Scott Terry has that raspy rock voice that is super sexy at the very moment – although typical, it will sweep you off your feet, ladies. Such as in “You Are My Las Vegas,” an up-tempo happy melody that conjures up romance upon listening.
“The Air I Breathe” and “Probably Nothing” are another couple of my favorites. This is one of the rare bands that I actually enjoy both acoustically and vocally. It’s certainly one of the bands I have no doubt will put on a fantastic live show. I can almost imagine the performance at your local park stage, accompanied by a gorgeous sunset and a refreshing breeze.
Red Wanting Blue recently (finally) signed a contract with Fanatic Records, when These Magnificent Miles was re-released this past July. As they embark a new beginning of their career, let’s hope they will remain true to their rock ‘n roll ingenious.
Eat Sleep Breathe Music recently checked in with lead singer, Scott Terry to find out what’s in a name, how their music has evolved since their first album, and what it’s like having camera crews follow them around.
ESBM: Where did the name Red Wanting Blue come from?
ST: It came from the wreckage of some of my earliest writing. In it’s context, the line read “…and far too often we’ve been finding ourselves riding red, wanting blue.” You know, it hits very close to the expression “ the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence” for me. And I liked the use of primary colors. They are so simple and yet, so potent. I love the idea of something struggling to be what it was never designed to be, but never stopping itself from trying. Some may say it is a flaw in the human condition, but I think it’s beautiful. If we were characters of Greek mythology, we’d be Sisyphus pushing the stone up the hill, only to have it roll back down again. It’s a lot like being in a struggling rock band.
ESBM: Who are your influences?
ST: Now this is a question that is never easy to answer. And, I’ll say right off the bat, that I may only answer for myself. It wouldn’t be fair to give answers for the other members (not to mention, it wouldn’t be accurate!). For starters, everything. There is so much amazing stuff out there to influence and inspire it blows my mind. And not just music, you know? I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again that I owe SO MUCH of my influence to coffee and cigarettes. The songs wouldn’t have come without ‘em. Or my better half or my family. HUGE influence! Memories of listening to my parents old vinyl. Music from Simon & Garfunkel, The Beatles, The Band, you-name-it, etc. and so on. It’s true I love those artists along with thousands of others, but those types of answers always sound stock and like bullshit. The truth is you have to be wide open all of the time to take whatever is out there whenever it comes, whether that be film, art, song, food, drink, smoke, whatever. I’m sorry if I went off on a tangent. I hope that makes sense.
ESBM: What is your writing process?
ST: Our writing process changes quite a bit. There’s no standard we keep for songwriting and/or inspiration. I do have the stranglehold on the lyrics, however. I feel the story should come from the person who is to sing it. At least, at first. There’s a desperation in performing something that is about your life. You can’t detach yourself from it. And that emotional connection will come across in the song’s creation, and in it’s performance. But as far as a song’s musicality and arrangement, it could come from anyone or anywhere…just as long as they are under the Red Wanting Blue umbrella.
ESBM: With eight albums to date, how has your music evolved since your first release?
ST: Oh, God. Leaps and bounds. When we started, it’s like we were role-playing being in a band. We didn’t know what to do, but we knew it’s all we wanted to do. And the songs reflected our musical youthfulness, and then adolescence. I look back on those albums fondly like you would a high school yearbook. So much has changed. It’s great to see how far we’ve come.
ESBM: You guys are working on a documentary of your life on the road what has that experience been like?
ST: Surprisingly, not too different from our normal lives. We were worried that it’d become too intrusive for the band, but it was made clear that the film crew were to be like flies on the walls… which they were. Most of the time we just felt bad for them, because they couldn’t hang with our late schedule, all of the driving, or sleeping in the bus!
I’m actually going to see a rough cut of it next week, so I’m half excited, and half nervous. Whenever I see myself on film it wierds me out.
ESBM: I read online you guys are going to be doing a music video, where will it be filmed and what will be the premise?
ST: Ah, yes. We are filming a video for “ Where You Wanna Go.” We filmed it all over the place. New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Ohio, and Maryland. The premise is pretty clever, actually. It ties in the song’s lyrical story, and incorporates it with our band and bus. All the while, weaving in and out of reality and a parallel dimension. Bizarre, but a lot of fun. I hope it turns out awesome. We’re keeping our fingers crossed.
