Q & A
Durand:
What is the best live show you’ve seen?
Seeing Sharon Jones in 2015 on NYE in Chicago was great. She came back on stage to give at least three encores. At least 45 minutes of more music she sang for us. You just don’t hear/see people do that s*** anymore. That’s why she’s legendary and holds her own with the greats. Her resilience was fire. I learned so much from that one night.
What are some things you have to have on the road with you?
Slippery elm lozenges, honey, a Gris-gris bag, relics from my ancestors, a journal, a bag to collect pocket change, a pen to write with, and a pen to make apple bongs with.
What is the craziest thing that’s happened to you on the road?
Meeting a full on pregnant Margo Price at a sushi restaurant randomly in Nashville. A close second is hitting a deer on the interstate and totaling the van on the way to a show in Stamford, CT (I wasn’t driving, just sayin’).
If you could collaborate with any artist, who would it be?
I’m really loving Anna Buckner’s work and I think she and I will be collaborating in the near future.
Aaron:
What have you been listening to lately?
I’ve been listening to Scott Walker lately. It’s bittersweet often times an artist’s death is what brings new recognition and audience, but it’s been nice to dig into his catalog more. His productions remind me of what I love about Lee Hazlewood. They can float with a cavernous sense of majesty, or they can groove hard– and in their finest moments, they do both at once.
Who is the first artist you remember listening to?
I have a really early memory of listening to Beat It by Michael Jackson on the record player in our living room with my mom. I remember thinking the little orange strobe light on the turntable was beautiful.
Who or what influences your music?
My bandmates are my biggest influence. We’re always putting each other onto new music and I trust their ears so much.
What album do you play on repeat?
Curtis – Curtis Mayfield. It reads like a greatest hits record! Just stone classic after stone classic.
Blake:
What album do you play on repeat?
I always have a copy of the first Julie London LP near my turntable.
What have you been listening to lately?
I’ve really been digging this wave of bedroom neo-soul that’s been coming out. Steve Lacey of the Internet just announced a new record that I’m pretty excited about. I’ve been following Indiana native Omar Apollo and he’s been putting out great stuff. I just discovered Los Retros out of Southern California and I love the few tracks they’ve released so far.
Where is your favorite place in the world?
My apartment. Getting home from tour is the best feeling. I love having all my instruments and art supplies at arms reach. As much as I love touring and performing all over the world, there’s really no better feeling then creating new work and having a cup of coffee with my cat Vince.
What was the first album you ever owned on vinyl?
Probably something out of my dad’s collection. So either an ELO record or Todd Rudgren’s Something/Anything.
Who is the most interesting/inspiring person you’ve met?
My bandmates. It’s been such an inspiration watching each of them grow as artists. Their drive and ambition definitely motivates me to push myself everyday.
