Hinder is a rock band hailing from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, that was established in 2001. The founding members include lead singer Austin John Winkler, guitarist Joe “Blower” Garvey, and drummer Cody Hanson. Bassist Mike Roden and guitarist Mark King joined the band in 2003, completing the lineup. They released four studio albums during Winkler’s tenure as lead singer, namely “Extreme Behavior” (2004), “Take It to the Limit” (2008), “All American Nightmare” (2010), and “Welcome to the Freakshow” (2012). The first four albums primarily featured compositions by Cody Hanson and former lead singer Austin Winkler. In 2013, Winkler departed from the band, leading them to search for a new lead vocalist. Marshal Dutton was subsequently added, and they released “When the Smoke Clears” (2015) and “The Reign” (2017) with their revamped lineup. Presently, the band is working on their seventh studio album. In recognition of their achievements, Hinder was inducted into the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame in 2007.
Formation and Early Years: 2001–2004 Before the band’s formation, Austin John Winkler performed with a cover band in Oklahoma City until July 2001 when he encountered drummer Cody Hanson and lead guitarist Joe Garvey at a college party. Inspired by Winkler’s exceptional charisma and unique voice, the trio decided to establish Hinder. In no time, bassist Cole Parker joined their ranks, and they recorded a four-track demo disc featuring “Someday,” “Like Me,” “Broken,” and “Worthless Home.” The songs “Someday” and “Broken” were later re-recorded and featured on their debut EP, “Far From Close.” The remaining tracks, “Like Me” and “Worthless Home,” remain unreleased, except for their presence on demo CDs and YouTube. The band commenced performing at The Blue Note, a popular Oklahoma City club, rapidly gaining a local following. The funds generated from these shows were allocated to advertising and financing their inaugural release. In April 2003, Hinder participated in the March Bandness contest held by the Oklahoma City radio station KHBZ-FM (94.7). Out of thirty-two participants, they reached the Final Four but were ultimately defeated by the local group Falcon Five-O. With the earnings from local concerts, the band independently released their debut EP, “Far From Close,” in 2003 through Brickden Records, selling approximately 5,000 copies. Later that year, bassist Mike Rodden, previously from the Oklahoma City band Shade Seven, joined Hinder, and rhythm guitarist Mark King also became a member.