Galloping Hearts Tour 2015
08/2015 Song River
(Upcoming Issue of Vents Magazine)
Song
River: There is a line from a song that goes, “The road is long
with many winding turns that leads us to who knows where... will get
there...” Emmett here the band is embarking on their first European
trip. What is going through your mind?
ED:
Going over-seas to play for really passionate music fans is exciting.
I have never been to Europe, so for our music to open those doors,
is really humbling.
SR:
How did the whole tour come about and what have you all done to
prepare for life on the road for several weeks?
ED:
We were introduced to Dee Alshuler from Whammy bar Productions by our
drummer Scott Seymann. They book a lot of tours back and forth for
German artists as well as American artists. We had always wanted to
go play in Europe and she liked the band. That was it, we started
talking dates soon after that. She came over and met with the band
with a rough itinerary and has made it all happen.
SR:
What towns/cities will the band be performing?
ED:
Mostly the southern part of Germany, cities near Munich &
Stuttgart. Playing a gig at Kratzers Biergarten in Bavaria,
Musikpark in Maulbraunn, Kuni’s Hot Rod Café in Cawl. Just to name
a few. But hitting a lot of German cities and a few in Austria as
well.
SR:
Since part of the tour focuses on German speaking countries, have you
all brushed up on your German?
ED:
Unfortunately, no.
SR: Has the band already mapped out the 'set list' of songs they will be playing while on their European Tour?
ED:
We have been digging up some of our old songs that we haven’t
played in a while. We want to represent all the records that we have
made and the eras we have been through. We get a little caught up in
the newer songs that we have written, but it’s been fun rehearsing
the old stuff. I guess it’s all new to them!
SR:
When Tramps & Thieves began back in 2001, the bands style was the
'in' thing and big all across the western portion of the states. The
sound a bit folk, a bit alt-country, a titch bluesy, a smattering of
rock n rhythm has again taken root here in the United States. Have
you all listened in to what sounds are popular right now in Europe?
What do you think the actual reaction will be or do you have any
inclinations to anticipate at all?
ED:
No, I haven’t researched anything as to what’s popular over
there. I am just excited to play our songs. I don’t think it’s
a secret that American bands can do well in Europe. They appreciate
the fact that you spent the time writing, rehearsing, and recording
the songs. I think that they appreciate the fact that you have
brought it over personally to play for them, instead of hearing it on
the web or something.
They
are passionate music fans and we are excited to show them what we
have been working on for almost 15 years.
SR:
Is there a 'slogan' or tour name you all are going to use as you make
your headline way across the taverns, pubs, and regalia across
Europe?
ED:
It’s the “Galloping Hearts” tour.
SR:
What is it about 'Independent' music that attracts you and has held
you really through the years of rock n roll?
ED:
For the guys in this band making music is necessary for us as people.
SR:
Your last album, “Galloping Hearts,” was released in 2014. Are
you looking to add to your songwriting for the next album from your
European venture?
ED:
Well hopefully that will happen. But there’s no telling where the
next song comes from.
SR:
After returning from your tour does 2016 hold the next album, if so
any ideas on release period, producer, etc...?
ED:
We haven’t started talking about the next record yet. We worked
with Curtis Grippe at STEM on “Galloping Hearts.” We liked
working with him a lot.
SR:
Where do you as a musician feel the most comfortable performing?
Smaller more intimate clubs or larger stadium audiences?
ED:
We have been doing this a long time as a band. We started by playing
some of the smallest clubs in Arizona. Long Wong’s on Mill in
Tempe held like 90 people but was one of the most fun places we ever
played, The Yucca Tap Room, The Spirit Room in Jerome, Last Exit. It
doesn’t matter the size of the venue, it’s the energy in the
room. We have had opportunities to play a few really big stages, but
it really doesn’t matter to me. Although, (laughed), it is nice
to have pros running sound for ya, and helping with gear!
SR: I
am sure the band as a whole is looking forward to many aspects of
this European Tour, however is there one particular part or place you
yourself Emmett are looking forward to? Somewhere you've always
wanted to perform?
ED:
Honestly, we have wanted to get this opportunity for a long time.
I’m excited that our music has taken us here. I’m excited to
show them what we do.
SR:
How has working with Dee
Alschuler (Whammybar
Productions) as your booking agent and tour manager been?
ED:
She has been vital to making this happen. I have booked all of our
past tours and know how much time and dedication it takes. There are
a million little details to work out. She has taken care of our back
line and everything. We get off the plane with a few guitars and
cables and will be ready to go. She is really easy to work with and
we appreciate her putting her reputation on the line for us. She
speaks all the languages and has negotiated all the deals. That
would be an impossible barrier for us to get through on our own.
SR:
Is their any room for impromptu club dates along the way?
ED:
I think she has us booked every day, sometimes twice a day…we will
see.
SR:
Plans when you arrive back home? Concert? More touring?
ED:
We have a show before we go on tour at The Rebel Lounge in Phoenix on
Sept 12. It’s the tour kickoff, then when we get back we are
playing Cactus Jacks on Oct 9 as a home coming show. I’m sure we
will get out to the rest of Arizona sometime in the fall, we have a
few things up in Montana scheduled around New Years. But mostly
spending time with family. They really have to sacrifice for us to
do these sorts of things.
SR:
Lastly, with family back home... do you have your international
calling card plans in place and are we going to receive any 'real
time' photos on social media?
ED:
There are a few apps that we can use in WIFI area’s to FaceTime
family and keep in touch. I think that we will be tweeting lots, and
Facebooking everything as well.
Tramps & Thieves Website
YouTube Video: Porcupine
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