Q&A With Will Hoge; Playing Stickyz Rock ‘ Roll Chicken Shack

By Amanda Miles

Nashville roots-rocker Will Hoge has a knack for illustrating tales of sorrow, joy and triumph in his music. His latest album, Number Seven, is no exception. A follow up to 2009’s powerful The Wreckage, Number Seven examines the human conditions of love, loss, betrayal and grief. It seems seven just may be Will’s lucky number. Named in honor of his seventh studio album, the first single is garnering interest on a national stage. The debut single, “When I Get My Wings”, was inspired by an obituary Will stumbled across detailing a beautiful fifty year marriage. The heart wrenching Memphis-soul inspired video is receiving regular rotation on CMT. Will was excited to discuss his latest project with Ticket Alternative.
Tell me about the writing and recording of Number Seven. 

I write constantly so that just is a never ending process. The record really started as a series of demos, we had about four songs we wanted to try. We start recording at my house, in the basement. We started with that and literally, that weekend, we found out the studio across town opened up and a friend of mine who had engineered the last few records was available to come work with us in the studio. The next thing you know, we are back in the studio working on songs. It sort of fell together.

Seriously, how does a white guy from Nashville, TN end up with so much soul?

(Laughter) Maybe we should ask my mom if there is a story there.

Growing up, who would you say has influenced you musically?

My old man was a musician in a post Beatles invasion era, where everyone started a band. He still has this incredible record collection. I spent my formative years when everyone was listening to Poison and Motley Crue on a steady vinyl diet of the Temptations, James Brown, The Rolling Stones, The Beatles, James Taylor, Bob Dylan, The Byrds, Otis Redding…that sort of era of classic rock/vinyl is what I go back to a lot of times. It’s what I grew up on.

Do you have a song from Number Seven you are most connected to?

There’s a few. The song “Trying To Be A Man” is one that I always come back to. It was a scratch vocal take that we did just as a demo. Something about it just was right. We tried three of four other times to record it and make it quote “better” but it just never had that same effect.

We brought Vince Gill in to play guitar. He brought a whole new element of emotion to the song. He has been an inspiration and a hero to me musically so that was one that is very special.

Speaking of Vince, he introduced you and played with you on your debut at the Grand Ole Opry. What was that experience like?

It was really….I know magical is an overused term but it really was magical. Having grown up in and around Nashville, the Grand Ole Opry is seen as almost mythical. So many heroes of mine have stood on that stage and played that show. I listened to it so many times on the radio and watched it on TV over the years. To get the invitation was really flattering and of course we jumped at the chance. The day before we found out Vince would be hosting the segment and we asked if he would play, he said yes. He then asked us to come out and do an encore, a song for him and Amy. It went really went from being an incredible evening to an incredibly surreal experience I truly will never forget.

Will Hoge will play Stickyz Rock n’ Roll Chicken Shack on Friday, 2/3/2012. 

5GB With Rhett Miller From The Old 97′s; Playing The 40 Watt, Athens GA

By Eileen Tilson/ @tktalt_tn

Not only is Rhett Miller known for being one of the nicest, talented, long term musicians in Americana, I am also proud to call him a friend. With his fellow bandmates in the legendary Old 97′s, Americana not only stayed afloat, but become cooler….stronger. The Old 97′s didn’t breathe new life into the genre, they were the oxygen source. Back to Athens, to play in the world famous, 40 Watt on Jan. 20, Rhett joined us for our 5GB series to reminisce  on some of his favorite all-time shows.

What was the first gig you ever went to?

My folks took me to see the Kingston Trio perform at a dinner theater in Dallas when I was eight years old. I remember wondering if they ever got tired of playing “Blowing In The Wind”. Eight years old and I was already pondering a career in music.

What is the best gig that you ever played/performed at?

Tonight’s gig? Last night’s gig? It’s impossible to say. I loved playing at the base of Mt. Fuji in front of 500,000 Japanese music lovers. But there have been so many great gigs.

What is the best gig you have ever been to?

Seeing Bowie play at Dallas’ Reunion Arena when I was a kid was huge for me. It was at that show that my desire to devote my life to writing and performing music crystallized.

Gig you would most like to play?

Given my and my band’s lack of presence in Europe, I’d have to say The Reading Festival or an All Tomorrow’s Parties festival.

