Photo by Sully Sullivan
Coming next month, local rock-folk quartet Judah & The Lion puts on their first headlining show at War Memorial Auditorium in Nashville, TN (Feb 13). A musical favorite of the magazine (see our January Music Issue!) we stole a few moments with Judah Akers, Brian Macdonald, Nate Zuercher, and Spencer Cross about the new album and what it's like on tour.
NL: Safe to say there are a lot of folk/bluegrass bands in Nashville. When you were first starting out was it hard to make a name for yourselves? What do you bring to the sound that is your own?
J&TL: Well it helped to play some big shows early on! We all come from backgrounds stemming from 70s rock to punk to hip hop, so we feel that our sound reflects those genres even if we are using bluegrass instruments.
NL: You guys have toured extensively over the last few years. How do you think your first headlining tour will be different?
J&TL: Well hopefully it will be a lot crazier. People that come to the shows are going to get us more because they are actually there to dance and sing along. We're expecting a lot of participation... (smiles).
NL: Speaking of extensive touring what was the music scene like on your recent trip to Scandinavia?
J&TL: We have never felt more welcomed or loved than we were in Scandinavia. They love to see the passion and heart behind what we do and we felt like we really connected with them. Even if they are a bit more reserved than Americans.
NL: You toured with Mat Kearney last spring, what did you learn from his song and tour style?
J&TL: Mat's one of our close friends now. He is a great example of what music should look likeno limits. His songwriting... it's perfecthe does well with the pop and hop thing. Love him to death.
NL: Your upcoming Folk Hop N Roll album is said to have an old-school hip-hop vibe. Can you talk about what influences fans will hear?
J&TL: Run DMC and the Beastie Boys Check your Head record were some big ones that come to mind. Along with some guitar tones from the 70s. Running the banjo through distortions was the icing on the cake!
NL: What are your long-term goals for the band and your sound?
J&TL: Well, it has always been to play music that is true to us. To hopefully inspire people and love people along the way. As far as soundwho knows!? We don't like boundaries... (laughs) I know, classic.