Interview: Band Of The Week - Backyard Tire Fire - Page 2

What brought about the relocation to Bloomington, Illinois?

I went to graduate school here, Tim is from here, it's cheap to live here, we like it here (although it seems we're rarely here).

How would you describe your sound and style to someone unfamiliar with your music?

We're a rock and roll band. We play honest original songs. I've heard alt. country, indie, folk, blues, etc.

How important was using analog technology to you for the recording of Vagabonds and Hooligans?

Extremely. Our records wouldn't sound the way they do if we used digital technology. Our records sound warm and real.

"Get Wise" is the most lyrically pointed song on the album. Were the lyrics inspired at all by current events?

Certainly. I think a lot of folks have that same feeling that things aren't right. Religion and politics are two very powerful, scary things.

Wayne Coyne gets a shout-out on the title track of Vagabonds and Hooligans. How much of an influence was he and The Flaming Lips?

I've only been into the Lips for a few years, but love what they do. Wayne is a fearless freak and an inspiration to artistic musicians. They make interesting thought-provoking music.

You recently completed a tour with Clutch. How was that experience?

Great. Real good bunch of people and loyal fans. Couldn't have toured with a nicer group of folks. And they bring the pure rock fury every night.

What can we look forward to on the next album?

Good tunes with hooks. Lots of weird tones and old amps and guitars. I've written a significant amount of the tunes on piano; so this record will be more keys-driven than the previous ones. I'm hoping it's cohesive and to the point and different from anything we've done before.

What's been the highlight of the Backyard Tire Fire experience so far?

I'm just happy to be making music and that folks want to come hear us and listen to our records. Had a great time up in Canada with Clutch on this last tour. Really nice to kick that much ass in a different country. Can't wait to get over to Europe!

Article Author: Chris Holmes

Chris Holmes opines on just about any topic, whenever the mood strikes. He lives in New Jersey with his wife (sorry, ladies).

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