Tim Nielsen of Drivin N Cryin on Pop-up Gigs and Merch Sales

Photo credit Carlton Freeman

Tell us about your tour vehicle. Any notable breakdown stories?

We have a 15 passenger chevy van with a 5×10 trailer. Tires, wiring harnesses, door hinges and a new transmission a few years ago. The van has been very reliable. Luckily when the transmission went out we were in Nashville and were able to rent a van.

How do you eat cheaply and/or healthy while on tour?

Deli meat and bread most nights on our rider. We try to stop at grocery stores when we have time but fast food seems to always be the option. Pizza for Dave most nights.

How many strings do you break in a typical year? How much does it cost to replace them?

As a bass player, I rarely break strings anymore. Like never. But back in the day I broke a few.

Where do you rehearse?

We don’t own a rehearsal space anymore. We rent studio space for preproduction or do pop up gigs under the name “Cesar Romeros Camaro” to learn the new tunes from the new album. The Earl and The Eastside Bowl.

What was the title and a sample lyric from the first song that you wrote?

Kevn is the words writer, I have pitched in a few lines, the 3rd verse of “Look What You’ve Done To Your Brother” lately. I came up a few chorus melodies and words on the new album Crushing Flowers.

Describe your first gig.

First gig was at The Blue Rat art gallery or maybe opening for Hop on Pop at the 688 club.

What was your last day job? What was your favorite day job?

I still do carpentry work and real estate deals.

My current day job is managing this band and record company as well as the merch company. Busy, busy…

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 still get paid the same for gigs as we did 5 years ago even though the cost of everything had doubled.

Our merch, t-shirts, hats, records, is what sustains us and we have had to raise prices to match the rising costs of production.

What one thing do you know now that you had wished you knew when you started your career in music?

We have been extremely lucky to have sustained such a long career with DNC. I would not recommend this career path to anyone or my own kids but for me /us I would not have done it any other way. I am proud of our work and legacy. See you on the road!

Drivin N Cryin is an American rock band formed in Atlanta, Georgia, in 1985. Led by singer-songwriter Kevn Kinney and featuring the core lineup of bassist Tim Nielsen and drummer Dave Johnson, the group established itself through a blend of Southern rock, folk, and rock & roll. Their discography includes the gold-certified album Fly Me Courageous, alongside radio staples such as “Honeysuckle Blue,” “Straight to Hell,” and “Build a Fire”. The band has been inducted into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame, and Kinney has received induction into the Milwaukee Music Hall of Fame. Over nearly four decades, they have maintained a consistent presence through touring and recording without entering a period of hiatus.

The band’s latest release, Crushing Flowers, features a stripped-back production centered on the original three-piece lineup. The lead single, “Mirror Mirror,” was written by Kinney regarding his mother’s experience with Alzheimer’s disease. Beyond their own recordings, Kinney’s songwriting has been highlighted by Let’s Go Dancing, a 100-song project featuring interpretations of his work by various peers in the rock and Americana genres. Drivin N Cryin’s touring history includes performances with artists such as The Who, REM, and The Black Crowes, as well as regular appearances at destination festivals like the Outlaw Country Cruise.

Connect with Drivin N Cryin online and on the road.