“Livin’ in the Heartland is a perfect title for this new collection of Dan Hubbard originals. In spite of the considerable craft and care that went into these songs, the net effect is like looking right into the middle of his Midwestern heart – and it’s a good, big one.” – Bruce Bergethon WGLT  Hubbard's tunes are beautiful, powerful and often seemingly effortless." - Independent Clauses “Dan Hubbard’s Livin’ In The Heartland is like sitting on the porch with a good friend talking about the good old times, the one that got away and how fast the kids are growing. It isn’t often a combination of acoustic singer/songwriter/Americana Roots (did I mention master on the harp) comes along and allows you to leave the complications of the real world behind and escape to a comfortable dimension of heartwarming reminiscence. It ultimately becomes a great getaway when you need it most.”  – Nanobot Rock Reviews  “Hubbard's vital country-tinged singer songwriting is worthy of hubbub, his lyrics as observant as the Hubble, and despite mellowness, his music rocks like a hobby horse.” – Roctober Reviews”

— Critical praise for Dan's new album "Livin' in the Heartland"

In an alternate universe, all country-rock is this vital and satisfying. - Oklahoma Gazette These are the songs that make you want to crank the volume and go for a drive. Just don’t set the iPod on repeat or you may never come back. - Twangville.com Syrup-on-hot-oatmeal nice.  If you’re planning a trip to the heartland, keep an eye out for one of their shows – they look to be awfully rejuvenating. – San Diego Entertainer Dan brings a feel good, in your face, rocking acoustic sound straight from the fields and highways that dominate the landscape of central Illinois. - Illinois Times Don’t let “The Love Show” pass you by.  The music is only shown up by the lyrics. – Katie Darby Recommends Nothing flashy here, just good American rock and roll. - Dagger Zine The match of light fun music that also describes dark events is completely inappropriate while simultaneously perfect. - Secret Note This one's (The Love Show) worth seeking out - In Tune Magazine a no-nonsense group that is a perfect compliment in a time in history that’s full of nonsense. - This is Book's Music Should be called "the Human Doors," because this Americana heartland grown folks rock n roll band swung my soul wide open! - Roctober Magazine There are several songs about people coping with life’s challenges on The Love Show, the latest collection of well-crafted Midwestern rock from Dan Hubbard & The Humadors. A husband consoles his wife about their economic woes on the acoustic “We’ll Be Fine,” while the guy in the rocking “Beautiful Bar” finds relief in a few beers. “Don’t Take Me Now” and “All I Want Is You” are prime examples of Hubbard’s gift for creating engaging love songs. - Illinois Entertainer Dan Hubbard’s approach is unadulterated roots rock without all the showy excess of today’s major label acts. - Power Popaholic We can identify with his lyrics, we move to his beat, and we’re glad to see that rock music is in good hands with Dan Hubbard and The Humadors! -Frank C. Etier (BlogCritics) No hyphens or hype, invented categories or inverted genres, just a guy writing good songs with a fine band backing him up. -Illinois Times I find Hubbard's songs working their way into my subconscious and showing up in my head unexpectedly in bright moments of harmony. This is See You Again's greatest strength — it stays with you. -Annie Weisner (SmilePolitely.com) The professionalism and masterhood of Dan Hubbard is without any doubt present in this new album (See You Again). -Rootstime.be This eponymous debut blends folk, country, blues, soul and funk with classic singer/songwriter hooks to startling effect. Heavily indebted to legendary artists Tom Petty, Jackson Browne, Van Morrison and Neil Young, Hubbard ranks alongside the likes of Ryan Adams as one of the finest contemporary country-rock front men. –R2 Magazine Dan Hubbard and the Humadors is a truly exceptional album that needs to be heard! The atmosphere is right and makes me long for Gruene Hall again, and the many gigs I saw there that sounded just like this album. –Mr. Blue Boogie (5 out of 5 stars)The music makes me happy, something breathing the Hollies and the Kinks and melodic rock. My walk into this album has only just begun, something in there is calling me. –Frank Ostergren, Rootsy.nuDan Hubbard And The Humadors exude a workingman’s sensibility on a self-titled CD filled with easy-going rock songs about finding love and a purpose in life. Hubbard’s expressive vocals are appealing, and having three back-up vocalists results in some impressive harmonies. “You’re All I Need” provides some Buddy Holly-type fun and “Run For Our Lives” has a melodic country & western arrangement. –Illinois EntertainerAs far as vocalists go, my personal voice hero is Gary Louris from the Jayhawks. The hand of God has touched that soul and there are a few times I hear the essence of Gary coming through on the vocal tracks. In terms of singing, this is the highest compliment I know to give. –Openingbands.com”

