Photo credit: Eric Ryan Anderson
Tell us about your tour vehicle.
We’re usually in a rented tour bus that we don’t own, but when were not, we have a sweet 15 passenger Chevy Express. Known as “The Green Monster” with 217k miles on it. Our beloved drummer, Julian Dorio sold it to us. It was his band’s van, The Whigs, and it chased the Kings Of Leon around for over 7 years.
How do you eat cheaply and/or healthy while on tour?
Our rider has sandwich meat and sliced cheese. Personally, I wrap the meat in the cheese and then squirt some mustard in there. That is my jam. Also, RX bars. I despise them now, but I will still eat them out of pure necessity.
How many strings do you break in a typical year? How much does it cost to replace them?
I say we break about 20 strings a year. That’s probably about $20 worth of strings.
Where do you rehearse?
We used to have Brian’s (Elmquist) back garage. It was covered with love and asbestos. There was black roofing paper on the ceiling and we hung Christmas lights. It was like a rehearsal space out of high school TV show.
What was the title and a sample lyric from the first song that you wrote?
Hospital Dream “these polished rooms of butterflies are cold and wet not ever dry”
Describe your first gig.
The first time I tried to play a full show in front of humans I was on vacation in Charlottesville, VA. I stopped by Millers and gave them a burned CD. Told them I was free that night. I played the same song 4 times at the end and never looked back.
What was your last day job?
A freaking realtor. I have respect for the hustle those people put into their work.
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?
My income has basically stayed the same over the past 10 years. I’m hoping that will change and we can bring home more money as the band grows over the next 5-10 years.
What one thing do you know now that you had wished you knew when you started your career in music?
Trust yourself and remember that people’s unsolicited opinions about your work are boring.