Red Wanting Blue has been making a go at the music “biz” for the best part of a decade, and then some. The Columbus natives have released eight albums, embarked on countless nationwide tours, and lent its material to networks like CBS, VH1 and the CW, all that without the backing of a corporate pocketbook. Red Wanting Blue has kept its collective hand of dedication together by operating solely as an independent band who’s passion for music is unwavering. That attitude has seeped its way into the music to created a familiar and honest sound. We caught up with the guys to talk about the new record, being the underdogs, and their bull-like, stubborn-as-hell determination.
S*KM: The new album, These Magnificent Miles, was just released on August 19th, which comes four years after your last studio effort, Pride: The Cold Lover. What has been going on with the band during that long gap, and what can fans expect to hear this time around?
RWB: In regards to your first question, yeah…it’s been a while since our last studio release. Pride: The Cold Lover came out in December of ’04, and we toured on that record for all of ’05. We then released our first ever live CD/DVD in ’06 called, The Warehouse Sessions, which was not just a collection of old songs. It was made mostly in an effort to show where the band was going musically, bridging the gap between “Pride” and the new album. It had a lot of new unrecorded songs, some of which have made it on These Magnificent Miles. We’ve been touring relentlessly for the past four years, which always makes it difficult for an independent band to find time to record. This new record is also the first album that we recorded with producer Jamie Candiloro ( of R.E.M., Ryan Adams, Willie Nelson fame ) which was an amazing experience, although tough at times, because our schedules were both so busy. However, after everything, I can confidently say that this is far and away our best album effort. It took a lot longer than any of us anticipated, but I think it was definitely worth it. I’m very proud of this album, and as far as our fans are concerned…good things come to those who wait. It’s our best work yet.
S*KM: You guys are a completely independent band who handles almost all avenues of business yourself, is that a conscience choice, or have you ever been interested in entertaining talks with labels, large or small?
RWB: I don’t think that there is a musician out there who hasn’t (at some point) dreamt of hobnobbing with record label execs, touring the planet in tour buses, and living out all of the wild stories that classic artists talk about. Stories that movies like “Almost Famous” immortalize. So, to answer your question…sure, we have entertained the idea. The music industry glamorizes this to us as “the big payoff.” However, this is far from accurate. Most of our friends who have signed with labels over the past few years have nothing but horror stories to tell. So it is with great trepidation that RWB would look into offers like that. We are independent because labels shouldn’t control what music is brought to the world’s table. We are gonna go on with or without them…as will all music. I’m not bashing record labels, mind you. They are the major way to get music to the masses, and that is amazing. But it’s so twisted. The fact that Coldplay’s record label spent 40% of their entire budget just on promotion for their new album is ridiculous. We all love Coldplay, but do they really need that type of promotion? They could release a blog about a new record and the world would know in minutes. Think about how many unknown artists on the same label, who will never be known, could have used some of that money to help promote their music. It’s a shame. You can’t rely on that. I will say that there are a few smaller, boutique labels that share the classic idea of how labels used to be. They believe in their artists and help develop them. The relationship between artist and label should be a peaceful coexistence. If that type of offer was brought to the table, that would interest us. We’re not looking for a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, but health insurance would be nice.
S*KM: Do you think your independence has played a big role in shaping the sound of RWB?
RWB: Of course being independent has shaped our music. A Song like “Finger in the Air” would have never been written if we were with some label. It’s sort of “fuck you” to everyone who has told us to give up, which includes labels. It goes back to our belief that labels should not control what people hear. When bands like Jump out of Charleston, South Carolina (who we believe is better than Coldplay!) are unknown, because we need to make room for Lindsey Lohan’s little sister, something has gone terribly wrong. Music should not be reserved for the rich and famous. Who wants to hear about what they have to say? They are as relevant to us as a vacation on the moon. I have always rooted for the underdog, and as fate would have it, we have become just that. And maybe that’s how it’s supposed to be. I’d rather be Rocky any day…fuck Apollo Creed.
S*KM: If you had signed a lucrative record deal at some point what do you think would be different about the band, other then its tax bracket?
RWB: It’s funny that I’m reading these questions one by one, answering them as I read them (I don’t like sitting on questions. I feel the answers become contrived. You gotta just let ‘em rip.). I go off on these diatribes about “the BIZ”, and there are more questions about record labels. I probably could have wrapped some of these up together, oh well. Anyway, back to your question. Sometimes I don’t think I could deal with being treated so well. I love driving us around. If we had a big bus I’d probably have to get my CDL so I could drive the tour bus. I don’t know how much would change. That’s a good question. I’d like to think that if I was on “Temptation Island” that I wouldn’t cheat, but you never really know until you’re there, now do you? Who knows? I could end up being one of those Hollywood assholes who gets spray tanned, waxed, pumped with collagen, who only eats vegan, and is always saying on my cell phone” let’s have lunch.” Good God! I’m way better off now.