— Critical praise for Dan Hubbard and The Humadors

Dan Hubbard‘s fingerpicked folk/country resonates with me melodically and lyrically. The sound of Livin’ in the Heartland is earthy, comfortable, and intimate without acquiring the hushed tone that dominates much of the personal music I cover here. The lyrics are a bit more brash than I’m used to as well, celebrating domestic life in a tone that’s much more Zac Brown Band than Bon Iver. The vocals and guitar are so perfectly meshed on tunes like “The List” and “I Will Not Forget This Place” that it called up thoughts of Justin Townes Earle and Johnny Flynn. Those songwriters have a much more modern-folk flair to their sound, but their clarity and tightness of songwriting is echoed in Hubbard’s tunes. Hubbard’s tunes are beautiful, powerful and often seemingly effortless: the sparse “I Will Not Forget This Place” moves with a sprightly ease while still carrying dramatic heft. It’s a rare songwriter that can pull off that trick. If you’re a fan of strong, emotional songwriting that doesn’t call attention to itself, you should check out Hubbard’s Living in the Heartland.”

— Independent Clauses

  In today’s world there is plenty of pain and frustration to keep us all occupied for as long as we could ever imagine. But every so often it is necessary to distance oneself from the stress and chaos and settle down with something soothing and contemplative; to look inward. Living in The United States we have one certain inalienable advantage to the abrasive impacts of the world outside; Americana. The most important thing to remember is that this is, in no way, putting up a false front or ignoring what is happening, but more keeping our sanity with an appreciation of the small things. A perfect way to obtain that appreciation is Dan Hubbard’s Livin’ In The Heartland. Title, track names and first impressions would have you believing this is some generic wholesome walk through rows of crops listening to nature move around you, but by the end, it becomes much more than some Americana fallacy. Dan Hubbard embodies the heartland writing style of John Mellencamp, drawing on the ability to transport you to the small town country roads, and meets them with a ballad like presence of Jackson Browne, elevating your emotions to a truly artistic level.  His finger picking acoustic style rolls like the wind on the fields and his voice reaches into everything you’d expect from American Folk.  He has a way of rubbing shoulders with country without venturing into the oversaturated sound. He keeps well clear of a fake front with tracks like “Heaven in my Backyard” and “Maybe Someday” as they drift and sway with an incredibly passionate plea of emotion.  Then, in a save-the-best-for-last moment, Hubbard delivers the beautifully done “It’s Always Somethin’.” The culminating Folk via a trio of simultaneous vocals singing a different verse works incredibly well and fades out on a high note. Dan Hubbard’s Livin’ In The Heartland is like sitting on the porch with a good friend talking about the good old times, the one that got away and how fast the kids are growing. It isn’t often a combination of acoustic singer/songwriter/Americana Roots (did I mention master on the harp) comes along and allows you to leave the complications of the real world behind and escape to a comfortable dimension of heartwarming reminiscence. It ultimately becomes a great getaway when you need it most In today’s world there is plenty of pain and frustration to keep us all occupied for as long as we could ever imagine. But every so often it is necessary to distance oneself from the stress and chaos and settle down with something soothing and contemplative; to look inward.Living in The United States we have one certain inalienable advantage to the abrasive impacts of the world outside; Americana.The most important thing to remember is that this is, in no way, putting up a false front or ignoring what is happening, but more keeping our sanity with an appreciation of the small things. A perfect way to obtain that appreciation is Dan Hubbard’s Livin’ In The Heartland.Title, track names and first impressions would have you believing this is some generic wholesome walk through rows of crops listening to nature move around you, but by the end, it becomes much more than some Americana fallacy.Dan Hubbard embodies the heartland writing style of John Mellencamp, drawing on the ability to transport you to the small town country roads, and meets them with a ballad like presence of Jackson Browne, elevating your emotions to a truly artistic level.  His finger picking acoustic style rolls like the wind on the fields and his voice reaches into everything you’d expect from American Folk.  He has a way of rubbing shoulders with country without venturing into the oversaturated sound. He keeps well clear of a fake front with tracks like “Heaven in my Backyard” and “Maybe Someday” as they drift and sway with an incredibly passionate plea of emotion.  Then, in a save-the-best-for-last moment, Hubbard delivers the beautifully done “It’s Always Somethin’.” The culminating Folk via a trio of simultaneous vocals singing a different verse works incredibly well and fades out on a high note.Dan Hubbard’s Livin’ In The Heartland is like sitting on the porch with a good friend talking about the good old times, the one that got away and how fast the kids are growing. It isn’t often a combination of acoustic singer/songwriter/Americana Roots (did I mention master on the harp) comes along and allows you to leave the complications of the real world behind and escape to a comfortable dimension of heartwarming reminiscence. It ultimately becomes a great getaway when you need it most.”

