Tell us about your tour vehicle.
We normally rent two fifteen passenger vans. Every once in a while we rent two blacked out FBI cruisers and a box truck for the gear. We did a massive burnout in front of one of the venues we played in Pittsburgh using an FBI cruiser. We had a crowd on the curb feeling it!
How do you eat cheaply and/or healthy while on tour?
We try to enjoy a nice meal for dinner and a light breakfast and lunch. We try to do healthy local fare.
How many strings do you break in a typical year? How much does it cost to replace them?
Strings every couple of shows. Sticks last a little longer. What gets costly is upgrading the computers and interfaces. Sometimes that can be expensive.
Where do you rehearse?
We’ve rehearsed at a place called the Music Lab for 15 years. It’s been great practicing there and the manager Alex Brown is our tour manager so that helps!
What was the title and a sample lyric from the first song that you wrote?
I think the first song we wrote together was “Candy Rider”. “Shoot ’em Down” was one of the early ones also. “Is that your man right there?”
Describe your first gig.
Very sparingly attended and very hot. No ac in July in Austin. It was so dripping sweat hot!
What was your last day job? What was your favorite day job?
Last job I had was working construction. I met some really cool guys out there. A lot of them were from Cuba and Mexico. They were excited when we started to play bigger shows or they’d hear us on the radio.
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?
Yes. We made way more touring than when I was working construction. It fluctuates though depending on a new release or what kind of festivals and shows you play. For the next 5-10 I’m trying to take it day by day. Every show we get to play to earn our living is a blessing from God!
What one thing do you know now that you had wished you knew when you started your career in music?
You have to keep things in perspective. It’s easy to let the music and shows take over but it will knock you off balance. I try now to have balance and exercise is very important for me and my mental health.