Rockabilly Revival: The Naptown Hepcats Keep the Beat Alive
Written by: Josh Gillespie
The Indianapolis music scene is home to a vibrant array of artists, but few capture the timeless energy of rockabilly quite like the Naptown Hepcats. This dynamic trio—Spencer Mitchell on lead guitar and vocals, Mike Strauss on upright bass, and Terry Fox on drums—have dedicated themselves to reviving the high-energy, roots-driven sound of rockabilly, a genre that has largely faded from the mainstream but still holds a devoted following.
A Passion for Rockabilly
The Naptown Hepcats were born out of frontman Spencer’s love for the genre. A lifelong fan of Brian Setzer and The Stray Cats, Spencer’s passion was ignited when he picked up his first Gretsch guitar. “I thought it’d be fun to have a couple of guys play this music with me,” he recalls. After cycling through several musicians, he finally found the right lineup in Mike and Terry, cementing the band’s unique chemistry.
Their influences span decades, drawing inspiration from rockabilly pioneers like Elvis Presley, Eddie Cochran, and Gene Vincent, as well as modern swing-revival acts. Their deep respect for the genre’s history is evident in their music and electrifying live performances.
An Unmistakable Sound
Rockabilly’s fusion of country, blues, and rock ‘n’ roll creates a distinct, infectious sound. But the genre isn’t as prominent today as it once was. “There aren’t many rockabilly bands around anymore, especially here in Indianapolis,” Spencer notes. This gives the Naptown Hepcats a unique edge. “We’re proud to represent the genre and bring something different to the local scene.”
Their shows are high-energy affairs, full of twanging guitars, slap-back bass, and swinging rhythms. Audience members can’t help but dance. “People love it,” says Mike. “They get up and move—it’s a good-time kind of music.”
From Covers to Originals
Like many bands, the Naptown Hepcats started by playing covers of their favorite rockabilly classics. But over time, they transitioned to writing and performing original material. Their first original song, Hotter Than Texas, came together organically during a rehearsal session. Spencer introduced a guitar lick, and Terry quickly crafted lyrics and a melody around it. That creative spark has since led to several original tracks, with an album currently in the works.
Mike, with years of experience playing with local legend Art Adams, sees their original work as an opportunity to take the band to the next level. “If we focus on original music, we can get bigger gigs and even tour,” he explains.
As an aside, check out Terry Fox on drums for the hair metal band Vendetta. They had a minor hit back in the early 1980’s called Babylon Rocks with a video that received some airplay on MTV.
The Challenges of Breaking Through
Despite their undeniable talent and growing following, the band acknowledges the challenges of breaking through with original music. “Indianapolis hasn’t always been the easiest place for original acts,” says Spencer. “But there was a time when original music pulled big crowds. We’re working to bring that back.”
The band is heavily invested in self-promotion, using social media to reach wider audiences. Their Instagram has grown to over 13,300 followers, helping them secure more opportunities. “It’s tough to get your foot in the door at venues, but once we play somewhere, they always want us back,” Spencer says proudly.
Looking Ahead
With three singles already released and an album on the horizon, the Naptown Hepcats are determined to keep pushing forward. Their short-term goal? Land an opening slot on a national tour. Long-term? A dream project that involves adding a horn section and playing full-scale rockabilly swing shows across the country.
For now, they continue to captivate audiences with their signature sound, playing at events like the Noblesville PorchFest and Carmel’s RibFest. “We just want to keep making music, getting people dancing, and keeping rockabilly alive,” Spencer concludes.
The Naptown Hepcats are more than just a band—they’re a testament to the power of passion and perseverance in music. Be sure to check them out at NaptownHepcats.com and follow them on Instagram to keep up with their latest shows and releases. If you haven’t yet experienced their infectious energy, now’s the time to jump on board—because this rockabilly train isn’t slowing down anytime soon. They have shows coming up on Saturday April 12th at Union Brewing Co. in Carmel, Saturday, June 7th at Harley-Davidson of Indianapolis, Fishers and Friday, July 11th at Cornstock Unplugged.