Gig Bag: Rod Picott

Welcome to Gig Bag, a BGS feature that peeks into the touring essentials of some of our favorite artists. This time around, Rod Picott details the items he always has nearby when out on the road.

Passport: I tour Europe every year, sometimes twice. Every country has different, shadowy rules regarding the validity of your passport. I got stuck in the Netherlands once because my passport wasn’t valid for 30 days after it expired. Huh? Exactly. “You can come in, but you can’t leave because this passport will only be valid for another 28 days when you leave.” “But it will be valid … for another 28 days.” “We require 30 days …”

Calton flight case: This case has been to 48 States, 20 European tours, lost, found, abused, kicked, dropped, insulted, hurled, and humiliated. In all that time, the Gibson J-45 inside has remained intact. I might have jinxed myself writing this, but so far …

Uniball Vision Elite and notebook: The notebook pages must tear from the top (for driving) and there is no better pen in the kingdom of pens than the Uniball Vision Elite Fine Point. The cover clicks on with a satisfying, solid “thunk” — you can do this repetitively to help you think — and the pen has a sort of scratchy quality that really tells your hand you are writing something. You’re almost carving into the paper, when you wield this pen, and you can’t feel the roller roll at all. It’s like writing with a knife.

Shure SM-58 Beta: Sometimes the sound person would prefer you use the mic that they have tuned the room for. My only response is, “I don’t share a mic with anyone I haven’t kissed.” The little bit of extra high end on this tank of a microphone helps my ragged baritone cut through a bit more than a regular SM-58.

A long book: The terrifying moment of finishing a book mid-tour will bring on a panic attack. Ideally, you will close the last page as the flight attendant brings your last tiny bottle of cabernet — just before the landing gear engages. If you get it wrong and finish some Nicholson Baker or Ron Rash and have to buy another book, it’s no tragedy. You get to go to a bookstore. But then you have to carry two books. I’m all about utility. If you see some friends on tour, sometimes you can trade. That works, too.

The merchandise box: The cardinal rule of touring — never ever run out of merchandise. This one was decorated on the inside by Amanda Shires, back when we were touring together. A fan gave me one of these feather things to replace one that fell off. I think it’s a make-up box from the 1940s or 1950s. I’ve had it so long, the handle is bare metal. The leather peeled off slowly over all the years of touring — like rings on a tree but in reverse. I figure, on the very last tour, when I’m 80, the handle will fall off as I sell the last CD. Then I’ll keel over in a corner booth, and they can bury my ashes in it. Or someone can keep it. It will be the ultimate piece of merchandise. “I have all the CDs.” “Oh yeah? I have the guy in a box. It was only 15 bucks.”

Gig Bag: Blitzen Trapper

Welcome to Gig Bag, a BGS feature that peeks into the touring essentials of some of our favorite artists. This time around, Blitzen Trapper’s Eric Earley gives us a look at what the band has to have handy when they are out on the road.

Lucky boots: I always bring my lucky boots, bought for $8 in Tucson in ’07. Road worn and wise, they’ve seen things and walked weird roads upon the Earth.

Tape recorder: Can’t forget the trusty Sony VOR. Nothing like tiny tape to capture the waking world in all its glory. Sounds live on or die accordingly. Call me old school, but I prefer the non-digital hand held.

Pen: Always with a four-color pen, Made in France like good wine, never know when you’ll need an overlooked color choice. “Treat words with respect” is a fine motto.

Bracelet: Mike always wears his bravery bracelet, which his son Winter used to get through those first few scary days of kindergarten.

Books: Brian always brings far more books than he can possibly read, but “better safe than sorry” is a fine motto, once again.

Gig Bag: Gill Landry

Welcome to Gig Bag, a BGS feature that peeks into the touring essentials of some of our favorite artists. This time around, Gill Landry gives us a look at what he has to have handy when he’s out on the road.