Nanobot Rock Reviews - "Livin' in the Heartland"

  The Web-site bio of Dan Hubbard & the Humadors says the band builds its music on “the classic sounds of Tom Petty, Van Morrison, Neil Young, and Jackson Browne.” That’s a pretty common set of influences, and one that has produced plenty of earnest but dull music in the hands of less-skilled singers/songwriters. But with Hubbard and his band – playing their first headlining gig in the Quad Cities on February 8 at Rozz-Tox – those forebears mostly hint at an unpretentious, straightforward, gimmick-free, and song-based style. And when the hooks are plentiful and the arrangements are thoughtful and performed with vigor – as they usually are – the guys pull it off. The first song on 2011’s The Love Show is a warm slice of lovelorn Americana, a bit on the generic side but sterling in its singing and performance – with an understated but catchy guitar lead, a chugging rhythm section, and harmonica accents. “You’re all I have to lose,” Hubbard sings without emphasizing the desperation of the lyric, thus giving it an odd dimension of confidence. Vocally, Hubbard’s sturdy if not particularly distinctive voice can recall Chris Isaak’s, and other times it has its own convincing character, particularly when he employs a slight, unshowy vibrato. The album is a mix of ballads and upbeat rockers, and the slower songs sometimes suffer from a heartfelt vagueness in the lyrics. But even those lesser tracks have plenty of bright spots in the details, such as the casually deft guitar solo of “Darkness on the Loose” – loaded with more emotional depth than the words – and the opening verse of “This Is Your Life,” an absurdist counterpoint to the standard-issue piano lead: “Woke up this morning on the wrong side of the bed / My fever on my pillow / My socks were on my head.” Based in Bloomington-Normal, Illinois, Hubbard has released six albums since 2003, and music has been his full-time job since his graduation from Illinois State University in 2007. “It’s kind of a deal I made with my parents,” Hubbard said in a phone interview January 25, “that I would get a degree and get a backup plan before I moved forward with my music career.” When I asked what the backup plan is, he laughed and said, “There isn’t one.” Hubbard said he’s finishing a solo record for fall release, and while he and the band have done some touring outside of the Midwest, for now they’re focusing on markets within a three-hour drive of their home base. “When we’re doing everything ourselves, it’s kind of unrealistic to build in those markets across the country, because it’s just hard to get back to [them] on a consistent basis,” he said. One of those target markets is the Quad Cities. While Hubbard and his band have in the past had shorter support gigs in the area – at the Redstone Room and the 2011 River Roots Live festival – the Rozz-Tox show, both because of the set length and the intimacy of the venue, will give audiences a different side of the band. The concert will likely be skewed in favor of quieter songs, and “in a more personal setting like that, I like to talk about the songs, talk about where they came from, kind of connect with the audience in that way,” Hubbard said. But don’t expect him to reveal secrets of songwriting, which he said remain a bit mysterious to even him. That’s “one of the reasons I feel I’m doing what I’m supposed to be doing,” he said, “because I’ve found something I can’t explain. It’s just there.” Dan Hubbard & the Humadors will perform on Friday, February 8, at Rozz-Tox (2108 Third Avenue, Rock Island; RozzTox.com). The show starts at 9 p.m. and also features Mo Carter of Busted Chandeliers. Admission is $5 - See more at: