A jam session in May 2024 sparked the creation of Sons of Habit, an Owensboro-based band that has quickly become one of the region’s most exciting new acts. With a sound that blends folk, rock, and blues, and a breakout single, “Madeline,” that resonates with authenticity, the group is already making waves far beyond its hometown.
Formed in May 2024, Sons of Habit blends folk, rock, and blues into an authentic and distinctive sound. The group consists of Mitchell Douglas (lead vocals and guitar), Hagan Edge (bass, harmonica, piano, and backup vocals), Dalton Daniels (lead guitar and backup vocals), and Jeffrey Parish (drums). Recently, guitarist and banjo player Noah Patrick, from McLean County, joined to round out the lineup.
Douglas, a seasoned solo artist, said the band’s formation felt natural.
“I was feeling a little burned out playing solo,” Douglas said. “In May, I invited Hagan over for a jam session. The next week, we brought in Dalton, and within 30 minutes, we wrote ‘Madeline.’ It was such a powerful moment that set the tone for everything we’ve done since.”
Edge, an Owensboro Catholic High School graduate and multi-instrumentalist, said joining Sons of Habit felt like coming home.
“I started missing being part of a band,” Edge said. “When Mitchell and I finally got together, it just clicked. Writing ‘Madeline’ was special – he’d come up with a chord progression, and I just filled in the lyrics line by line with him. By the end of the session, we had something incredible.”
For Daniels, music has been a lifelong passion. The Owensboro native, whose mother taught Douglas in second grade, has been playing guitar since he was 5 years old.
“My mom told me I could get a guitar if I took piano lessons, so I did, and I’ve been playing ever since,” Daniels said. “I grew up in bands, mostly playing with older musicians who taught me a lot. I come from a classic rock and blues background, so this folk-influenced style is new, but I love it. It’s great to expand my musical horizons.”
Drummer Jeffrey Parish, who was learning guitar when the band formed, decided to revisit the drums to fill the band’s need.
“I was living with Mitchell and watched their jam sessions,” Parish said. “At the time, we didn’t have a drummer, so I decided to pick the drums back up. It came pretty naturally, and I’ve been working hard to improve. Playing with these guys has been the best time of my life.”
Sons of Habit’s name pays tribute to its roots.
“I was living in a trailer in Habit, Kentucky, so that inspired it,” Douglas said. “Plus, the word ‘habit’ can mean so many things to different people – good or bad. It felt right.”
Since its formation, the group has performed at high-profile venues like The Burl in Lexington, a milestone that came quicker than expected.
Upcoming plans include a February tour out west with Shane Smith and the Saints and a performance at Bridgestone Arena for the Nashville Predators.
“Bridgestone is such a historic venue,” Douglas said. “It’s incredible to be invited to play there. We’re just trying to soak it all in.”
The band credits its fast rise to the Owensboro community’s unwavering support.
“We couldn’t have done this without the people of Owensboro,” Parish said. “The way they’ve embraced us has been incredible. We’re excited to keep making music and hope to make our hometown proud.”
