DeadJournalist.com Exclusive Interviews:
Deer Tick
Chuck Norton, DeadJournalist.com
09.30.09
It's been a whirlwind summer for the guys of Deer Tick, the whiskey and beer rock band out of Providence, Rhode Island. Buzz around the band's second album, Born On Flag Day, began late in 2008 and by the time the Summer of '09 had ended the band was continuing its non-stop touring; had been interviewed by NBC Nightly News anchor Brian Williams (who confessed to being a big fan of the band); released its sophomore album; added a new new guitarist; and to top it off, the band's lead-singer asked Nikki Darlin of Those Darlins for her hand in marriage.
And you thought you had a busy summer.
From a musical perspective, the band's album crossed country, folk and rock to appeal to a fan base who cherished whiskey and dirt and a lack of pretentiousness in their music. Much like Lucero did in there early days, Deer Tick became the band people who didn't listen to " that kind of music" listened to - and loved.
Started as a solo project in 2004 by the band's song-writer and lead singer John Joseph McCauley III, Deer Tick went through a number of members until settling it's current line-up of Christopher Dale Ryan, Dennis Michael Ryan, Andrew Grant Tobiassen and most recently Ian O'Neil (formerly of Titus Andronicus).
Does you town have a bar and stage? If so, there's decent chance Deer Tick might stop and play a show. That tirelessness has led to a loyal and passion fan base. Much to the pleasure of their fans, deemed "Tickheads", the band continues to expand its following.
The band continues to tour relentlessly with dates and details available on their Facebook page, MySpace page or their Web site www.deertickmusic.com.
DeadJournalist.com brings you this exclusive interview with John Joseph McCauley III of Deer Tick.
How did the interview with Brian Williams get set up?
JM: I don't really know how that thing got set up. One minute, he's talking about Deer Tick backstage at the Rachel Ray show, the next minute he's talking to Deer Tick. I just got a phone call and was told to bring the band down to New York to meet him.
The band's latest album, Born on Flag Day, was released back in June. Walk us through the album - what can fans expect from your latest release?
JM: I'm proud of it. I like it more than War Elephant. It's a bit of a lighter record. It's the last record we'll make like this. Enjoy it while it lasts!
How long did the album take to write and record? Who did you work with to produce the album?
JM: I don't write albums, I write songs, which came to me over the course of a few years. We produced it with our pal Ari.
The first song that got a lot of play of the album was “Easy”. Was it a song that came together quickly or was it one that went through several derivations before becoming the album version?
JM: That song used to suck. It was a really stupid pop song a couple years ago. Then I made it scarier and more rockin'.
For someone learning about Deer Tick for the first time, what would you most want them to know about the band?
JM: I have a foot fetish, Dennis and Chris are brothers, Andy likes Ford trucks, and Ian (who just joined) is the Nikki Sixx to my Tommy Lee.
What influences most effected the band's sound - your up-bringing and background; certain artists or was it just a natural progression of finding a sound and voice you were most comfortable with as a band?
JM: Guess it started with Hank Williams, but its come a long way. We're still changing things about our sound. I bet I'll never get comfortable.
Have your paths cross with his Hank Williams III or Holly Williams while on the road?
JM: No, but my friend made Hank III a guitar with real pot leaves used as inlays on the neck.
Which do you enjoy more, performing live or writing and recording?
JM: Performing.
For the band, what is the most important aspect of a live performance for?
JM: Our "backline", which consists of a shit load of Budweiser, and a few whiskeys.
You played a grueling Summer tour schedule. Do you feel most comfortable on the road touring?
JM: I think I might be finally sick of touring. I need a break, man.
Have you found a stop on your tour thus far where you were surprised at the turn out or fan base support?
JM: Lincoln, Nebraska.
What is the most bizarre event that has occurred to you while on tour?
JM: I met my fiancee. Fell in love instantly.
How many miles are on your Safari Minivan?
JM: That thing's gone, man. We got a short bus now, it's so dumb.
In the ever-changing technological landscape are you finding that you are reliant on social networking site, Twitter, etc. to stay in touch with friends and family and market to fans?
JM: I don't really handle that stuff much. I have some of my own personal pages or whatever, but that's just for friends and family, not fans.
How difficult is it to find a point of differentiation between the band and your personal lives?
JM: When we're playing a show we don't hang out. We see each other too much. We're the only band we know that doesn't practice, and somehow comes up with new songs.
Is there an artist that you've encountered recently that you've been recommending to your friends?
JM: Dead Confederate.
What were you listening to in 1999?
JM: Aerosmith.
Which do you prefer: MP3, CD, Tape or Vinyl?
JM: I like the way LPs look, tapes are ok, CDs suck, mp3 is pretty convenient. I hated the days when I had to take 400 CDs on tour with me. I like the iPod.