http://www.danhubbard.net/press#sthash.tdt6fXae.dpuf The Web-site bio of Dan Hubbard & the Humadors says the band builds its music on “the classic sounds of Tom Petty, Van Morrison, Neil Young, and Jackson Browne.” That’s a pretty common set of influences, and one that has produced plenty of earnest but dull music in the hands of less-skilled singers/songwriters.But with Hubbard and his band – playing their first headlining gig in the Quad Cities on February 8 at Rozz-Tox – those forebears mostly hint at an unpretentious, straightforward, gimmick-free, and song-based style. And when the hooks are plentiful and the arrangements are thoughtful and performed with vigor – as they usually are – the guys pull it off.The first song on 2011’s The Love Show is a warm slice of lovelorn Americana, a bit on the generic side but sterling in its singing and performance – with an understated but catchy guitar lead, a chugging rhythm section, and harmonica accents. “You’re all I have to lose,” Hubbard sings without emphasizing the desperation of the lyric, thus giving it an odd dimension of confidence.Vocally, Hubbard’s sturdy if not particularly distinctive voice can recall Chris Isaak’s, and other times it has its own convincing character, particularly when he employs a slight, unshowy vibrato. The album is a mix of ballads and upbeat rockers, and the slower songs sometimes suffer from a heartfelt vagueness in the lyrics. But even those lesser tracks have plenty of bright spots in the details, such as the casually deft guitar solo of “Darkness on the Loose” – loaded with more emotional depth than the words – and the opening verse of “This Is Your Life,” an absurdist counterpoint to the standard-issue piano lead: “Woke up this morning on the wrong side of the bed / My fever on my pillow / My socks were on my head.”Based in Bloomington-Normal, Illinois, Hubbard has released six albums since 2003, and music has been his full-time job since his graduation from Illinois State University in 2007. “It’s kind of a deal I made with my parents,” Hubbard said in a phone interview January 25, “that I would get a degree and get a backup plan before I moved forward with my music career.” When I asked what the backup plan is, he laughed and said, “There isn’t one.”Hubbard said he’s finishing a solo record for fall release, and while he and the band have done some touring outside of the Midwest, for now they’re focusing on markets within a three-hour drive of their home base. “When we’re doing everything ourselves, it’s kind of unrealistic to build in those markets across the country, because it’s just hard to get back to [them] on a consistent basis,” he said.One of those target markets is the Quad Cities. While Hubbard and his band have in the past had shorter support gigs in the area – at the Redstone Room and the 2011 River Roots Live festival – the Rozz-Tox show, both because of the set length and the intimacy of the venue, will give audiences a different side of the band.The concert will likely be skewed in favor of quieter songs, and “in a more personal setting like that, I like to talk about the songs, talk about where they came from, kind of connect with the audience in that way,” Hubbard said.But don’t expect him to reveal secrets of songwriting, which he said remain a bit mysterious to even him. That’s “one of the reasons I feel I’m doing what I’m supposed to be doing,” he said, “because I’ve found something I can’t explain. It’s just there.”Dan Hubbard & the Humadors will perform on Friday, February 8, at Rozz-Tox (2108 Third Avenue, Rock Island; RozzTox.com). The show starts at 9 p.m. and also features Mo Carter of Busted Chandeliers. Admission is $5  ” - Jeff Ignatius

