Broken Compass Bluegrass Interview by NoRulezChris
These funky mountain jammers come from Grass Valley, California. They are four string players who blend Folk, Bluegrass, and high-energy Jamgrass. I spoke with all four members of Broken Compass Bluegrass. By NoRulezChris
1. You have an upcoming show at Ophelia’s Electric Soapbox in Denver. What can fans expect to hear?
Sam: “We love Ophelia’s! We opened for Hot Buttered Rum there a few years back, and it was our favorite venue of that tour. People can expect to hear a bunch of new songs from our unreleased upcoming album we recorded in January. We’ve been loving playing these tunes, and they are in this really great phase of exploration in the live space right now, as they tend to take on new life and direction the more we play them. Each song has its own personality that’s really fun to witness growing and evolving from show to show.”
2. What do you enjoy the most about being in Colorado?
Kyle: “We love Colorado because it’s the center of our weird “Jamgrass” world. I’m always so impressed by the enthusiasm and energy Colorado crowds bring. It feels like a home away from home, and it felt that way even on our first-ever visit.”
Kyle: “We love Colorado because it’s the center of our weird “Jamgrass” world. I’m always so impressed by the enthusiasm and energy Colorado crowds bring. It feels like a home away from home, and it felt that way even on our first-ever visit.”
3. What bands/ have you been listening to lately?
Mei Lin: “I’ve been listening to a lot of Mason Via (formerly of Old Crow Medicine Show), Kacey Musgraves, Ronnie Bowman, Trousdale, Cory Wong, Theo Katzman, and East Nash Grass as of late “
4. What is the most rewarding part of performing live?
Django: “I think the most rewarding part of performing live is the musical exploration that takes place. We do a lot of improvisation/jamming, and it’s always a game of listening closely and trying to support what each other are doing. The audience’s energy is a big part of it as well, and on a good night when we hit upon something fresh, there’s nothing like it.”
5. What’s a tip or two on how to survive living on the road?
Django: “I guess I try to make time to rest in between all the shows. I’ve found it’s very easy to burn out, so trying to sleep as much as I can, putting on some noise-canceling headphones and listening to an album, that kind of stuff helps me a lot. Also having snacks with me, because being exhausted and hungry is a bad combo.”
6. What are some of your favorite artists you have shared the stage with besides Hot Buttered Rum?
Kyle: “Some of our favorite collaborations with other musicians include Sierra Hull, Billy Failing, Tim Carbone from Railroad Earth, Steve Poltz, Bella Rayne, Dan Lebowitz, and Yonder Mountain. But there have been plenty of others and one of our favorite aspects of this job is the privilege to get to cross paths with all of these amazing artists!”
Sam: “We opened for Peter Rowan in Chico and he invited us up at the end of his set to back him for Midnight Moonlight and Walls of Time. That was an amazing and surreal experience, and we all felt so honored to play with one of our heroes.”
7. You will be doing a two+ week run all over Colorado playing shows and festivals. Who are you excited to play with?
Mei Lin: “Colorado feels like our second home, we’re so excited to get to spend some good time there playing a variety of venues and festivals. We’re especially looking forward to seeing and picking with our pals Magoo at Goldengrass. We’re also stoked to have our buddies, All She Wrote opening for us in Denver! Plus, you might see a LEBO hopping up with us at Meadowgrass and we’re hoping to have a couple surprise guests along the way (hint: from one of THE bands who defined the jamgrass sound).”
8. If you were only allowed to listen to three albums, what would they be?
Kyle: “If I could only listen to three albums, first of all, I’d be very sad! But I would end up picking ‘How To Grow a Band’ by Chris Thile, ‘Dragon New Warm Mountain I Believe In You’ by Big Thief, and ‘Helplessness Blues’ by Fleet Foxes.”
9. What is a “non-musical” skill you’ve picked up from being in this band that people would be surprised to hear about?
Mei Lin: “I’ve gotten really good at sleeping anywhere. Van, plane, couch, floor, tent… I used to be kinda picky and wouldn’t be able to sleep in strange places, but now I’m like just give me 3×6 of floor space and I’m fine.”
10. If you were forced to swap instruments with another member for an entire set, who would be the most nervous and what would the “new” sound be called?
Django: “I’d be very nervous if I had to swap instruments with Mei Lin and play fiddle for a whole set. The new sound would probably be called “3 compasses and a dying parrot.”
11. Any parting words you would like to say?
Sam: “Thank you for the questions! For those who are interested in coming to a show, our tour schedule is on our website. Keep an eye out for our next album which will be coming out later this year.”
Check out Broken Compass Bluegrass at www.brokencompassbluegrass.com
NoRulezChris
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www.brokencompassbluegrass.com
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