Artist Name: The Lowdown Drifters
Hometown: Stanwood, WA
What project(s) are you currently working on?
This February we recorded 6 songs in Dallas, TX at the Modern Electric Sound Recorders studio and are releasing them 1 a month throughout the summer, the first one called “Alright” coming out on May 22nd. We had planned to release all 6 songs as an EP but due to a lack of touring (thanks COVID) we are funding each songs release from merch sales on our website as well as any money coming in from the release of the prior single.
What inspired you to pursue a career in music and when did you know?
Throughout high school and college I had always played guitar and sang but at that point it was just playing the songs I liked and whatever someone would request around a campfire. From that point on I started writing to make my friends laugh which turned into writing about the events and experiences that mattered to me. From the first time I stepped on stage as horrible as it had to be for the people that day, I knew I was hooked.
If you weren’t pursuing a career in music, what would you be doing for a living?
Through music I have come to find out how much I enjoy creating other art out of necessity of not being able to afford real graphic designers or artists. Given the opportunity I would love to get the opportunity to work in branding with new bands to set them up with all the tools to have an entire graphic package for their website, social media and merchandise.
What is your favorite downtime activity?
I enjoy cooking, mostly on a traeger, and woodworking around my house. Over the past few years my wife and I have been remodeling a log cabin and I have built the furniture for it. It’s always a challenge to see how many of my mistakes I can hide by the time the project is done.
Who is your biggest celebrity crush?
Hands down Dolly Parton. She is amazing talented (wrote I will Always Love You and Jolene in the same day) and has managed to exude good will and class throughout her career.
Who is your favorite sports team(s)?
Being from Seattle the Seahawks are my favorite team, finally bringing a championship to the city was huge, especially after losing the Sonics.
What is the last movie that you watched?
I recently watched a documentary called Hitsville which is about Motown Records in Detroit in the 50’s and 60s. It is crazy to see the amount of talent that came out of that area from songwriters to producers and singers and the way that Berry Gordon the founder of the label used Ford’s production line as a template for his business.
What is the last album you listened to?
The last album I listened to was High on Tulsa Heat by John Moreland which was immediately preceded by his album LP5. He is a total lyrical genius and seeing the musical evolution between the two albums is really inspiring.
If you could only listen to one album for the rest of your life, what would it be?
This is such a hard question because often times my favorite album is the one I have heard recently. If I had to pick one album though I think it may be the self titled release by Blind Faith from 1969.
What is the greatest country song of all time?
“Sing Me Back Home” by Merle Haggard is a triumph of everything that is country music. From someone who had been incarcerated to the becoming one of the most prolific writers and artists in the history of country music, Merle brings it all home with amazingly well written song with one of the most recognizable guitar riffs ever.
What has been your favorite city/town that you’ve visited out on the road?
The energy surrounding Austin, Texas’s live music scene is infectious and amazing. We have had the opportunity to play on 6th street where you can hear all styles of music within a few blocks and it is unparalleled elsewhere. Also on the road you want to sample the local cuisine and Austin has an amazing food scene.
What is your favorite meal?
I am a big barbecue and taco fan but a medium rare rib eye steak with all the trimmings is hard to beat.
Who is your dream duet partner?
Gotta be Dolly Parton.
Who would you like to go on tour with?
Shane Smith and the Saints are a band from Austin, Texas who we have been fortunate enough to play with multiple times and would love to tour with. The energy they bring to the stage on a nightly basis coupled with amazing 4 part harmonies and musicianship make for an amazing evening.
What is your ultimate career goal(s)?
We always joke that we just want to do well enough to have someone help us load our gear in and out of a show. In reality being able to provide for our families by doing something we love and having the music connect to people in a way that will keep them coming back is our goal along with always putting our authentic music that we believe in.
