South Austin based alt-country roots rock band Steelbeam is really hitting their stride after eleven years on the music scene. Their catchy songs and gospel-rooted harmonies are resonating with enthusiastic audiences of all ages. Steelbeam is releasing a new EP titled “Every Inch The Beam” through independent label Right On! Records. Singer PJ Liles, guitarist Kyle Judd, baritone guitarist Will Dunlap and bassist Eric Leikam remain core members of Steelbeam. On the new EP, percussionist Jorge De Armas and flautist Kevin Baker lend their talents.

PJ Liles founded Steelbeam in 1999 with songwriter Eric Leikam as an offshoot of the former South Austin Gospel Choir. Kyle Judd (ex-Shelley King) joined the band in 2000. The band’s lineup evolved as they released their debut “Good Ol’ Fashion Blue Collar Sound” in 2001 and the follow up “Fit That Steel” in 2005. Songwriter Will Dunlap was recruited in 2008 and brought in Jorge De Armas on percussion. Jorge was sidelined for much of 2010 for cancer treatment but has rejoined for some shows. Kevin Baker’s flute was incorporated into the band in 2009.

Steelbeam entered the familiar confines of Jason Richards’ Clockright Studio in the Fall of 2009 and recorded the songs that appear on “Every Inch The Beam”. Steelbeam members were busy with other projects which delayed the release of the new record. The Don Henderson-inspired cover illustration was done by aspiring artist Brandy Walters.

“Every Inch The Beam” CDs will be available thru CD Baby, My Texas Music and at Steelbeam shows. Downloads are available thru iTunes, Rhapsody and elsewhere. The band is already looking ahead to record new songs at Clockright Studio with Jason Richards again at the helm. Steelbeam has a website www.steelbeamaustin.com as well as web presence on Facebook, Twitter and MySpace.