Hat: So I can look semi-dignified after just waking up in a car and, therefore, places will let me use their bathroom without purchasing anything.

Fake Glasses: In case the hat isn’t enough.

Leatherman: Obvious reasons. 

Small Italian Owl Candle Holder: For those romantic nights alone in hotel bathtubs.

Hasselblad: Because everyone should have a hobby.

Book: Because I’m a libtard.

Colombian Leather Pic Bag: Because it’s nice, and reminds me I need to go to Colombia.


Lede photo credit: Alysse Gafkjen

Gig Bag: Ethan Gruska

Welcome to Gig Bag, a BGS feature that peeks into the touring essentials of some of our favorite artists. This time around, Ethan Gruska gives us a look at what he has to have handy when he’s out on the road.

 

A good book: There’s a lot of downtime on tour and being glued to your phone is not a good look, and it will ruin your brain. So a good, long book is necessary for healthy and inspiring downtime. Right now, I’m reading the biography of Maxwell Perkins called Editor of Genius by A. Scott Berg. Highly recommended for anyone interested in working with artists in any field.

A few orchestral scores: Lately, as I’ve gotten more and more into classical music and orchestration, I’ve enjoyed bringing a few scores out on the road to study and read along with while listening. Yes, I’m a dork and look pretentious if I’m reading them in public, but I don’t care!

Great headphones: I always bring my Sennheiser headphones out on the road (I know these headphones are the best — sponsor me??) so I can have good listening experiences and in case I need to check mixes/masters of anything I’m working on back at home.

Average headphones: I also bring a pair of Apple earbuds so I don’t have to be walking around wearing my nicest/biggest headphones, if I want to listen to music walking around town. It’s also good to check stuff I’m working on a second and not as “open” pair of headphones …

Extra cables and strings: Cables and strings go bad, and it helps to have extra in case you run into an issue on stage!

Gig Bag: David Ramirez

Welcome to Gig Bag, a BGS feature that peeks into the touring essentials of some of our favorite artists. This month, singer/songwriter David Ramirez shows off what he has on the road with him supporting his new album, We’re Not Going Anywhere.

Books: I always bring a couple books on the road. When I’m not driving, I’m either sleeping or reading (mostly sleeping). I bring something easy, like a comic or two, as well as something a little more challenging. I had a classical guitar teacher for one semester in college who told me, “If you want to be a great writer, then you have to read.”

A pen: I go nuts over a good pen. In fact, earlier today, I almost stole the one I used to sign my check at lunch. I was a good boy, though, and left it at the restaurant. I take a lot of notes on my phone because, let’s face it, it’s convenient but, when I’m writing with focus, I prefer pen and paper. This one is a Walkie ball point and was a gift from a friend. I’m obsessed with this pen.   

Headphones: Van time is silent time. We’ll cut up for a few minutes when we all first climb in, but eventually, headphones turn on and mouths turn off. I’m constantly losing and/or breaking headphones, so I never go all out with an incredible pair (these kind of suck) but they do cover my ears and, for that, I’m thankful. 

Fire: My bag is filled with lighters, and I always have one in my pocket. I’m not an “accessories guy” so, aside from my shades, the only thing I carry with me at all times is a lighter. Yes, I smoke, BUT you can also open a beer with a lighter, AND what lady doesn’t enjoy having her cigarette lit by a charming musician? Lighters bring people together. Even if for just an evening.  

Shades: Last, and certainly not least, my shades. Gotta have ’em. I appreciate what the sun brings to the table, but I don’t want it in my eyes. I will wear these up until the sun is barely a sliver on the horizon and sometimes well into the night. Some folks hate it and roll their eyes at me but I love wearing shades. This new-ish pair is hands down one of my all-time faves. 


