BY SAM DESTEFANO
Have you ever been driving down the road, listening to Colorado Public Radio and a song comes on that you like so much, you take a mental note to look up the band when you get home? Then, you realize that they’re local . . . then you realize that the whole record is awesome and you’ve just discovered something special that fills your heart up with hometown pride. That’s how we came across Blake Brown & the American Dust Choir and we were lucky enough to connect with Blake for an even closer look at this Colorado gem!
You’ve been no stranger to making music in Colorado, having started in the late 90’s and playing in the Fort Collins emo and punk scene. Can you tell us about your journey from then until now?
I moved to Colorado from Texas when I was about 15 years old. I was an introverted kid and it took me a bit to settle into a new school, town, etc. I would skateboard by myself, bang on the guitar a bit here and there, and just taught myself more and more about music. For some reason I didn’t want to learn someone else’s songs. I just started making my own. After settling into a new environment, I met some buds and we started a punk rock band. The band was called, H-Hour and it was full blown rock-your-socks off punk. We played in that band for years and had some awesome opportunities to play with major acts. After that band, I started another band called, To The Sky. It was a blend of punk/emo/experimental rock. We toured regionally, but ultimately the music was targeted towards a specific, limited audience. After that band, I was asked to join/play rhythm guitar for indie-rock band, Monofog. We did some touring and got to do some cool things. All while playing in these bands, and through the years, I had been writing acoustic songs that I would dive into when I was just writing for myself. That eventually became my focus and brings us up to date. Now I apply a little bit of everything to my music, rock ‘n’ roll and singer-songwriter stuff altogether.
It’s hard to put a finger on your sound which is what makes it feel so fresh. In a world that is over-saturated with just about everything, this is no small feat. How would you describe your sound and how did you get there?
That’s very kind. I suppose it’s a mish mash of my musical influences and what naturally comes out of me. I typically write from a more emotional, what-feels-right, trusting my instincts kind of approach. I got here by writing and writing and writing. It’s a craft, or a practice. It took me some time to develop my skill set and learn where I wanted to go with it.
You’ve just released you’re 2018 record “Long Way Home.” Can you tell us about the records influences and inspirations?
I, of course, grew up listening to The Beatles, The Beach Boys and all that music that was so melody driven. The stuff that was truly groundbreaking. I also love singer-songwriters like Elliott Smith, Jason Isbell, etc. I wanted to showcase my different writing abilities. I wanted to show some rock ‘n’ roll and some intimate acoustic singer-songwriter moments, all the while keeping the album cohesive. So, I pulled from what lies in my subconscious and what naturally comes out of my skill set as a musician.
For all of us, music geeks, can you give us insight into the making of the record? Did you record it in Denver?
I did record it in Denver. I had a batch of songs that I felt were in a good place to make a record. One morning I just woke up and said to myself, “it’s time to make a record.” My wife Tiffany, who sings and plays keys/piano in the band recommended we reach out to Joe Richmond. Joe is an old friend of hers and a great Producer who happens to live in Denver. The process was organic, and it came together naturally. I didn’t really have anyone to answer to; no labels or contracts. So, we took our time and just made a record that we’d be happy with.
Originally, you intended the band to be a revolving door of musicians. How has that changed and can you tell us a little bit about the band and the American Dust Choir?
I just want to be as nimble as possible. I didn’t want to have a musical project that was dependent on any one person. I feel I missed out on some opportunities while playing in past musical projects, because the guitarist was unavailable, or someone was sick, or someone couldn’t make a tour happen. I thought to myself, “what If I just take the lead here, put my name on it, make up a band name, invite my friends to play when they can, and just continue saying “yes” to opportunities as they arise.” No harm, no foul. Everyone kind of wins, and most importantly the music gets played. I never asked for a commitment from anyone, but it’s come full circle and I get to play music consistently with my wife and some of my best buds who have become very committed. It just fell into place and we all have a love and respect for each other. The band consists of myself, Tiffany Brown on keys/piano, Jason Legler on bass, Adam Blake on drums and Trent Nelson plays guitar on the record.
Your bio notes that your music has “seemingly simple, yet complex melodies” and “a strangely captivating subtleness.” Can you tell us more about how these ideas work in your music? As an artist, why is it so hard to achieve the “less is more” ideal.
I’ve always loved the idea of “less is more” with music. I’m a huge fan of early U2 and music like that. Music that has a lot of space, but really drives a rhythm pattern when it needs to. It’s a delicate balance for sure. As far as the melodies, I find it important to come up with sounds or phrases that feel friendly, or familiar. A melody that is captivating and easy to grasp. I think when musicians have an instrument strapped to them, they feel like they must play it 100% of the time. When in fact, if they played it less, it’d be more effective when they truly wanted a specific part/idea to shine.
You just played at SXSW with Keith Urban, what was that experience like? As if that wasn’t enough, you also, just went on tour with Justin Townes Earle. Can you tell us about the tour?
Yes, the SXSW experience was great. Everything about it was amazing. I love Austin, TX. so much. It was overwhelming in the way that I was blown away by the slot we offered with Keith Urban. Just the caliber of show that it was and it being my first time playing the festival as an official artist. It was a dream slot. I was back from Austin for a week and got the call to go on tour with Justin Townes Earle. He was doing a solo – acoustic tour and asked me to strip down my performance as well. So, back to the idea of being nimble, I stripped down the songs to my acoustic guitar, just how I wrote them, and went on tour with one of my songwriter idols. Tiffany, my wife, and band mate joined me, and we played the shows as a duo. The week before tour, Justin invited Tiffany and I to join him on his tour bus for the tour. It was awesome.
It seems like you’ve got so much on the horizon right now. What’s next for Blake Brown and the American Dust Choir?
We’re focused on some local and regional festivals for the summer, such as Underground Music Showcase (UMS) and New West Fest. We’re playing the beautiful Levitt Pavilion in mid-August. Then we’re headed to Los Angeles for some shows and there are plans in the works for fall tours. I’m also starting to record another batch of songs in the coming weeks and months, which will be produced by Ben Wysocki of The Fray. You know, keep on keepin’ on…
Thanks, Blake, for taking the time to catch us up with the band. There’s no question that anyone who crosses your work, as we did, will be an instant convert just like us. We can’t wait to see where your music takes you next!