Crane Co Rocks Georgia

“Here he is.” Kimble Crane points to a large grey truck squeezing into a parking space. Out jumps his brother, Michael Crane, with drumsticks in hand, ready to play. They are part of Crane Co, a rock band from Winder. Zion Stovall, the third member of the trio, appears behind me. He’s slender, with blonde, curly hair blasting out from under his Georgia cap. He sways back and forth like a tall blade of grass in the wind as he lights a cigarette. “They found me on the side of the road,” Zion and the Crane brothers laugh.

From left to right: Zeon Stovall, Kimble Crane, Michael Crane

Atmosphere, in Loganville, is tonight’s venue. Tucked into a strip mall along Highway 78, the interior opens into a large space with a loft above that includes another bar and a pool room. To the right is an elevated stage, a smaller version of what you would expect to see at larger venues, complete with lighting scaffolding. On tonight’s docket are three bands: Crane Co plays second, after Retro Outlaws and before the headliner, Cordell Winter.

We decide to continue the interview on the tailgate of Michael’s truck.

“I started playing drums when I was four,” Michael says. “I had a Mickey Mouse drum set that I destroyed.” 

Kimble chimes in. “Yeah, same here. I started at a young age and got my first guitar at nine. I’m ten years younger than Michael, and I would go to his shows. We started playing together in 2016.” It was in 2021 that Zion Stovall joined the Crane brothers. 

Zion recalls, “After jamming together for a little, we knew it was a good fit.”

When discussing their influences, they mention a few ’90s rock legends, including Nirvana, Soundgarden, and Sublime. They describe their music as a combination of rock and blues. “And a little funk,” Zion adds.

Like many up-and-coming bands, Crane Co faces significant challenges in breaking through the noise and finding success. “We don’t have a big team behind us,” Kimble points out. “Without a manager, we have to promote ourselves.”

Michael chimes in. “Social media is a bitch.”

 “It’s the business side of the music business that’s a challenge,” Zion continues. “Just trying to consistently book shows is a very hard and important part of the biz.”

A man shouts from the open doors, “Crane Co, time for soundcheck!”

Before I know it, they’re onstage, and Kimble is flying through some blues riffs. Michael strikes the kick drum, and Zion starts plucking the bass. Though they’re only a trio, their sound is full. And when Kimble launches into his vocals, you can hear the raspy influences of Chris Cornell and Chris Stapleton. After a few minor adjustments, they feel ready to go.

Crane Co released a new album a year ago titled Hardly Heathens. Recording and production took place at 460 Sound Studios in Cleveland, Georgia. The band is currently working on new music and hopes to return to the recording studio soon.

Their next stop on the road is Good Ol’ Days on November 11 in Cumming. Be there.