S*KM: What has been your secret to success sans a powerful team of suits, or six guys in jean shorts from a small indie label, backing the band?
RWB: Perseverance, and bull-like, stubborn-as-hell determination. We give everything back to the band. We don’t make shit. Especially with gas prices the way they are now. We put everything into this, and thank god our fans see that and appreciate that. They keep us going, and I hope that we return the favor.
S*KM: With the new record freshly released, do you guys have any innovative marketing ideas planed to promote it?
RWB: Yeah, we’re giving away free gasoline with every purchase! No, not really. We are using the internet more to our advantage than before, but other than that, we don’t have much else to do other than hit the country’s bars and clubs to promote it. Town by town, bar by bar, door to door. Which we plan on doing with a vengeance.
S*KM: You are quoted as saying in the Dayton Flyer “If you found something you love, wouldn’t you do it?” Can you try to explain that inner calling musicians feel towards their profession/passion?
RWB: I think that we have one life to live and if you don’t go after what you want in life, you are a fool. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again. I’d rather be seventy years old working the grave yard shift at a Dunkin Donuts along the interstate with no regrets, than basking in the sun with money in my pocket at that same age, saying to myself…I wasted my life. Some people say getting involved in music is a dangerous thing. Yeah, well so is McDonalds, drinking, smoking, and NOT doing what your heart drives you to do. On a side note, I feel bad for every person who fell in love with music, attempted to make it their career, and failed. I imagine that would be like quitting smoking and heroine at the same time. Some holes just can’t be filled. This coming from a potential future music methadone addict!
S*KM: Why do you think so many people are deathly afraid or lack the courage to listen to their own calling or passion? If we my get a little philosophical.
RWB: I feel I sort of touched on this question with my previous answer. I don’t know. I feel our culture puts a lot of pressure on kids to succeed. I think it’s instilled at such an early age that we are on a path, a path that should always be moving forward. We don’t approve of moving backwards or side-to-side. It’s looked on as failure.
S*KM: What will it take to fully extinguish the RWB flame of dedication and desire?
RWB: I haven’t found anything bad enough to stop us yet, knock on wood, and believe me; I don’t want to push it. We’ve been really lucky, I associate being in a band with gambling. Yeah, I haven’t won big. It’s been a lot of ups and downs, but at least I’ve gotten a chance to enjoy playing. So many get to the table and just lose until there’s nothing left.
S*KM: You recently posted two new tracks, “Where You Wanna Go” and “The Air I Breath” from the upcoming album on your myspace page. Why those songs, do they capture the feeling and sound of the album most?
RWB: We wanted to give a song that people already knew by the band. So, we chose “Where You Wanna Go” because it was on the Warehouse Sessions. We feel it bridges the gap from our previous work up to now. People now get a chance to hear a song they like and know from the live record and get to hear a studio recording of it. It gives the song a whole new feel. We chose “The Air I Breathe” because it’s something new for the people to listen to.
S*KM: Since we are headquartered up in Northeast Ohio and don’t get down to the state capital to often, what are some of your favorite venues to play in the area?
RWB: If we are talking about Columbus. My favorite place to play would be Newport Music Hall. If we’re talking about Northeast Ohio, Cleveland’s House of Blues, Fat Jimmy’s in Kent, and 7 Martini Lounge in Canton.
S*KM: It’s rumored that a few of the guys in the band are big Ohio State Buckeyes fans, after losing to the SEC two straight years in the BCS Championship game what are your expectations for the Scarlet and Grey in 2009?
RWB: In regards to the Buckeyes, we expect nothing less than the Blue Ribbon.
S*KM: Give yourselves a pat on the back, you made it to the end of the interview. Since you just released your new record we thought you could use a little free time to inform the people of Saw*Kick and the RWB faithful of any upcoming events to mark on their calendars.
RWB: My shameless promotion moment. Even though the record comes out on line for sale August 21, our official CD release party is September 26th at Cleveland’s House of Blues. Everyone is invited! Come one, come all! Ohio forever.
You can sample Red Wanting Blue for yourself at www.redwantingblue.com and catch them live next on Thursday, August 21 at the Empty Glass in Charleston, West Virginia.
good god i love this band
From colllege to adulthood, this band, Red Wanting Blue, is a powerhouse that everyone knows about. Every time I find out they are coming to town, that minute, that day, I’m trying to get tickets to the venue.
I even have one of their songs planned as me and my future wife’s wedding song(Summer 2009).
Keep rocking, share your sound with the unknown.
red wanting blue’s music has been such an inspiration to me over the past 8 years.
One of their songs was also my husband and I’s wedding song 3 years ago.