Ben Hope is a country songwriter and actor from Birmingham Alabama. After drumming for years he fell in love with guitar and composition. A fan of many genres of music, his heart settled on the honesty of country music and it's roots in story telling. After a chance meeting in Flat Rock, North Carolina, Ben and most of the members of the Uptown Outfit all returned to their homes in New York City to form a band and try to help people get drunk with rowdy, raw country rock in the most urban of cities. The music created by the boys in their first few shows was a life changer for Ben. After a period of writing and reflection, the guys all joined together in St. Louis for a 5 day recording session at Red Pill Records. 'Ragged & Rowdy' is the result of this groups meeting and influence on one another. Please feel free to turn it up and get a little loose. This album features the incredible talents of the Uptown Outfit: John Rochette on drums, Eric Anthony on lead guitar and backup vocals, John Brown on keys and bass, and David Finch on the fiddle. Thanks also to Steve Anthony for the bass licks and backup vocals. Ben would like to express his gratitude to Steve Anthony for helping produce 'Ragged & Rowdy', Jacob at Red Pill Studios, and Katie Barton, the sweetest creature that ever whipped up a budget or inspired a song. Also many thanks to Wallace Flores for the awesome photos.