What would be the lineup for your dream gig?

Radio City Music Hall. Solo acoustic. Opening for Lenny Bruce.

Catch the Old 97′s  Saturday, Jan. 21 at the 40 Watt Athens, GA

5GB With Jared Blake; Playing Hard Rock Cafe Nashville’s IMAGINE There’s No Hunger Event, Dec. 11

By Eileen Tilson/ @tktalt_tn

IMAGINE!  Join the Hard Rock Cafe Nashville on De. 11  as part of the Hard Rock International’s 2011 global IMAGINE THERE’S NO HUNGER campaign, which is supported by John Lennon’s wife, artist and musician Yoko Ono Lennon, to combat childhood hunger and poverty around the world.  Dedicated to the brand’s “All is One” core value, proceeds from Hard Rock’s campaign will directly benefit WhyHunger, a leader in building the global movement to end hunger and poverty, and its grassroots partners around the globe in hopes of finding long-term solutions through sustainable agriculture. With an amazing lineup consisting of Tiffany, Lukas Rossi, Bonnie Bishop, Jared Blake, Shawn Mayer and Mark Collie, this is a show not to be missed!

We will be interviewing all the amazing artists performing that night before the big show on Sunday. First up is country singer and The Voice contestant, the hilarious Jared Blake!

What was the first gig you ever went to?

I didn’t get far from my small town growing up. My family only traveled to Branson, MO. That being a show town, I’m sure that’s where I experienced seeing my first gig. And, it would have been an Ozark-hillilly-mountain-folk type band. I am positive that it was in a cave.

What is the best gig that you ever played/performed at?

My first gig after being on the tv show, The Voice was in a small town outside of Tacoma, WA. It was about 200 people at a pizza joint (Louie G’s) that had a great stage in the back. It was my first experience in a town I had never been to, or known anyone, and fans were singing my original songs along with me. I’ll always remember that.

What is the best gig you have ever been to?

Oh man, this is where the violins come in. I’ve always been either too broke, busy taking care of my kids, or out working myself. I haven’t been out to see a lot of my idols. I do buy all of their music though.

Gig you would most like to play?

I’d love to play at The Grammys, where you can pull out all the stops! Where it relates your success and acceptance to an industry, and I can put on the kind of grand show I’ve always wanted to. I mean, where else can you have an entire orchestra with you to pop out from behind a curtain?

What would be the lineup for your dream gig?

I’d open for Guns N Roses, Kid Rock, Bob Segar, and Johnny Cash.  After all, what could be better than bringing a legend back from the dead for one last show? At, Disneyland. I hear that where dreams come true.

Catch Jared Blake and the rest of the crew Sunday, Dec. 11 at the Hard Rock Cafe Nashville

Q&A With Sonia Leigh: Playing Exit/In Nov. 30

By Amanda Miles/ @tktalt_tn

In a recent interview Zac Brown opened up about what it takes to become a part of his record label, Southern Ground, “To be a Southern Ground artist, you have to be a lifer. It’s not about winning a karaoke contest or a television show to become famous. It’s about really paying your dues.” Zac could not have described Sonia Leigh in a more perfect fashion. At just 17, Sonia left home to pursue her dream of playing music. She worked tirelessly, playing the bar scene in Atlanta and cultivating her songwriting skills. Fate intervened when she began a regular gig at Zac’s Place, Zac Brown’s restaurant on Lake Oconee in Georgia. They had an instant musical connection that evolved as Zac’s fame grew on a national stage. He served as Sonia’s mentor and friend, pushing her to be at her artistic best.

Sonia is startlingly driven. She did not follow an easy path to success, sleeping on many couches in Atlanta while hunting the next steady paycheck. Her ambition alone kept her moving forward during lean times. She never questioned what she was meant to do; performing has always been her destiny. Her stubbornness is what makes her so relatable. Fans love her tenacity and her ability to take the pain from the past and transform it into a powerful lyric or melody.

Her vocal stylings range from a stirring Loretta Lynn twang to a sultry southern rock swagger on her debut album for Southern Ground. CMT took notice and highlighted her as October’s Listen Up! Artist of the Month. As her single “My Name is Money” climbs the charts, Sonia spoke with TA Live in anticipation of her  show at the Exit/In  in Nashville, TN.

I discovered a YouTube clip of you performing on a local morning show back in 2007. What is different about Sonia in 2011 than Sonia in 2007?