River City Reader

There are several songs about people coping with life’s challenges on The Love Show, the latest collection of well-crafted Midwestern rock from Dan Hubbard & The Humadors. A husband consoles his wife about their economic woes on the acoustic “We’ll Be Fine,” while the guy in the rocking “Beautiful Bar” finds relief in a few beers. “Don’t Take Me Now” and “All I Want Is You” are prime examples of Hubbard’s gift for creating engaging love songs.  – Terrence Flamm” - Terrence Flamm

Illinois Entertainer

Midwestern dude who has been around for nearly a decade. This is record #6 and he and his bunch whip up some nice Americana tunes with some occasional bursts into honky tonk. Nothing flashy here, just good American rock and roll. www.danhubbard.net”

Dagger Zine

Last Friday we were finally getting a reprieve from the record breaking temperatures in Chicago. The mainstream media had been reporting the death of pop star Amy Winehouse in typical fashion with equal parts reverence and deprecation. This day also saw the attacks of the Oslo terrorist Anders Breivik who first killed 8 with a localized bomb and then opened fire on a children’s camp dressed as a police officer bringing the number of total victims to 75. Breivik supposedly intended his actions to be a protest to the spread of Islam and its followers in Westerns Europe. Breivik saw this spread as a threat to the traditional population and hoped his actions would inspire a European revolution. Amidst all these events, Dan Hubbard and the Humadors drove into Chicago to give our weary souls a moment away from the world outside. The band is currently on the road in support of their recent release The Love Show. On a day which reminds us all of our immortality there are always performers out there to take us away from our personal struggles and also bring us together as a community.  It was also on this evening my longtime companion, and Labrador/Boxer mix, Marco had a flare up of his Addison’s disease. So instead of enjoying the band’s set I found myself sitting in the waiting room of a veterinary hospital. While staring at the linoleum floor and florescent lighting I began to give Dan Hubbard’s album another listen. As the album played I began to remember the many years and changes which have happened with Marco as the primary constant in my life. There’s something perfect about roots music in our lowest times. It has the ability to make you tap your foot while also thinking over your troubles. Dan Hubbard’s music keeps true to this rule. The music at first listen has a fun appeal varying from radio friendly contemporary rock to dirty blues and folk while maintaining a country sensibility. If you have a close relationship with your pets, you’ll know similar to the music in your life, their existence acts as an index of your travels. By thinking of Marco at different ages I can easily be transported to any time in my adult life just as easily as I can tell you the first time I discovered my father’s Led Zeppelin albums. Songs such as “This Is Your Life” allow Dan to recount in detail stories of his life concluding simply, “Sometimes you never know” and in later songs mentions “We’ll Be Fine. We’ll keep trying. We don’t have any other choice.” Sitting in my sterile environment these words never rang so true. The world is unpredictable and while we always hope for the best, we prepare for the worst. One of our staff writers Steve Z. would describe Dan Hubbard’s sensibility as “Ate up.” Meaning the match of light fun music that also describes dark events is completely inappropriate while simultaneously perfect. In the end, Marco gained a full recovery while still having to take his daily medication. The vet theorized his vomiting and bleeding were simply his body’s reaction and inability to cope in stressful situations. In many ways I wish I could have communicated to him the band’s message placing the headphones over his ears repeating it’s going to be okay buddy just listen to Dan’s words. From the chatter I heard later the band had a great performance and rest assured the next time they roll into town Secret Note will be the first in line.     -Ben” - Ben Gordon

Secret Note

There are a lot of people who prefer their rock’n'roll to be basic, straight and direct, and to the point. Nothing too ruthless, nothing too bombastic, just something that you can grab a beer to, rock out with your socks out, and have a good time. Dan Hubbard & The Humadors are that band who bring out what may sound basic today, but that “back to basics” approach is what made a lot of 70′s and 80′s rock so good and at times, great. The Love Show (self-released) shows what’s missing in much of what is today’s excuse for rock: emotion, depth, and musicality. I’m tired of hearing songs that are blatant attempts that trying to be someone else’s commercial endorsement. Yeah, take the cash for all that its worth, but don’t sacrifice making music because you’re capable. Go beyond your capabilities and take things to a decent level. This is what Dan Hubbard & The Humadors have done, a no-nonsense group that is a perfect compliment in a time in history that’s full of nonsense. The subtle country touches are nice too.”

This is Book's Music

It wasn’t that long ago when someone asked me “Why doesn’t anyone make Rock n’ Roll” anymore?” Like many folks, he quit looking for new music after he graduated college, and was now trying to search the radio for new Rock n’ Roll. If he asked that today, I would give him a copy of Dan Hubbard and the Humadors new release, The Love Show, and end his search. This Central Illinois based band, serves up Rock with hooks that latch on from the opener “Don’t Take Me Now” and never let go. Dan Hubbard gets it, Rock and Roll is best when it is uncomplicated. There are no gimmicks or pretenses found on The Love Show, just really great melodies. These are the songs that make you want to crank the volume and go for a drive. Just don’t set the iPod on repeat or you may never come back. As a songwriter, Hubbard follows a similar uncomplicated formula. Guess what indie rockers! You don’t have to be an art school student on anti-depressants to write lyrics. Hubbard has a troubadour’s gift, creating songs that balance life’s tough times with hope and healing. On “This is Your Life” Hubbard sings, “Life isn’t fair and that’s Ok. It’s crazy how much things can change before you even realize. This is your life. Yeah, there’s some things you can’t control. Yeah, sometimes you have to let go. Yeah, everything is gonna be fine. We’re doin’ alright baby.” What is wrong with plain spoken wisdom?” - Chip Frazier

Twangville.com