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Feb. 3, 2010
Interview with Montana Slim
String Band
Hey Jim! How are you? My name is Jesse
and I play in Montana Slim String Band from San
Francisco. We're playing at Everybody's in White
Salmon on Feb. 12. Our publicist, Jaime Taylor, sent us an
interview from you for the Hood River News. We have completed the
interview below. Please let us know if you need anything further.
Thanks for helping us out!
Cheers,
Jesse
1. Hi guys! OK first, I guess you need
to explain the Montana Slim reference, since your band is listed
as being from California.
The name Montana Slim comes from the book
On the Road by Jack Kerouac. Montana Slim is one of the
hobos that Sal Paradise (Jack K.) comes across on his first trip
across the country.
2. How long have you guys been playing
as a band? Is this your first tour?
The original incarnation of Montana Slim
String Band started in July 2006. We have been on several
Northwest tours, and completed our first national tour in
September 2009.
3. The banjo has always been a pretty
serious bluegrass instrument, but you guys have opted for the 2
guitar/mandolin/fiddle/bass setup. All banjo jokes
aside........what advantages do you guys have over the regular
5-piece bluegrass band?
When we started the band, we didn't have
any expectations for what our instrumentation would be. Over
time, our lineup has evolved to what it is today. Our sound is
not traditional bluegrass. We're pulling from the cultural
lexicon and using it in a modern texture.
4. Tell us a little about your
recording process. How does the band work to get the live stage
sound onto the CD?
When we're in the studio, we strive to
come as close to our live sound as possible. We all record in the
same room, and start by recording full live basic instrumental
tracks. From there, we are able to go back and tweak certain
parts and add vocals. We're always looking for ways to improve
our recording process. The next time we go into the studio, we'll
be able to take what we've learned in the past and improve upon
that.
5. The band lists a whole lot of
musical references on the myspace page. If you had to choose the
top 3 — who are they and why?
Old Crow Medicine Show, David Grisman,
and Railroad Earth. These are three of our contemporary
influences. We listen to their music very often as a band,
and really appreciate their songwriting and musicianship.
6. Finally, tell folks a little bit
about what we can expect at a Montana Slim String Band show.
A foot-stompin’ good time!
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