photo by Courtesy of Judah & the Lion
Ahead of its upcoming headlining show at Track 29 this Saturday, we caught up with the genre-bending, Tennessee-based band Judah & the Lion. The band is comprised of lead singer Judah Akers, drummer Spencer Cross, mandolin player Brian Macdonald, and banjo wiz Nate Zuercher. Their latest album Folk Hop N Roll has garnered praise for showcasing such a diverse range of influencing sounds. Check out the interview with Spencer below to hear about how the band avoids limitations, gets inspiration, and most importantly connects with fans.
What brought you all to Tennessee?
We all met while attending Belmont University in Nashville! Judah and I are actually originally from Tennessee (Cookeville and Farragut), while Brian's from Chicago, and Nate's from Colorado Springs.
Why stay here being based in Nashville? Are there more musical advantages?
It's such a vibrant place, both musically and otherwise. There's so much growth and so many people moving here that there's always new people to meet and things going on...you're never short on inspiration! It's Music City after all, so there are definitely advantages to being right in the thick of everything industry-wise. Artistically, being around so many talented people is very inspiring. I heard someone say, "You can either let Nashville intimidate you or inspire you." I think those are very true words to describe the climate in Nashville. We've experienced a welcoming community of people who push each other to be better and support one another.
Since you’re based in-state, do Tennessee shows, like Chattanooga, feel like home in some way?
Absolutely! We got our start playing shows around TN, and so wherever we go in the state, whether it be Chattanooga, Memphis, Nashville, or Knoxville...it all feels like home!
USA Today described your sound “as if the Beastie Boys got really into the banjo” – was it a goal of the band to be so genre-defying?
As a band, we just try to be as honest as possible and true to ourselves, and to be as creative as possible. So in approaching this last record, we wanted to have that approach and add in the excitement we love to bring to our live shows, and then just let the chips fall where they may. If some see it as genre-defying, that's great! We certainly don't want to set any limitations creatively. We're really just trying to be the best possible version of us.
Do you think people’s interests are diverse enough to relate to your music?
Absolutely. We live in a musical climate and culture where we have an accessibility to music that we've never had before. Because of that, people are able to listen to all different kinds of music at the click of a button. Thus, people's musical tastes are becoming more and more complex and varied. So when we say we're inspired by folk, rock, hip-hop, etc. some people may say, "What? That's crazy!" but a lot of people I think hear that and go, "Oh yeah, that's me too."
The new album Folk Hop N’ Roll was produced in two weeks, why?
A lot of that has to do with the producer, Dave Cobb. He's all about working quick and getting the most natural takes from recording session, rather than trying to work and work and work to get something "prefect". This allows room for spontaneity and writing songs in the studio. It was a whirlwind, but a fun and incredible experience with Dave.
The album definitely has a strong live music feel, where did you get that idea from?
We've toured a lot the past couple years, and leading up to the record, we'd really fallen in love with the live show experience and the relationship you can create with a crowd each night. We wanted to create that same magic and energy we bring to our shows to the record, and we definitely adopted that mindset in the recording process.
You’ve said “the record was made for the live show.” You place a lot of emphasis on audience interaction, why do you feel that’s so important?
It's so important because that's what music is all about: connecting with people. People are paying good money to come see a show and are taking time out of their day, so we want to give them the best experience possible. We're always thinking of ways to engage the crowd even more, or provide some elements of surprise in the set.
Is it safe to say you prefer performing live versus working in the studio?
I think they both have their special place in our story as a band. The studio and the stage challenge you to think in different ways and it's fun diving into both unique experiences.
What has been the greatest/funniest live show/fan experience for you guys so far?
There's so many that come to mind, but one in particular sticks out that is simple but meaningful. We have gotten to play in Scandinavia, and mainly Sweden, a couple times in the past year or two. There's something special about going to a completely different culture with people who speak different languages and hearing them sing along to your songs. The power of music is humbling, and we've learned a lot about appreciating music and good songwriting from our friends in Scandinavia.
Do you have a favorite song from your album Folk Hop N’ Roll? Which one and why?
Right now, I think it's "Take It All Back". It's our first radio single as a band, and it's been exciting to see more and more people know the words when we go to different festivals and shows across the country. We actually wrote the song way before the album came out and have been playing it live for quite some time, but it still feels very fresh to us.
Where did the band name come from?
Judah is the name of our lead singer, and we just like the image of a lion and the power it exudes.
Who were your biggest influences/inspirations?
We listen to all kinds of stuff and did so growing up as well. Starting out in jazz band, I really loved Chicago, and then as I grew older really got into bands like Death Cab for Cutie and MuteMath. Judah listened to a lot of Tom Petty and 50 Cent growing up. Brian listened to a lot of Billy Joel and Jason Mraz. And Nates the resident punk-kid, but his parents are both in the symphony! So he's got quite an eclectic taste of music as well. We're just one big melting pot of musical influences.
If you weren’t in the band, what would you be doing? Was there ever a plan B?
Right now, if we weren't in a band, Judah would probably be a songwriter, Brian would be a professional skateboarder, Nate would be a helicopter pilot, and I would be a coffee roaster.
We love playing music and are so thankful and humbled that we get to do this as our job!
Most rewarding part of sharing music with other?
Getting to know other people's stories and learning from one another!
Anything you’d like to add?
Thanks to Chattanooga for always being so good to us anytime we're in town or just passing through. Come check us out at Track 29 on Saturday 9/24! Bring a friend and your dancing shoes. We promise you a fun time :)