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10 Questions with ... The Revivalists
May 15, 2017
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
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Since forming in 2007, the seven-piece New Orleans roots-driven rock band, The Revivalists logged countless miles on the road, cultivating a high octane live show and a studio presence equally steeped in instrumental virtuosity and charismatic vocal magnetism.
Following two independent releases, 2010's Vital Signs and 2014's "City of Sound", that time and dedication came to a head on the group's third full-length album, "Men Amongst Mountains." As much as it's the culmination of their work thus far, it opens up a new chapter for the band: David Shaw [vocals], Zack Feinberg [guitar], Ed Williams [pedal steel guitar], Rob Ingraham [saxophone], George Gekas [bass], Andrew Campanelli [drums], and Michael Girardot [keys, trumpets].
Their single "Wish I Knew You" now sits at #1 at Alternative radio, #1 AAA, and is quickly climbing into the Top 30 at Hot AC. The band was also named one of Rolling Stone's "10 Artists You Need To Know."
1. "Wish I I Knew You" is now at the top of the Alternative charts and rapidly crossing over to Hot AC. The video has received over 5 million views. What was it like making music videos with all seven band members? How creatively involved are all the members of the band?
Making a music video is sort of a similar creative dynamic to writing a song. The concept for the "Wish I Knew You" video came from band discussions and we worked with Rite Media Group to produce it. They were great to work with because we were really stepping into their world as far as the set, actors, and cameras. We shot it during an off day in the middle of a tour so we had limited time to get the shots we needed but once we got on set we started having fun and it came together pretty easily.
2. What was the inspiration behind your newest collection, "Men Amongst Mountains" album?
A lot of the songs that eventually turned into "Men Amongst Mountains" were written when we were first starting to tour a lot between 2011 and 2014. We were starting to play all over the country on bigger stages with some of our musical heroes and it felt like we were all of a sudden in this giant world. The songs that were written during that time all seemed to reflect that on some level. We've written songs in almost any configuration possible from an individual songwriter to a full seven person collaboration.
3. Can you describe the group's process when it comes to creating new music? Can it get a bit hectic with having seven members in the band?
When we're on the road we're always writing and recording demos or ideas to bring home. Often one or two people will work on something and bring it to the band to flesh out and arrange.
4. Despite the fact that none of you are actually from New Orleans, how do you think being a New Orleans group has influenced you all and your sound?
Although none of us grew up in New Orleans, we all moved there partially because of our love for the music. The beat of New Orleans is heard in the streets and gets into your blood. It encompasses a spirit of tradition and further elaboration that fuels creativity. In clubs, parades, funerals, and on street corners the music is alive and there's often a flexible line between audience member and performer. Our first tours with Rebirth Brass Band taught us a lot, and we approach our live show with a New Orleans mentality of moving people and finding unique new ways to play the same songs night after night.
5. Can you remember first starting this group back in 2007?
When we first started the group we had the goal to write good songs and play them in front of people. Over the years we added members, started making records, and began traveling a lot. After nine years of playing together, we're better at listening to and playing off of each other on stage and in the studio.
6. How do you think the band dynamics have changed over the years? What has stayed the same?
As we've gotten better at writing and recording our ideas, we've been able to explore new avenues of songwriting, but in many ways the core dynamic is the same as it was in the beginning.
7. You have been touring a lot lately! What have been some favorite shows of yours?
We've gotten to play a lot of really great venues and festivals in the last few years. The best shows depend on the energy coming off the crowd more than the size. It can be 10,000 people shaking the mountains at Red Rocks or 300 people crammed in the Chicken Box on Nantucket.
8. What are the most important factors when it comes to an amazing show experience for you the performers and those in the audience?
A lot of the places we're playing these days are in cities we've been playing for years, so we have a lot of friends and fans who've seen us grow from half empty bars to bigger venues. Their excitement often helps create the best shows from both the audience and the band's perspective.
9. Who are some of the group's favorite artists? What bands continue to inspire you all year after year? Is there anyone that you would love to work with in the future?
We all grew up with different musical influences so we all appreciate a wide range of styles. This year we listened to the Kendrick Lamar album "To Pimp A Butterfly" a lot while touring. Its creativity sounds like it's in the audio equivalent of 3-D and the musicians employed to make the record have been making true music fairly under the radar for many years. Lately I've also been listening to Snarky Puppy, Hiatus Kaiyote, Naughty Professor, and Erroll Garner.
10. At the end of the day, what do you hope is the message of your music? What do you hope listeners take away from your songs?
Our songs stem from the lives of the songwriters chronicling our good days as well as our questionable decisions. Everyone has their good days and their questionable decisions, but there's a humanity to imperfections that can encourage people to be more understanding of each other's differences.
* Thank you to Leah Adams Brungardt who conducted this interview.
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