This interview has a back story to it.
One day, about two months ago, I get an email from a guy who introduces himself as a member of a band called Leaving, TX. He says he had seen some of my band reviews and interviews and would like to meet me when he plays a show in my hometown soon. Well, I had two reactions: 1) I'd never received an email from a singer inviting me personally to a show (although it turned out the show was at a local bar) and 2) If this band was going to go all the way from Texas to Hagerstown, Md. (en route to a show in Pittsburgh, PA) the least I could do is drive 10 minutes to check them out and meet the guy.
So I went and realized a few things at once: I was one of only maybe five people there (not including employees) who seemed to know the band was even coming. But the place rocked, and soon everyone was having a great time. I also realized these guys were not from Texas at all. A relationship begun with a lie! Oy! Turns out they are from the Washington D.C. area.
But they did a great show and the singer is a gentleman. Their two albums - 100 Miles To Sunday and Anywhere On Good Roads - are both great.
I will let this interview tell the rest of the story.
How would you describe your style of music?
I've called it Alt Country and Americana to different people. What we really are is a country band with a twang-rock problem. We've actually begun to use this on our website and just plastered it on our trailer. In reality I've shaped our songs from what I hear coming out of Austin, Texas. I've always been a fan of songwriters and bands like Joe Ely, Jon Dee Graham, and Reckless Kelly and have molded my writing around what I listen to. Our music takes on a bit of a non-traditional approach mainly due to the background of the band members.
Chris Patterson, Songwriter/Vocals/Rhythm Guitar: My musical passion comes from Austin, Texas. I've been blown away on more times than I can count watching bands at The Continental Club, Saxon Pub, and Antones. Their always seems to be an honesty in the music that is getting played that seems to get missed on Top 40 Country Radio.
Article comments
1 - Glen Boyd
This was a really good interview Scott. I've never heard of Leaving, TX before, but I found this article interesting enough that I will make a point of checking them out. Thanx for the great read.
-Glen
2 - Scott Butki
You are quite welcome, Glen
3 - Scott Butki
If you like these guys you will probably like Bob Schneider and vice versa
4 - Glen Boyd
Thanx Scott, I'll take a look. I noticed that Chris mentions both Wilco and the Jayhawks, who are two of my favorites in the "alt-country" arena, so if thats the sort of feel we are talking about, I can pretty much guarantee I'll like it.
-Glen
5 - Scott Butki
I really like Jayhawks and Wilco too but I think they sound more like the Old 97s or the Waco Brothers, two other bands that are also alt-country but rock a bit harder and faster than the former two bands.
6 - Glen Boyd
Wilco can actually rock pretty hard too Scott. Check out the version on "Spiders" on the live Kicking Television CD...
-Glen
7 - Scott Butki
Yeah I almost stopped that comparison as I thought about the live album but I think you get my point. Think earlier Wilco.
Incidentally have you ever heard the Gourds cover of Gin and Juice? If not get it - it's one of the most entertaining covers I've ever heard. Just don't listen to it at work or at church.