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Photo by Melissa Madison Fuller
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Photo by Melissa Madison Fuller
As Nashville-based indie roots group The Apache Relay recovers from their hometown show this weekend at Exit/In (April 11), we caught up with Kellen Wenrich, keyboardist and fiddler for the band, to find out more about their recent tour in the UK, their sophomore album, and what's coming next!
keyboardist and fiddler
You're coming up on the year mark of releasing self-titled The Apache Relay album what's this last year been like for the band, taking this one out into the world?
When we first put the record out it was kinda like dating someone new. It's equal parts exciting and terrifying to be around something fresh and unfamiliar. You spend a ton of time together trying to figure this new thing out. You don't want to get ahead of yourself and think 'this is the one” but you'd also be lying if you said you didn't have dreams of grandeur. You want your friends to dig the new thing you've got going but you're also nervous they might think you're making a huge mistake.
Then, after some time and playing some shows you get to know the tunes a bit better, how to make them work, and how to be comfortable around them. Some of your friends start to see what you see in this new relationship and are really stoked to be a part of it; others don't see it and liked the old one you had before better. That's just the way it goes.
Right now, I think as The Apache Relay we're at the point where we're comfortable staying in on a Friday night.
Earlier this year you were out on tour with The Weeks in the UK. Can you share any highlights from the trip?
Highlights include late night services stops, fish and chips, a sweet poncho, the abundance of Thai food in English pubs, taking Steve to the Abbey Road crosswalk, and the lack of cell phone service. But the best part was getting to see new cities and meet new people alongside the beautiful and kind-spirited lads of The Weeks.
London felt the most like a U.S. city except with backwards roads and cooler cabs.
Safe to say you've spent the majority of your adult life on tour. Any stories you're willing to share from the road?
One time, somewhere in the mid-west, I slept-walked into a hotel hallway and fell asleep outside our door. Our tour manager was woken up by the German-American receptionist knocking on our door exclaiming 'You're friend, he cannot sleep out here!” I had no recollection of these events the following morning.
Fans always rave about your live performances. Tell us about your most recent show in Nashville at the Exit/In.
Nothing but the hits. And strings.
But in all seriousness, it's been forever since we've played a club in town and we were really excited about it. Our last few shows in Nashville have been larger outdoor events, which are fun in their own right, but also lend themselves to feeling a bit removed from the audience. It was great to play a more intimate show, feeling the energy of the room.
Heard you have an expertise in wood workingwhat kind of things do you make? Any spots in town or other makers that inspire you?
I'm not sure who said I have expertise in wood working, but they're very kind and generous. I'd describe myself as a passionate hobbyist, no expert.
I don't make any particular thing other than what strikes me as an interesting challenge. I've made things for music, like my pedal board, as well as a few pieces of furniture around my house, and whatever seems like a fun project. When I get off a long tour, one of the first things I'm compelled to do is start to build something; I think it exercises a part of my mind that goes dormant from weeks on the road.
Fort Houston is always inspiring but also incredibly intimidating! There are so many talented craftspeople and creatives in that place. But if I had to pick one maker in particular, I think Erik Anderson's work has always moved me the most.
Aside from Mike's beard, you've got some of the most notable locks in the band. Any beauty tips you'd like to share?
Keep it combed. You'll gain enlightenment (or at least I do). Also, Dr. Bronners.
What's next for The Apache Relay?
Keep making and playing music as long as there are people who are moved by it.