Muzzle of Bees is presenting both of Backyard Tire Fire’s Wisconsin shows this week. It kicks off tonight at the Majestic Theatre in Madison where they’re joined by Rev. Payton’s Big Damn Band and Juniper Tar. Tomorrow night they’re at Club Garibaldi in Milwaukee with Mark Olson of The Jayhawks fame. We caught up with Ed Anderson of Backyard Tire Fire for a quick chat before they hit the state line.
You released Good To Be in February of this year. What can you tell me about the recording process and how you met up and worked with Steve Berlin of Los Lobos on the album. Were you guys fans/familiar with Los Lobos work prior to touring with the band?
We had a blast making this record out in Portland, OR. We stayed in a former-brothel above the oldest bar in town called the White Eagle. Each morning we’d wake and walk to the studio, work all day, and return to the White Eagle for a case of Rainer beer. By the end of the two weeks they knew us pretty well and would let us listen to mixes from the day after the bar cleared out.
We met Steve when we opened for Lobos a couple of years ago. He caught most of our set, dug it, and reached out to our manager about producing us. He’s has amazing ears. Hears things in places most people don’t. One of the easiest people to work with as well. Great guy. We were/are HUGE fans of Lobos so this whole experience has been unreal.
Backyard Tire Fire is on the road a lot. Let’s talk about when you’re not on the road. Where’s home for you and what are some of your favorite hangouts in your city?
Bloomington, IL. About 2 hours south of the great city of Chicago. Favorite hangouts? I play every Wednesday went we’re not touring at a place called Six Strings. The coolest dive bar in town has to be Diggers. Love walking down to Mugsy’s to watch baseball, eat wings, and drink lots of cold beer. A few investors are opening the old movie theater downtown as a nationally touring venue. Really hoping the Castle Theater turns into a favorite!
We do this feature on our website called “Sad Songs & Waltzes” where artists share some of the saddest songs they know by other artists. Got any favorite sad songs?
“Crossing Muddy Waters” by John Hiatt. We had to follow Mr. Hiatt at the WXRT Cubs home opener morning celebration that was broadcast live earlier this year. His voice at 7am was frighteningly strong. He’s one of the best writers going.
So, you guys are doing an acoustic set in Milwaukee. That’s a different thing for you guys. What’s your plan and what can we expect?
We did an entire acoustic set opening for Los Lobos before, as well as several other acoustic type shows. I play tons of solo acoustic stuff and in a county string band called the Lonesome Whippoorwills, so it won’t feel too unusual. I’m sure we’ll still play lots of stuff off of the new record. The band sounds great when we strip it town and scale it back. I can’t wait to hear Mark Olson!
Speaking of Milwaukee, it’s a city known for it’s beer with plenty of local and national breweries representing. What’s your go to beverage of choice?
Budweiser.
Giveaway: We have two (2) pairs of tickets for both the Madison and Milwaukee shows to giveaway. Drop a comment with an underrated album in your collection that people need to know about and we’ll select a couple of winners at random.
Video: Backyard Tire Fire – “Good To Be”
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Buy: Backyard Tire Fire – Good to Be
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