Photo credit: Stefanie Vinsel

k.d. lang: Flawless, Fearless

Just about a year ago, legendary music journalist Holly Gleason asked me to contribute an essay to a book she was editing titled Woman Walk the Line: How the Women in Country Music Changed Our Lives. The premise was to have a bunch of female writers explore female country artists and the impact they had on our lives. It didn’t take long for me to pick k.d. lang, as I simply would not be who I am today without her. The book — which includes essays by Taylor Swift, Rosanne Cash, Grace Potter, Aubrie Sellers, Kim Ruehl, Ronni Lundy, and many others — comes out on September 15 via the University of Texas Press, and I couldn’t be more proud to be part of it. In honor of its release — and the 25th anniversary of k.d.’s seminal album, Ingenue — here’s an excerpt from my piece.

It wasn’t the first time I heard k.d. lang’s voice that carved out a forever place for her in my heart. It was the first time I saw a photo of her for, in it, I saw a reflection of who I was or, more likely, who I wanted to be. It was 1990, maybe 1991, and media representation of those of us who are “masculine-of-center” was sparse, at best. But there was k.d., handsome and heartfelt, staking a claim for all of us … even those still nestled safely in our closets.

Actually, in 1991, k.d. wasn’t out yet, either. Not publicly, at least.

Musically, k.d. put her reverence and respect for the form and its icons at center stage — her first band was called the Reclines, after all. But, stylistically, she injected a sharp wit and a cow-punk ethos into her earliest works, much of which she learned from another country legend — Minnie Pearl. On her first few albums, k.d. still considered herself to be a performance artist, playing with gender by sporting a crew cut while donning a cowgirl skirt and horn-rimmed glasses. By the late ’80s, her look had settled into the tomboy version of a cowboy, letting denim, boots, and short hair frame her prairie-born good looks.

Because her talent was undeniable — and she wasn’t yet waving a rainbow flag — country music fans could abide by their own version of “don’t ask, don’t tell” and just enjoy her utterly stunning voice. Heck, Patsy Cline’s beloved producer, Owen Bradley, helmed Shadowland and recruited Kitty Wells, Loretta Lynn, and Brenda Lee to sing on it. Doesn’t get much more classic country than that.

But then, in 1990, the avowed vegan caused an uproar among said classic country folk for appearing in a “Meat Stinks” ad for PETA, earning herself a lifetime ban from country radio. A sign proclaiming Consort, Alberta, to be ”Home of k.d. lang” was even burned in effigy. Naturally, k.d. was bothered by it all, but she never wavered from her convictions. Instead, she doubled down.

Within a couple of months of that kerfuffle, k.d. was waltzing toward the adult contemporary music space with a contribution to the Red Hot + Blue Cole Porter tribute compilation benefitting AIDS research and relief. Her performance of “So in Love” was a highlight of the platinum-selling album, showcasing her extraordinary gift as an interpreter of song. She finalized her transition in March of 1992 with the absolutely captivating collection that is Ingenue. Flourishes of pedal steel here and there were, really, the last remaining vestiges of country music in k.d.’s sound.

In June of 1992, before “Constant Craving” led the album to multi-platinum sales and a third Grammy Award, k.d. came out as gay in The Advocate, confirming the open secret that everyone already knew, but dared not speak. That year — along with the Indigo Girls’ — k.d.’s courage and conviction, artistry and activism made a bigger impact on my life than anyone before or since.

I still remember sitting on the edge of my seat in the first row of the balcony on August 7, 1992 for the entirety of her first-of-two performances at the Universal Amphitheater in Los Angeles. Having already come out, k.d. introduced the gender-play that is “Miss Chateleine” with a comic bit meant to put everyone in the crowd at ease: “There’s been something I’ve been meaning to tell you, something that’s been on my chest for quite some time. So I’m just gonna conjure up the gumption and spit it out.” [drum roll] “I… AM… A… LLLLL… AWRENCE WELK FAN!”