Oh no! Well, I’m older (laughs). I think I have grown as a songwriter and as a person in that time. Life has changed so much since then.

Each of your songs feel so personal on your new record. Tell me about the writing and recording of 1978 December.

There are some songs that I wrote around that time, back in 2007. I held onto them because I thought they were strong enough to add to my record. We recorded some in Atlanta and we did some work in Nashville too. We have a lot of extremely talented musicians on there that I was lucky to work with, like Clay Cook and Matt Mangano. We would just move around from place to place and it took a while because we were on the road with Zac Brown. So in between our landings points we would do some recordings.

Did you record where ever you were at the time during the tour?

Yeah, if you listen to “Bar” on the album you can hear everyone singing along, the whole Zac Brown Band and crew. We set up in a locker room after a show we had played, a Blackberry Smoke show. Songs like that are special because we recorded where ever we were, just set up shop.

Do you have a song on the album you feel most connected to?

I really am proud of “I Just Might.” It really embodies a lot of my influences like Jackson Brown and Sean Costello.

Has music always been an important element of your life?

I’ve been playing music since I was big enough to bang on something. I wanted to be a drummer but my Dad wasn’t having that. My old man plays guitar.

Your Dad sounds very wise.

He is, my family is very supportive of me.

I saw you play over the summer with Zac Brown Band and Blackberry Smoke. One thing that struck me about the show was I felt each of you were there for the music. You’re very authentic.

Thank you very much. That is one thing I love about Southern Ground records. I’m happy to be a part of the movement of music that is coming out of Atlanta. Joe McGuinness, the Wheeler Boys.…you can go over to Northside Tavern and hear amazing blues music. All of us are excited to be part of this.

How did it feel when you had the opportunity to perform with Loretta Lynn?

It was surreal. She was my very first concert. My Dad took me to see her when I was five years old and to be opening for her was a reality check. I thought, “Wow. This is really cool. Even if this is all I do for the rest of my life, this is pretty awesome!”

What music are you currently listening to on your iPod?

I don’t really listen to my iPod. I have a record player that I listen to, vinyl! I play Bruce Springsteen, Stones, The Band. I recently scored the Beatles “Rubber Soul.” Newer music, I listen to Zac Brown Band but I also am really liking The Band Perry. They have a cool, fresh sound and I have a good feeling about them. I am always down to listening to Sean Costello. Country music, I listen to Kris Kristopherson, Alabama…

You listen to the good stuff!

Always. I love looking for records in whatever city we are playing in.

Sonia Leigh plays the Exit/In Nov. 30 

5GB With Zach Myers From Shinedown; Playing Hard Rock Cafe Nashville, Monday Nov. 21

By Eileen Tilson/ @tktalt_tn

With a new album without a name due out early next year, to say that Shinedown have been busy, is an understatement. Having sold over 8 million albums worldwide, this is a band who is more than just a household name. According to lead singer, Zach Myers it’s “all about the songs,” which is why during the small amount of time before their next epic album is released, Myers is playing some special dates across the country and he is bringing some of his closest musician friends with him on stage (such as Joe Firstman of the Carson Daly Band). We chatted with Zach as part of our 5GB series before his show on Monday, Nov. 21 in The Reverb Room at the Hard Rock Cafe Nashville.

What was the first gig you ever went to?

It was in Tennessee, I think I was about seven years old, my dad took me to see Lynyrd Skynyrd. He used to take me to see concerts all the time when I was little, and now I take him to shows! I just took him to see the Zac Brown Band a couple of weeks ago!

What is the best gig that you ever played/performed at?

Hmmm, it is a toss up! The first time we did our European headlining tour, we stopped in and played at this venue in Glasgow called King Tut’s. It only held about 300 people, and was super intimate. We hadn’t played a show that small in so long, that it felt like we reverted back to before we were signed. It was awesome connecting with the crowd like that.

What is the best gig you have ever been to?

The last show that Garth Brooks did in Nashville was pretty spectacular! I am also a pretty huge U2 fan, and that show they did at Vanderbilt was incredible. The last time they had played in Nashville was 30 years prior!

Gig you would most like to play?

We have been pretty fortunate to mostly arenas, and some pretty great festivals, but we have yet to play Madison Square Garden! We played PNC in NYC, and sold it out, so maybe one day!

