We recently reviewed Fatback Circus‘ self-titled third release and now we are back with this interview to give us more insight on this excellent group of music men.
Make sure you check out the above video for ‘Brain Damage’ which was featured in SXSW’s music video showcase.
Let’s warm up. Who are you?
We are the spawn of Dean Ween and Les Claypool’s sister, with an uncle Beefheart.
Where are you from?
the kind town of Stillwater, Oklahoma.
What style of music do you create?
Whatever comes to mind really. No limits on genre or style. All four of us contribute to the writing process, and we pull from many influences including but not limited to the ones above. Tom Waits has had a profound effect on more than one of us in the band 😉
What is it like being a band in the Austin music scene?
Awesome. Better than any other place we’ve been. It’s over saturated with musicians, bands, venues and homeless people, but we’re always glad to come back because of the opportunity and hope this city ensures in its residents.
How did the band come together and what led you to choose the name Fatback Circus?
Good question. First, I’ll introduce the band and then explain how it came about. Nathan Campbell: Vocals & Guitar mainly, but also has a music composition degree and is a little above our heads sometimes. Garrett Ross: Maniac Drummer, vocalist harmonizer and has a photographic memory. Dalton Chamblee: Bass Thumper, vocal string spagett, and a one of a kind. Aaron Campbell: Nathan’s brother (twins), Lead Guitar, partial vocals, and Mando.
Dalton (bass) and Garrett (drums) have been playing music together since 6th grade, starting with I’m not sure, then Inspector 15, and Ol’ Fune Limbs Charlie. Nathan and Aaron have been jammin since the womb.
Fatback Circus came about on accident almost. We were initially “Fatback”, but 4 yrs later found the name was taken by a pretty sweet funk group. So we added the Circus due to some silly antics.
This is your 3rd album… Did you guys do anything different on this one? Did you work with new people? Record in a new place? Or do you find yourselves working with the same group of people each time?
Yes, we recorded it at home, for the most part. Which was amazing. There were no time restrictions, and we had total control. Our good friends Jeff Attal and old friend Chubby Cheeks (Chico, aka Barath Ramanath) helped us along the way. Dawsey Ray Studios is where the majority of it went down – Which is just Dalton’s room/practice room. Thanks Dawsey.
You have obviously been at this music thing for a while… Compared to “back then”, how has the Internet/social media changed music?
Back then there wasn’t much of internet music help for the musician. Myspace had started up, but was weird. It connected some decent shows, but no real success… Now, we can sell our music with no overhead, promote to all our friends with a few clicks, and have our music heard in Ireland instantly. God I love technology.
Do you guys find the Internet helpful? Does it hurt you in any way? Have you had to overcome or deal with any specific challenges?
The internet is such an imaginary highway of knowledge. I don’t suppose she’s hurt us yet. Any challenges? It’s always hard to get the website you want with a limited budget. But I guess that’s not the end of the world.
Is there anything you can share with aspiring musicians and/or players that you wish you knew when you first started?
Yeah, don’t give up, and always go with your gut and play from the heart. Neither of those are ever wrong. And remember, a big part of success in the music industry is luck and politics. Just make music for yourself and people will realize the glory.
Where can we get a copy of the album? Where can we connect with the band online?
Amazon is a good place to go, iTunes, just google it!, we have our own website FatbackCircus.com and like us on facebook. Send us a personal message on our website, it goes straight to our email!
Any last thoughts or shout outs?
A shout out to Jesse Tabish, Colby Owens, the Pucci’s and our friend in Nashville, Danielle Cruz, and of course our manager Aaron Bumbarger. We love everyone and hope you have a nice day.