The show was one of the best I’ve ever seen. EVER. And it was a show: k.d. is not just an incredible singer; she’s a captivating entertainer, paying attention to every detail, from the punchlines to the performances. Summing up his review of the show for the Los Angeles Times, Chris Willman wrote, “Even the most die-hard meat industry activist would be hard-pressed not to switch-hit and walk away from this one a close t… LLLLLLLANG FANATIC.”

Less than a month after that fateful night, I too became an avowed vegan and, in November, I became an out queer. Doubtful I could’ve, or would’ve, done either without having k.d.’s lead to follow, without having her image to reflect. Seeing k.d. stand so gloriously in her truths inspired me to find and live my own. Though I didn’t yet have the capacity to understand or accept it, I’d known since I was a kid that I was queer. But growing up in rural Louisiana did more damage than good, where understanding and acceptance were concerned. (Funnily enough, the same could be said of not eating meat: Of all the left-leaning things in my life — moving to Los Angeles, working with rock stars, being a homo, living in a meditation ashram, and being a vegan — the one thing my Southern-born and bred father could never get a handle on was me not eating meat.)

So when I finally saw someone who looked like me, lived like me, and loved like me, I started moving toward the light that she was shining. Turning toward that light meant turning into myself — digging into my own identity and drumming up my own courage. That process of discovery, sparked almost entirely by k.d., uncovered who I was at my core … and who I continue to be today — an Eastern philosophy-abiding, activist-minded queer who works in music and doesn’t eat meat.

Though I haven’t been as dedicated a follower as I should have been, the past 15 or so years have seen the release of several more k.d. collections and collaborations, including her 2016 project with Neko Case and Laura Veirs, aptly monikered case/lang/veirs. When their tour brought them to Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium on August 6, 2016 — the Mother Church of country music and long-time home of the Grand Ole Opry — k.d. greeted the crowd with a big ol’ Minnie Pearl-style “HOOOOOW-DYYYY!” before reminiscing about how she’d been kicked out of the Ryman on several occasions. Both Case and Veirs seemed to understand the gravitas of k.d.’s triumphant return, and everyone else in the room understood it, too, by the end of her rafter-raising cover of Neil Young’s “Helpless.”

As soon as I heard the song’s opening plunks, I let out a big ol’ “WHOOP!!!” and moved to the edge of my front-row balcony seat, just as I’d done 24 years (minus one day) earlier. And I hung on every note, remembering all that she has meant to me over the passing decades. Quite simply, k.d. lang is one of the greatest singers of any generation, with flawless pitch and fearless control. She is also one of the greatest influences on my life, with flawless talent and fearless style.

Gig Bag: The Deslondes

Welcome to Gig Bag, a BGS feature that peeks into the touring essentials of some of our favorite artists. This time around, the Deslondes give us a look at what they have to have handy when they are out on the road.

Sam Doores: This is my 1950s Kay acoustic guitar, DeArmond sound hole pickup, and harmonica rack. These are the only possessions I have that go everywhere I do. They’ve met my whole family and most of my friends. They’ve survived many long nights of trading tunes around the fire as well as seven+ years of touring with the band. It’s the warmest and most comfortable guitar I’ve ever played and, when plugged into a small tremolo amp, it sounds so good that it often distracts audiences from the fact that I can’t play very fancy. It’s the best $400 I’ve ever spent. I love it and can’t imagine my life without it.

Riley Downing: I usually take the same basic stuff on tour with me — socks, toothbrush, 44 Magnum/box a shells. But if I had to, I would pick my new guitar strap that my Aunt Cathy made me. I love it more than my guitar. It was like getting a quilt from grandma. She also makes some other amazing things out of leather. 

Dan Cutler: Here’s my diddy bag. I guess it’s my favorite thing to bring on tour. It’s definitely my most hygienic thing. Personal hygiene can feel like a fleeting dream sometimes on tour, so my diddy bag helps to keep me on a cleaner path. It originally belonged to my big brother, so it’s kind of a family heirloom now. Nothing special about it really, though it is pretty remarkable that I’ve managed to hang on to it all these years!


