Photo Courtesy of The Avett Brothers
The Avett Brothers from Concord, NC have been writing and recording an eclectic blend of folk and rock since 2000. Their recent big-league release I and Love and You on Sony Records fortifies their departure from indie band status, always a bittersweet moment for longtime fans. Rick Rubin produced the album and it has a definite polish to it compared with their earlier releases. As a long time fan, the first listen was a bit disappointing because their raw, honest presentation had been replaced with studio smooth. After my pouting subsided, I warmed up to their new digs and now have the album in regular rotation; it’s a great album.
Earlier last month I had a chance to interview bassist Bob Crawford about the past, present, and future Avett Brothers to learn a little more about the workings of this band on the rise.
Here’s how it went:
MyCityBuzz: I and Love and You really launched The Avett Brothers into headlining gigs. What do you attribute this to?
Bob Crawford: The last two years have really been an explosion but the last 7 or so have been a gradual climb in growth with more and more people coming to the party. So sure, there was definitely a recent spurt but the bulk of our base was built over the last seven years.
MCB: Was the spurt a result of IALAY?
BC: I would say yes. Signing with Columbia and their huge publicity machine definitely increased awareness and got us the interviews, media, and TV opportunities that we wouldn’t have had otherwise.
MCB: How would you describe the sound/feel/personality of I and Love and You compared to the previous releases?
BC: It was the natural next step after Emotionalism. You can sort of line up our albums like steps in a staircase, each one growing and improving on the previous. With each album we keep growing, getting better at crafting songs, playing together, and performing live. And our next album will be even better.
MCB: When can we expect that?
BC: We are demoing songs now but are waiting on the green light from the powers that be. We expect that we’ll be able to start recording in the next few months but nothing is certain at this point.
MCB: Can we expect any more Gleam albums in the future?
BC: Yes. I don’t know how, I don’t know when, but sometime in the future.
MCB: What was it like to work with Rick Rubin? What influence do you think it brought to the album?
BC: He’s unobtrusive, mellow, relaxed and very conscious of letting us be us. He was great to work with.
MCB: How did you start playing the upright bass? Did you learn it for the band?
BC: I only started playing the upright about 4 months before joining the band. I was actually going to school for jazz guitar but there ended up being pressure to play the standup because of the aesthetic or what have you. For a while I didn’t really have a good feel for what I was doing but no one seemed to notice. The electric bass, which I now play about 40% of the time, was picked up more recently with the band. So pretty much I learned both for the band.
MCB: Is it more amazing for you to be playing sold out smaller shows far from where you started out or the sold out big shows and festivals closer to North Carolina?
BC: You need to have the same mindset no matter where you play. However, a big show can really get away from you and can really go by in a flash. There is this feeling with bigger shows sometimes that you can’t ever get your feet on the ground before it’s over. The smaller shows and the ones far from home can often end up being a bit more relaxed.
MCB: Do you guys have a favorite place or part of the country to play?
BC: No way, we are just thankful to be able to do what we do.
MCB: Alright, Bob, thanks for your time, we’ll see you in Detroit.
BC: Thank you, I love Detroit, you guys are underdogs but make time to fill our shows and that’s great.
The Avett Brothers will be headlining 93.9 Riverfest Saturday, July 24th along with One Eskimo and Justin Nozuka at the Filmore in Detroit. Ticket prices are between $35 and $45 at www.livenation.com
