Sitting down
with Randy Rogers, it is not hard to see how his life and lyrics get translated
into song. His easy going manner and
roll-with-punches attitude seem perfect for the artist that is highly in demand
and often gone from the comforts of home for long stretches. He has a down to earth sense about him that
is tied closely to a “been around the block”, observational style. The songs he writes are his…meaning the
lyrics that fill the albums are “from the
heart. I like records that are snapshots
of where you’re at (in life).” When
asked about his upcoming release (Trouble, which should be out in the spring),
Randy says “It’s my favorite album I’ve
written. If the world came to an end, I
would be happy with this recording. It’s
a very sincere record. All of our lives
and problems are displayed for the world to see so we write about them. There isn’t much smoke and mirrors with this
record; it is said exactly as you would if you need to go to therapy. That’s what this record was for the
band. We needed to be in that studio as
a group of young men.” When asked
about how autobiographical his songs are, he says “I try not to write anything that isn’t (autobiographical). The songs are true because that’s the only
way I know how to write.”
You can hear
some of the new tracks on display during the full band shows or catch an even
deeper glimpse into the passion behind the songs while he performs acoustically
on his annual Hold My Beer and Watch This tour with Wade Bowen. The guys feed off each other with the comfort
level of life-long friends; and seeing how this is the 6th annual such tour, it
is almost to be expected. (Not to
mention the countless other performances, writing sessions, and golf outings.) Even with their schedules growing more and
more hectic as the years pass by, they say the tour is a priority to both of
them. It is at these acoustic shows that
they seem to be a little looser, play a little more to the crowd, and tell the
stories where these immensely popular songs originated from. If you haven’t caught one yet, they’ll be to
your town soon, don’t miss it.
And it is in the
stories that take place inside the songs that keep the fans singing along and
always coming back for more. “The melody is usually where I start with a
song. I come up with what I like
melodically and try and fit the words in.
I’ve never written a poem and put music to it; I make the music first
and then write around it.” Rogers has written a
treasure chest full of songs that his throng of followers can sing from memory
at the drop of a hat. He never puts any
fillers on his albums and each one contains a plethora of new material that is
battle tested and ready for live shows.
As we have stated before, it is almost unfair to be a fan because there
is absolutely no way for him to cram all the favorites into one show per
night. But that’s what road trips were made
for, right?
If you are not
able to see The Randy Rogers Band anytime soon, always pay attention to your
local listings. You just never know when
the guys might pop up on Conan, Leno, or Letterman again. Whether you’re an avid fan of the band or if
you are/were late to the party, his music is there for everyone. Every song has a personal attachment to it
that one can easily reflect upon their life at some time or another. He can put a silly twist on things (“Buy
Myself a Chance”), give you a nice kiss-off (“Too Late for Goodbye”), or tug at
the heartstrings (“Steal You Away”). One
way or another he knows how to please his audience, even if the subject matter
that fills the air is painful to live through for the artist himself. There are too many reasons to list why this
will be a top tier band for years to come, so please go and find out for
yourself. We promise you will be
rewarded with a night you’ll talk about for a very long time.
To find out where and when you can catch
a show by the Randy Rogers Band check out:
To see the rest of the images from the Randy Rogers interview & show,
be sure and "LIKE" us on Facebook:
Randy Rogers Band
Big Texas South
July 6th, 2012
Big Texas South
July 6th, 2012
Too Late For Goodbye
Better Off Wrong
Tonight's Not the Night
Buy Myself A Chance
Damn the Rain
Speak of the Devil (new)
10 Miles Deep
Again
Wicked Ways
Lonely Too Long
One More Goodbye
You Could Change My Mind
Steal You Away
Looking For You For So Long
Last Last Chance
Lost and Found
Somebody Take Me Home
In My Arms Instead
Down and Out
Interstate
Kiss Me In the Dark
Encore
Sit Here and Drink (Merle Haggard)
This Time Aroun
Kiss Me In the Dark
Encore
Sit Here and Drink (Merle Haggard)
This Time Aroun
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