Way back when we went to see It’s Elephant’s play at Lenny’s we sort of got caught up fraternizing with all of our friends. One thing lead to another and the next thing I knew there we were, ankle deep in what we thought was going to be the next shit sucking band of the night. These dudes walk up on stage wearing cowboy hats and I think the only reason I didn’t leave was to see how gimmicky it was going to be. All I’m going to say is that I ate my words that night. Or my thoughts at least.
The Broken Spokes turned out to be one of most enjoyable bands that I’ve ever accidentally stayed to watch; these guys were more surfer-country-hank-williams-esque than I don’t know what. All I know is that I like them.
Join me now in learning a little more from John and Peff, the band’s drummer and lead singer, respectively.
From where do you draw your influence? Being an Alt-country-surf thing isn’t too common around here.
John: I think we draw a lot of influence from the musical styles that were around in the early days of rock n’ roll. Back then country had a lot more in common with rock music than it does now. I like to think that the Broken Spokes are what you would get if you took early rock, country, and surf, and played it much much faster. Nearly every time we talk about music the phrase “this band would be so good if they
just played their songs faster” invariably comes up.
For specific influences, I’d say Buck Owens, Johnny Cash, and a band out of chapel hill called the Two Dollar Pistols on the country side and Los Straightjacks, Dick Dale, and Link Wray on the surf side. Add in some Elvis and maybe even a little bit of the Ramones. It’s worth noting that Southern Culture on the Skids also plays a combination of Surf and Country.
What do you think about the Atlanta music scene?
Peff: I think there aren’t enough surf and country bands.
So, what’s with the cowboy hats?
Peff: We’re all the descendants of cowboys who were shipwrecked on a Polynesian island…
Hmm, that would probably take too long to tell.
Perhaps the correct response is “Three words: cowboy-loving sluts. “
Where are some of your favorite places to go in the city? (You know, coffee shops, places to buy records, etc. )
John: Well, obviously a lot of the typical music venues: Lenny’s, the Star Bar, the Earl. We have a semi-regular gig at the Java Monkey in Decatur. I’m a big fan of the Independent for pool and the Starlight Drive-in is clearly awesome, as it is a drive in … it is not uncommon to find members of the band among the drive invaders (a group that
goes to the drive in once a week in the summer).
Peff: Record stores are stupid. I buy everything from bands when they come to town or directly from independent labels. And I like the places John mentioned.
Do you guys have any upcoming shows?
John: We’re playing a few parties coming up, and we have a gig at the Java Monkey March 15 … that gig is always good if you want to hear more of our songs, as we’ll typically play most of our repertoire there.
Give me some advice, please.
Peff: Buy a cowboy hat and walk around town for a day. You will feel like a new man.
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