John James: This is my tour stuff — books … I’m into short stories, poetry, novellas. My bucket is the shit. It keeps everything dry and protected. It’s my seat and sometimes table. This is a rare bucket cuz it’s six-and-a-half gallons, which is the perfect height for my pedal steel and legs. It’s seen better days … notice the duct tape job. I don’t fly with it anymore. A carton of smokes is crucial, yet not ever usually enough. It’ll get me a handful of days into tour.

Cameron Snyder: I don’t have a picture, because it lives in the van, but I never go on tour without my trusty cot. It was inexpensive, it’s easy to carry around, and it doesn’t take up much space. It’s nice to have a dependable place to sleep for the nights when our accommodations don’t include enough beds for everyone. My home away from home.


Photo credit: Tamara Grayson

3×3: KALO on Hendrix, Heat, and Her Majesty Madonna

Artist: Bat-Or Kalo (of KALO)
Hometown: Haifa, Israel  
Latest Album: Wild Change
Personal Nicknames: B

 

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If you had to live the life of a character in a song, which song would you choose?

“Angel” by Jimi Hendrix

Where would you most like to live or visit that you haven’t yet?

I’d love to visit Bali!

What was the last thing that made you really mad?

Getting heat exhaustion from riding horses too long in the sun.

 

Things happen when you’re in the car too long. #littlerock

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If you had to get a tattoo of someone’s face, who would it be?

Jesus! 

Whose career do you admire the most?

My career, for real. Or Madonna’s. She’s had an incredible career.

What are you reading right now?

Just finished reading The Shack.

 

Breakfast of champions !!! 3:40am

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Are you an introvert or an extrovert?

It all depends where I am and what I need to get done. I’m definitely an extrovert while on stage; maybe more of an introvert in day-to-day life.  

What’s your favorite culinary spice?

Salt and pepper. 

What was your favorite childhood toy?

I didn’t really play a lot with toys. I was one of those imaginative kids who could make believe anything and who loved to just go and play with my friends.


Photo credit: Jack Mills

Traveler: Your Guide to Fayetteville, Arkansas

Home to the University of Arkansas, the northwest Arkansas town of Fayetteville is an artful and musically inclined college town surrounded by the scenic Ozark Mountains. Maybe there’s something in the water, because northwest Arkansas is home to some big businesses, as well, including Walmart, Tyson Foods, and J.B. Hunt. More than 300 Fortune 500 companies can be found here — one reason the area continues to be a destination for international businesses. It’s not all business, though. Explore Fayettechill like a local by biking the Frisco Trail, stopping for local beer and music along the way.

Getting There

Fayetteville has a regional airport with direct flights from select big cities to northwest Arkansas Regional Airport (XNA). It’s a quick 30-ish mile trip from Missouri and Oklahoma, and a couple of hours from Springfield, Illinois, and Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Where to Stay

The Dickson Street Inn is the top-rated bed & breakfast in the city and is in a Victorian house built in the 1800s. If you want the local flair, your best will be AirBnb accommodations to avoid chain hotels and stay like a local. Prices range from $80-100 per night.

What to Do

 

Lake Sequoyah, courtesy of Fayettevillear.gov

Our Traveler locations all have a common thread: natural beauty. We’re admittedly nature enthusiasts, and picking Fayetteville was no exception. Lake Sequoyah sits on 1,400 acres of land and is a notable bird watching and swimming spot. Home to more than 40 miles of trails, Fayetteville’s trail system is designated as one of 37 International Mountain Bicycling Association Ride Centers in the world. The Frisco Trail is a great way to explore Fayetteville by bike, connecting Dickson Street to south Fayetteville.

Botanical Gardens, courtesy of the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks

The Botanical Garden of the Ozarks hosts 12 themed gardens and a butterfly house on an immaculately maintained property showcasing the woody, herbaceous, and exotic plants and flowers that thrive in northwest Arkansas.

