Like pretty much any college town, Clemson is home to a variety of bands. With so many groups playing every kind of music, Back Porch Band — downtown Clemson and Greek life staple — emerged victorious.
The band began as a three-piece in the spring of 2025. In due time, bassist Daniel Livoti, guitarist Sam Heimes and vocalist Thomas Carpenter were joined by drummer Daniel Wright and keyboardist Ann Boland, and the full lineup played their first show together in August 2025.
The band members are all longtime friends who have “always shared a love for music,” they told The Tiger, so playing together just felt like the natural thing to do. Their chemistry comes through on stage — if the Best of Clemson victory is any indication, Clemson’s music-loving public seems to have taken notice.
Back Porch Band plays a crowd-pleasing blend of country and Southern rock, taking inspiration from artists like Lynyrd Skynyrd and The Marshall Tucker Band. The crew’s Southern musical roots serve each of them well when playing around Clemson — “the crowds always bring great energy and make it a blast,” the members said.
While the band loves playing anywhere and to anyone, the five said their favorite crowds are the ones they’ve played to at TD’s of Clemson and Greek life events. One of their most prominent Greek life appearances came last semester, when the band competed in Clemson Interfraternity Council’s inaugural Battle of the Bands at ROAR Clemson. In all, the band played 25 shows last year, with plenty more on the way.
The members are also quick to recognize their compatriots in the Clemson music scene, mentioning that “there’s so much talent in Clemson.” To them, it’s an honor to be recognized by local music fans. One of the most rewarding aspects of their career so far has been “growing with the community,” and they don’t believe they would be where they are now without the support and enthusiasm of the Clemson family.
Back Porch Band has a bevy of shows coming up, including sets at various fraternities and downtown Clemson bars. “It’s been a fun ride so far,” they said, “and we’re excited to keep it going.”
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