Tell us about your tour vehicle. Any notable breakdown stories?
We are a 15 passenger Ford Econoline family. “If it was good enough for the Ramones…” We almost never break down. Like my dad used to say, “I got two words for you about cars and relationships—maintenance.”
How do you eat cheaply and/or healthy while on tour?
The Whole Foods buffet is expensive but very welcome. Everyone gets what they need, and most cities have one or something like it. I stay away from fast food—it’s so delicious and comforting but the suffering later is not worth it. I always carry a fork and knife in my backpack, and often get a wonder chicken (rotisserie) and some organic greens and eat them in my hotel!
How many strings do you break in a typical year? How much does it cost to replace them?
I use really heavy strings so I rarely break them. I usually change them when they get dead sounding. Some of my friends change them every show, but I change mine once a week. They’re about $20 a pack.
Where do you rehearse?
With Drivin N Cryin, we haven’t rehearsed in many years. We usually work out arrangements and practice new songs before shows at soundcheck. When we were starting out, we used to practice three days a week, but after thousands of shows I think we got this. We never really stop touring—we play at least a couple shows every month, so it’s not like we ever take three years between tours. But I used to love to practice. There’s a point in every practice where—at least for a moment—you feel like, “we’re the best band in the world right now!” It’s a great feeling.
What was the title and a sample lyric from the first song that you wrote?
“Acceleration”…
Gotta be home by six
And it’s 5:54
Step on the gas
I got my pedal to the floor
Goin mighty fast goin mighty fine when I look at my watch, it says 5:59
Acceleration
I’m going 90 miles an hour in a 30 mile zone
When we opened for The Black Crowes this summer, Chris requested it every night.
Describe your first gig.
My first show in Atlanta was opening for the Violent Femmes with my brother on washtub bass in 1984.
What was your last day job? What was your favorite day job?
My last day job was a form carpenter for Thamer construction. I built sewage plants.
How has your music-related income changed over the past 5-10 years? What do you expect it to look like 5-10 years from now?
We have a pretty steady income. It doesn’t change that much—except 2020!!!! That was brutal.
What one thing do you know now that you had wished you knew when you started your career in music?
Once you figure out how people really want you, just be yourself and be comfortable in your own art. Everything becomes clearer then. It’s fun being yourself.