What would be the lineup for your dream gig?

Hmm, probably Shinedown opening, then Foo Fighters, then U2 in Slane Castle!

Catch Zach Myers & Friends Monday, Nov.21 at the Hard Rock Cafe Nashville

5 GB With The Trews; Playing 12th & Porter Nov. 15

By Eileen Tilson / @tktalt_tn

Did you know that by law in Canada, 35% of all music played on Canadian radio stations must be from Canadian bands? Which, I must say is a pretty great rule and allows for amazing bands like, The Trews, who since 2003, have had twelve Top 10 rock radio singles in Canada, including two chart-toppers, sold over 300,000 albums, performed over 850 shows worldwide and have shared the stage with The Rolling Stones, Robert Plant, Guns’n'Roses, KISS, Ace Frehley, Nickelback, Cheap Trick, The Tragically Hip and Kid Rock among many others. They joined us for our 5GB series before their show tomorrow at the 12th& Porter. And remember, The Trews are playing a mini residency at the 12th & Porter, Nov. 15, 29, and Dec. 5 (Just $25 for ALL THREE SHOWS!)

What was the first gig you ever went to?

I saw Bob Dylan play at the Metro Center in Halifax, Nova Scotia in 1995 on his Time Out of Mind tour. Me and a friend of mine hitch hiked up from my hometown of Antigonish , Nova Scotia which is about 200 miles away. I was 15. The Metro Center is the cities biggest hockey rink and I remember being really impressed with the size of the place and thinking it would be amazing to play a place like that someday… I’ve since played there several times. Dylan’s new stuff sounded the best, as is usually the case with him, I remember his back catalogue and his hits were virtually unrecognizable but hey, it’s Dylan…who are we to question how he wants to play his own stuff? His pedal steel player at that time was Bucky Baxter who we’ve since gotten to know really well and have had the pleasure to jam with a few times.

What is the best gig that you ever played/performed at?

We opened for the Rolling Stones at the Phoenix Concert Theater in Toronto in 2005. The Stones were in Toronto to rehearse for their Bigger Bang Tour and this concert was a secret warm up show they did to kick off the tour. We were invited to open which was totally surreal. The club only holds about 900 people and getting to share that tight a space with the worlds greatest rock band was really something special.

What is the best gig you have ever been to?

See answer number 2 ! In fact, all of my most memorable concerts have been in smaller venues. Toots and the Maytals at Lee’s Palace (Toronto) , Levon Helm in his barn (Woodstock), the New York Dolls at the Town Ballroom (Buffalo), Jesse Malin at Call the Office (London) …just to name a few. There’s just something about the transfer of energy in a small club that is lost in a big arena and is usually over compensated for with big production that I just find distracting.

Gig you would most like to play?

Wayne-stock from Wayne’s World 2.

What would be the lineup for your dream gig?

As a guitarist I would love to get the chance to play with Jeff Beck. He’s my favorite lead player. I think anyone in the band would love the chance to collaborate in any way, shape,form or fashion with Neil Young. He’s the one artist that every member of our band can agree on 100%.

Catch The Trews tomorrow, Nov.15 at the 12th & Porter

5GB With Andy Davis; Playing The Exit/In Tonight, Nov. 10

By Eileen Tilson/ @tktalt_tn

I remember vividly the first time I saw Andy Davis play. Years ago in Atlanta, at the legendary Eddie’s Attic, I saw the wonderful Ten out of Tenn traveling show, and was blown away by the subtle, Andy Davis. The Louisiana native wraps you around his guitar picking fingers with his sultry lyrics and pop soul. Having had his music featured in shows like One Tree Hill and Greys Anatomy, Davis has no plans on settling down anytime soon. In February of 2011, Davis broke back onto the scene when he raised over $41,000 strictly from fans in just 30 days through a Kickstarter campaign to record his new album. Davis is currently in the studio working diligently to finish his brand new record due out Fall 2011. He joined us for our 5Gb series before his show tonight at the Exit/In.

What was the first gig you ever went to?

First gig ever…(I’m assuming this means first big concert)–proudly embarrassed to say it was a Carman concert. If you don’t know who that is, don’t worry about it.

What is the best gig that you ever played/performed at?

