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July 10, 2010
Interview with Kevin Russell
Hey, Jim
It’s been a long time comin’ but here are
those answers for you from Kevin “Shinyribs” Russell of The
Gourds. – Courtney Mabeus, Tour Publicist, Yep Roc Music.
1. Hi guys, and thanks for putting
Hood River
on your schedule. You'll be playing the newly remodeled Waucoma
Club (formerly River City Saloon), which has a long history as a
music venue. The only "glitch" is: you'll be here on a Monday
night, which is not a huge "party" night. I guess my question is:
What does the band do to make sure we're getting the feeling of a
rockin - Friday or Saturday night show?
We play every show as if it were a
Saturday night in front of 10,000 people. In fact we don't really
know how to not do that. Of course the red velvet suits and blue
suede shoes help. And our vast array of wigs and press-on nails.
2. Let's talk about the new disc,
Haymaker, which sounds great, by the way. The only thing I have to
compare it to is Cow, Fish Fowl or Pig, which is also great.
The new record seems to have a different vocal style - is this a
common change between albums?
I think we have all grown into better
singers from playing so many shows over so many years. The comfort
level with which we inhabit a song is noticeable I think. To be
clear, these vocals are one whole take, as opposed to the trend
these days of every word being a different take with a different
EQ and effect wrapped around it like a diamond ring around a
wiener. Our singing is either a diamond or a wiener. Never the
twain shall meet.
3. I really like the Cajun-fiddle
influence on some of the songs. What bands are the Gourds
listening to these days?
Hawkwind, The Fuggs, Jet Black
Berries, El Negro Llaves,
Alabama, Los
Tigres Del Norte, Jethro Tull, The The, Uk
Subs, Sex Pistols, Merle Haggard, Leadbelly and The Stones and
Dylan.
4. Tell us a little about how your band
records. Is it a "live Take" sort of thing, or is it track by
track?
It is totally live, track by track and
then a little a nip and tuck here and there.
5. You guys are on the road a lot, and
Austin, Texas is a
long way home. List 5-touring-must-haves.
Salt-Sleep-Solitude-Sunshine and Beer
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