On the Tracks with DDRB: How a Folk Duo is Reviving Train Travel Through Music

In an era where digital downloads and viral TikToks dominate the music industry, Dom and Ricky of DDRB are going analog—by taking their music on the rails. In a recent episode of the Jams 'N' Cocktails podcast, host Brad Brock caught up with the duo as they prepared for their next Amtrak-fueled journey, proving that sometimes the best way forward is straight down

the tracks.

The episode opens with the unmistakable clink of cocktail glasses as Brad introduces the drink of the week: The Night Train, a hazelnut twist on the classic espresso martini, aptly paired with the evening's theme. As the drinks are poured, the show rolls into its main feature—the fascinating story of two singer-songwriters who turned a whimsical idea into a rolling reality.

Dom originally launched the Amtrak tour as a solo venture, aiming to combine cost-efficient travel with intimate live performances. But after some arm twisting, Ricky joined the ride—and what began as a practical way to perform across the country became a full-fledged musical collaboration. With just two guitars and a few bags, DDRB created a grassroots tour that embraced spontaneity, storytelling, and stripped-down sets that often left audiences in tears.

What makes DDRB’s approach so compelling is their ability to merge the romanticism of folk tradition with modern-day DIY ethos. Instead of booking conventional venues weeks in advance, they often find themselves playing in living rooms, bookstores, and even pawn shop backrooms—anywhere they can set up and strum a tune. It's a strategy that harks back to the days when folk musicians crisscrossed the nation on steel rails, guitar cases in hand, sharing songs with strangers.

This blend of past and present isn't just nostalgic—it’s working. The duo has seen their performances grow in emotional impact and community connection, culminating in pivotal shows like their full-album backyard performance, which Brad calls "the show that made them." That event, filled with heartfelt storytelling and audience tears, confirmed that DDRB wasn’t just a travel project—it was a new musical identity.

But DDRB is not just about the feels; they’re strategic, too. In the episode, Ricky details how they’ve optimized their digital presence to stand out in an AI-driven search world. By consistently branding themselves as a "train traveling folk duo," they’ve cornered a unique SEO niche—one that gets them found online without dancing for TikTok.

To help fund their journeys, the duo launched a clever grassroots campaign called “Buy a Mile.” For just $5, fans and businesses can sponsor a mile of their train tour and receive a shoutout on social media as the band reaches each new city. It's a charming, low-barrier way to support independent music while becoming a part of the adventure.

The Jams 'N' Cocktails episode also features a pair of live performances, showcasing DDRB's heartfelt lyrics, raw harmonies, and storytelling prowess. These aren't just songs—they're audible postcards from America’s rail lines, snapshots of small towns, sleepless nights, and the beauty of movement itself.

For music lovers tired of the overproduced and algorithmically approved, DDRB offers something real. Their journey is one of risk, resilience, and rediscovery—a reminder that sometimes, the best route to creative truth isn't by road or air, but by train.

Catch the full episode on Jams 'N' Cocktails and follow DDRB as they continue to write

America’s new folk songs, one stop at a time.

Follow DDRB:

Instagram: @ddrbmusicSupport the tour: Venmo @ddrbmusic

Listen to the Podcast:

Visit JNC Podcast to stream the episode and join the weekly live shows.

Want to help fuel their journey?

Sponsor a mile, share their story, or simply enjoy the ride.