The past few years have been a struggle for the determined rock band known as 19 Wheels. It has been a mission of search and discovery, just recently coming to an end.

The name of the band’s first album, “Six Ways from Sunday,” explains it all.

“It’s an old saying that means ‘scattered,'” lead singer/guitarist Chris Johnston explained. “It really describes our sound. Our name is like that too. We wanted something that wasn’t really tangible because that’s something we’re not.”

19 Wheels’ sound has been described as the kind of music you could take with you on a long highway drive.

And if there is one thing 19 Wheels can claim to be experts on — it is long roads.

Johnston began his musical career in a band with guitarist Scott Owens over 10 years ago. When that didn’t work out, the two joined up with bassist Tim Marzorati and drummer Greg Williams to form 19 Wheels almost four years ago.

“Sometimes it seems like we’re just beginning,” Johnston said, speaking of the many changes the band has been through.

19 Wheels signed with Aware Records, a Chicago-based indie label that produces compilation albums featuring artists on the road to stardom. In the past, Aware Records has helped Better Than Ezra, Stir, Matchbox 20 and Verve Pipe.

What some bands might see as a disaster, 19 Wheels saw as an opportunity. On the group’s last tour with Aware, 19 Wheels had all of its equipment stolen after a show in Boston.

“It was actually good for us,” Johnston said. “We got bigger amps for everybody which gave us more ‘liberty’ and changed our feel.”

The band then went on to tour for the ESPN X-Games.

“It was somewhere on that tour that we found ourselves,” Johnston said. “We started playing well together and really figured out what our music was about.”

19 Wheels has also had some playtime on MTV. A lot of the songs from the band’s album can be heard as background music on “The Real World” and “Road Rules.”

As a teenager, Johnston was influenced mostly by Johnny Cash, The Who, The Beatles and a lot of other songwriting bands which could explain his clever lyrical ability that allows the group to capture the moment of whatever story it happens to be telling.

“We place a lot of importance on lyrics and being able to convey them. A lot of time goes into it,” Johnston said. “Sometimes it starts with a chorus, a hook of a song, or a single line. After a long time it all kind of blends together.”

19 Wheels’ first single, “Colorado,” best shows the group’s style, Johnston said.

“It’s a song not only about the state, but about the local government,” he explained. “There are a lot of people there who are upset that the government is telling them how to live. This song questions that authority. It’s also a lot of fun to play.”

Musically, 19 Wheels has drawn comparisons to Matchbox 20, but not to Johnston’s liking.

“We’re an honest band,” he said. “Our songs aren’t all glossed over. You know, I may not be the best singer, and we may not be the best players, but at least we try to be who we are.”

“To be special you have to have something special so people will see your spark.”

19 Wheels will be bringing its rock show to People’s Bar and Grill tonight at 9 p.m. when the group takes on opening duties for Funkomatic.