ESBM: You are going to be headlining the 2nd Annual “Rock United,” a concert to launch the 2010-2011 United Way of Greater Cleveland Campaign. in Cleveland in September. How did you get involved with the charity?
ST: We got involved with the UNITED WAY charity when one of our fans (who is also involved with the UW) brought it to our attention. We get to help the charity by raising awareness with our fans, and (at the same time) we get to play for a whole new audience. It’s a win-win situation for all involved. What I’d like to call a “feel good” show.
ESBM: You guys opened for Gavin Degraw and Michelle Branch earlier this year, what that was like?
ST: The truth…it was short. We wound up playing an acoustic set that got cut to just over 20 minutes. And that same day, one of our front wheel bearings seized and caused a whole shit storm of problems for us. So after great turmoil and anguish, we persevered to get to the show to play for 20 minutes. And I still will say it was totally worth it. Both artists were great. Gavin I got to meet, and he was great. There wasn’t any time for me to meet Michelle, but I was told she was very kind, and I thought she performed really well. I’d do it again, for sure. We got a lot of exposure from that show.
ESBM: If you could play with one person living or dead who would it be?
ST: Yikes. Super tough. I think (judging by the way I feel right now at this moment) it’d have to be performing “It Makes No Difference” with The Band in “The Last Waltz”. Either that or performing “America” with Simon & Garfunkel in their concert in Central Park. Both moments would melt my face right off.
ESBM: When will you be working on a new album?
ST: Hopefully, by this winter. We’ve been dying to get into record a new album. We just need to get a break from touring. Yeah, that’s our hope…by winter.
ESBM: You guys are from Ohio but you play a lot of sold out shows in NY. Which state has the better crowd? Is it better to play in your hometown or NYC?
ST: Well, as much as I love playing in New York City, I would have to say Ohio brings out the most people for shows. Cleveland would probably be where you’d find the largest number of RWB fans. However, no matter how big or small the venue or crowd, we do our damnedest to put on the best shows we can. And I love playing
ESBM: My favorite song to see you perform live is “The Band.” Is there a favorite that you like to perform?
ST: I have a few (one of them being “The Band”), but I’d probably say if I had to name a favorite… it’d be “Your Alibi.” It’s just so epic, and real for me. It’s really the story of my love life, and it kills me a little every time I sing it. No song asks more of me emotionally, or physically than that song. I like to prove to myself that I can do it.
ESBM: You are on tour until Dec throughout the Midwest, when will come back to NY/NJ?
ST: We will be back in NYC at the Mercury Lounge on Sept. 21 for an early show. (9 pm) And we can’t wait!
ESBM: Any last words?
ST: Only that I appreciate your time, and sorry it took so long to get these answered for you. Typing in the bus gives me a headache, and we’ve been living in our bus too long!!! Thanks so much!
This month on the 21st, Red Wanting Blue will be playing at NYC’s Mercury Lounge. For more information and the latest updates on Red Wanting Blue check out their official website, Facebook, and follow them on Twitter. Pick up your own copy of These Magnificent Miles now on iTunes.
Never heard the Heather Graham story but that would be interesting to check out…
I have to agree that their live shows are incredible and they ALWAYS give their heart and soul to the crowd in their performance. Scott’s passion for RWB’s music comes shining through and you are left wondering, “Why on God’s green earth are these guys not bigger?” Nothing manufactured, no fancy back tracks, just pure unadulterated music and energy. Do yourself a favor, check their website http://www.redwantingblue.com find a show playing near you and get there. You won’t be disappointed.
I do believe the reasoning they were never signed is that they didn’t really want all the ridiculous fame and fortune that came with it. This could be just hearsay, but I was told after seeing them in concert that ST dated Heather Graham and saw what that kind of fame can do, and wanted no part of it. Not sure on the reality of that, but just making that statement.
Also, these guys are PHENOMENAL in concert. Their albums by no means do them justice. ST’s quotes of the emotions and physicality of the songs are reflected directly by him in concert, thus making it all the better of a show. They are a MUST SEE IN CONCERT group. They will not disappoint. So glad they got a record deal.