My favorite gig experience was probably the time when I played my first headlining show at a little place called The Living Room in Muncie, IN–I had no idea people would show up–there were tons of people at the show, so I assumed the opener was really popular. I walked out and people started cheering and then when I started singing the first song, everyone knew all the words and started singing really loudly….I thought it was a big practical joke. really special night.

What is the best gig you have ever been to?

Coldplay’s Rush of Blood tour in Birmingham, AL at a theater.

Gig you would most like to play?

Headlining at Red Rocks in Colorado.

What would be the lineup for your dream gig?

I’d put together a show where Elton John, Stevie Wonder, Paul Simon, Randy Newman, Paul McCartney and myself would all play each others’ songs.

Catch Andy Davis live tonight, Nov.10 at the Exit/In

5GB With Zac Brown Band’s Clay Cook; Playing 3rd & Lindsley Tonight, Nov.7

By Eileen Tilson/ @tktalt_tn

Clay Cook might not be a household name, but believe me, he is in your musical life probably a lot more than you even know. As one of the driving musicians in the Grammy award winning, Zac Brown Band, Cook might have received the biggest spotlight, but this seasoned Atlanta musician has been around the block. Perhaps you have sang along to one his famous songs “Neon” or “No Such Thing,” which his first bandmate, John Mayer covered. Or you might have seen him when he toured with the Marshall Tucker Band, or Sugarland, or Shawn Mullins. Yup, Mr. Clay Cook is the real deal. He is playing tonight in Nashville’s 3rd & Lindsley, and joined us for a 5GB before his show.

What was the first gig you ever went to?

Marshall Tucker Band at Six Flags Over Georgia. I think it might have been 1983. The singer tossed me his tambourine, which I still have and use to this day!

What is the best gig that you ever played/performed at?

Oh definitely Red Rocks. We played two nights this year, and the second night was amazing.

What is the best gig you have ever been to?

Back when I was living in Boston in 1997 I went and saw one of my all time favorites, Ben Folds Five.

Gig you would most like to play?

We have been pretty fortunate to play a lot of amazing festivals and such, so Saturday Night Live, is pretty high on the list right now.

What would be the lineup for your dream gig?

For me, being on the same bill with Pearl Jam would be pretty awesome.

Catch Clay Cook live Monday, Nov. 7 at the 3rd & Lindsley

5GB With Katie Herzig; Playing The 12th & Porter, Nov. 4

By Eileen Tilson/ @tktalt_tn

You would have to be living under a a rock not to at least have heard of the lovely Katie Herzig. With a Grammy nomination already under belt, Katie’s music has been featured on hit shows like Grey’s Anatomy, Smallville, and Bones. As a member of Nashville’s famous “Ten out of Tenn” touring group, Katie has made her mark as a force to be reckoned with. She joined us for our 5GB series before her show tomorrow night at the 12th & Porter.

What was the first gig you ever went to?

Toad the Wet Sprocket in Fort Collins, CO. I was in high school, and they played the CSU arena. They were the first band I ever fell in love with!

What is the best gig that you ever played/performed at?

Opening for Brandi Carlile at the Beacon in NYC was pretty incredible.

What is the best gig you have ever been to?

Coldplay at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville and Vampire Weekend at The Ryamn in Nashville.

Gig you would most like to play?

Glastonbury was be amazing!!

What would be the lineup for your dream gig?

Coldplay and Bon Iver, yes please!

Catch Katie Herzig live Friday, Nov. 4 at the 12th & Porter

Q&A with Elliott BROOD at Maxine’s in Hot Springs, Ark.

By Sarah Spencer.

Canadian roots-rock band, Elliott BROOD sat down with TA Live’s Sarah Spencer on Thursday, April 14 at Maxine’s in downtown Hot Springs, Ark. for an impromptu interview before their show.

Welcome back to Maxine’s. Thank you for being here. I’d like to ask you guys first of all where did the name Elliott BROOD come from?

Mark: This question actually gets asked all the time but, nobody’s ever printed it. Back in the day I used to play kind of solo so it’s just kind of a name that I played under that came from a baseball movie called The Natural. There’s this femme fatal character in the movie that tries to become famous by killing off famous stars and her name was Harriett Brood* and I just really loved the way she said her name, “Harriett, Harriett Brood.” But, I wasn’t going to play under a female name so it would be Elliott, Elliot Brood. And that’s where it came from. … Continue Reading