Our Story

Cottondale Swamp hails from west central Florida. We are a band that revels in the old Florida vibe that is found on the back roads, small towns and swamp lands of this state. Our music is Southern Americana rock 'n roll with solid old school classic country and honky-tonk sensibilities. 

Our music expresses a deep love and appreciation of the roots of rock 'n roll and country music. The members of Cottondale Swamp traveled the United States and the world as musicians, troubadours and wanderers, we have explored many places far from Florida. Those experiences have shown us that Florida is a unique place that we want to call home. Florida inspired us to the write the songs for our debut album, Leave Me On The Suwannee. We are currently putting the finishing touches on our 2nd album, Welcome to Cottondale Swamp.

Cottondale Swamp completed our debut album, Leave Me On The Suwannee in late 2016. This record parties hard, thinks deeply, feels intensely and revels in the underbelly and weirdness of the great state of Florida. Album number two is due for release in early 2019. The band loves playing live and strives to put on a great show that engages the audience so that everyone is part of the show. The new record captures the authenticity of Cottondale Swamp and brings everyone along for the ride.

Cottondale Swamp and its members have shared the stage with, opened for, or played in the bands of many of our favorite artists, including: Dickey Betts, Bellamy Brothers, Artimus Pyle, Sammy Hagar, Southern Culture on the Skids, Dale Watson, Leon Russell, Cheap Trick, Dick Dale, Melanie, Gin Blossoms, Live, Avril Lavigne, Marilyn Manson, The Fixx, Reckless Kelly and many more.

Michael LaBella - Drums / Vocals

Michael Hoag - Bass Guitar / Vocals - Michael has been playing in bands as long as he can remember. He has a twin brother, Mark, who plays guitar. They had their first band in 5th grade. Michael's first working bands were in the Boston area with such names as The Young Moderns, The Underachievers, The Crosstown Rivals, Kevin and the 45's, and many more. He moved to Florida and played in the bands Barely Pink, Leonard Croon Band, The Vodkanauts, The Ditchflowers, Sara Rose Band and Mojo Bones. He's been fortunate enough to have played gigs with many of his heroes such as Cheap Trick, Dickie Betts, Leon Russell, Dale Watson, Reckless Kelly, Artimus Pyle and others. Michael has played bass guitar on quite a few records and he loves writing songs. Michael formed Cottondale Swamp in 2016 and hit the ground running playing festivals and club dates around Florida. Cottondale Swamp came together organically when Michael and several friends started writing songs together. They quickly discovered they were kindred spirits who love classic country, southern rock and roots rock 'n roll. They also happen to all obsess on vintage gear and the love the sound and mojo of an old guitar. Trivia: Michael's little sister is veteran actress Judith Hoag, currently on the CBS series Nashville, Judith also played April O'Neall in the original Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie and starred in the Halloweentown Movie series. In addition to having parts in dozens of movies, Judith has pretty much guest-starred on every major TV series in the last couple of decades. Judith will often sit-in with Cottondale Swamp and sing a few songs.

Mark Hoag - Vocals / Guitar - 

Zachary Hoag - Guitar / Vocals