Bio
Born and raised in Louisiana, brothers Johnny and Stevie Rees have been swimming against the current their entire lives—not out of rebellion, but instinct. Growing up in a deeply rooted Irish and Cajun/Acadian family, they learned music the old-fashioned way—by playing it. Before their teens, they were performing nationally and internationally as part of their family band, L’Angélus, sharing stages with legends like Marty Stuart and touring as the backing band for Michael W. Smith.
Now, as Arbo, they’re carving their own lane in country music, blending Louisiana’s fiery musical heritage with independent-minded grit. Their sound— “country with hot sauce” —is as much about groove and energy as it is storytelling, drawing inspiration from artists like Cody Johnson, Red Clay Strays, and even the self made success of Vulfpeck.
Stevie, a fiddler, guitarist, and harmony singer, has toured with Sara Evans and placed original music in films, while Johnny, a powerhouse drummer, spent years touring with Scythian. After separate journeys through Nashville’s music scene, they reunited with a clear vision: create music that brings people together, just like the dance halls of their Louisiana roots. They gig and record with a rotating cast of their favorite musicians in the Nashville scene.
Arbo’s name nods to the historic Arbolada neighborhood in Lafayette—a place where music and community thrive. Their live show is a high-energy, no-holds-barred celebration, where the party starts on stage and spills into the crowd. “We’re here to have a party, and you’re invited.”
