headlining since they have all of the tools at their disposal – polished songs, phenomenal musicianship and amazing stage presence.”

“If you have attended concerts featuring the Goo Goo Dolls, ZZ Top, Dwight Yoakam, The Steve Miller Band, Lynyrd Skynyrd or even The Who, you may have come across a local band known as The Sedonas. Founded by Farragut native James Wike, the band features a blend of rock music and Americana roots, blending elements of the blues, country and other genres. The sound is based on the music Wike grew up listening to, as he noted his idolization of stars, such as Tom Petty and Bruce Springsteen. 'I got into rap in high school,' he said, 'but that rock style really formed the foundation of my musical interest.' The only twist? Wike and his bandmates are all under the age of 35, so they bring a younger approach to sounds that have appealed to fans for generations. It has clearly resonated, though, as they have traveled across the country to open for such notable events — including a date on The Who’s final North American tour in 2025. 'I had to break through and get people’s attention by continuing to stay on their radar, just getting them to give us chances,' Wike said, adding he has served as the band’s manager and lead singer. 'A lot of it has just come down to them saying they enjoy our music and wanting to hire us out for shows, then building from smaller to bigger.' 'I’ve got to be really polite about things but also stay on people’s radars, and that can be a tricky thing to do,' he added. 'But I think that’s the key to building a connection with folks in this industry.' The band’s name came from a Wike family roadtrip to Sedona, Arizona, but Wike and a couple other band mates are plenty familiar with west Knoxville and the support it offers. Wike graduated from Knoxville Catholic High School in 2016, while his older brother graduated from Farragut High School in 2012. After receiving his own diploma from Catholic, Wike connected with drummer Casey Green, a Crossville native who attended the University of Tennessee. Together, the pair released an Extended Play under the Sedonas’ name in 2016. From there, they welcomed Knoxville native Ryan Sise on guitar in 2017 and currently rotate through two different bassists, Sam Fruend and Dre Phelps. They have played as far as the Palm Desert in California but have held local shows in Knoxville and Maryville, too. They also have opened for notable acts, such as the Red Clay Strays and The Black Crowes. Most recently, the band released a live record on Nov. 28 titled, "Opening Selects." 'We’ve kind of been all over the place,' Wike said. 'It’s extremely rewarding meeting people from all different parts, and with social media now, you have people from across the country checking in for new music. So that’s pretty cool.' Wike noted they plan to return to the studio this year. But as he enters his 10th year in the music business, he noted the journey so far has certainly been fulfilling. 'These artists seem to be extremely happy with where they are in life,' he said. 'So it shows that when you do something you’re passionate about, it will keep you happy for as long as you want to be.'”