Embrace your inner nerd and visit the Fayetteville Public Library, ranked one of the top libraries in America by USA Today. The library has the busiest self-service checkout kiosk in North America, and is a notably green building. For the politically inclined, the Clinton House Museum is of note. Home to the first family of Fayetteville, Bill and Hillary’s former abode and marriage venue is located near the University of Arkansas’ campus, where both taught in the 1970s.

What to Eat & Drink

Arsagas eats, courtesy of Arsagas Depot

Arsagas Depot is housed in an old freight depot, specializing in crepes, coffee, and a full service, locally focused menu. Get your fancy ‘za fix at Wood Stone Craft Pizza with Thai curry pizza and $2 local draft beer during happy hour. For the veggies, Greenhouse Grille is the local go-to. A gem of the town, Little Bread Co’s motto is, “Everything tastes homemade, because it is!” Grab Seinfeld-themed bagel sandwiches and coffee right off the square at this spot. Dirty Apron Bakehouse is another new bakery in town that comes highly recommended. Head to the College Avenue Yacht Club for all kinds of food truck fare.

Get your mixology on at Maxine’s, one of the oldest bars in town, while whiskey aficionados will love Smoke and Barrel. For all other drinking needs, Dickson Street’s got ya covered. It’s full of a variety of a mix of dives and fancy cocktail spots.

The Arts

I’m With Her, courtesy of Fayetteville Roots Festival

George’s Majestic Lounge opened its doors in 1927 and has been hosting live music ever since. It’s the longest-running venue in Arkansas and hosts BGS faves like Elephant Revival and Nikki Lane. The performing arts thrive at Walton Arts Center on Dickson Street. Block Street Records is a not-so-hidden gem of a record store, hosting local music and art shows.

Perhaps the pinnacle of the music scene in Fayetteville culminates with a widely renowned festival called Fayetteville Roots. Recurring each August, the annual event spans four days and features dozens of musicians on indoor and outdoor venues throughout downtown. Catch BGS there this August alongside performers like the Wood Brothers, Rodney Crowell, River Whyless, and many more BGS sweethearts.

Fayetteville’s art community is evidenced in the bustling gallery scene, and> Fayetteville Underground stands out among the rest as a hotspot for local artists. Nightbird Books is a great small contemporary book shop that has readings and art shows fairly regularly.Dickson Street Bookshop is another local bookshop and our favorite place to buy used books because of the vintage, European vibes.

Crystal Bridges, courtesy of Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art

The world famous Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art is a worthy day trip away. Everything from the art it houses to the architecture of the building to the free admission make it a great experience. 

3×3: Zander Hawley on Books, Boots, and Bruce Springsteen

Artist: Zander Hawley
Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
Latest Album: When I Get Blue
Personal Nicknames: Z

 

tickets still up for @backstagenashville tmro see you there

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If you could safely have any animal in the world as a pet, which would you choose?

That Melanie Griffith-lion relationship was always super interesting to me, but I’d probably want a lady lion instead of a guy.

Do your socks always match?

Absolutely. 

If you could have a superpower, what would you choose?

Whatever gets me on the X-Men.

 

songs and stories from the album next weekend at @3rdandlindsley with @backstagenashville

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Which describes you as a kid — tree climber, video gamer, or book reader?

Book reader. Books would distract me from anything I was supposed to be doing — my parents tell me they would come into my room to find that I’d put on maybe half an outfit before the book took over.

Who was the best teacher you ever had — and why?

Vanessa Mancinelli, senior year high school literature teacher, because she had even more fun reading than I did.

What’s your favorite city?

I was born in New York, but only lived there for the first five years of my life, so whenever I go back, I’m always hit by a strong sense of nostalgia. Last time I was there, I saw Springsteen play for the first time, so that pretty much sealed it. 

 

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Boots or sneakers?

Boots.

Which brothers do you prefer — Avett, Wood, Stanley, Comatose, or Louvin?

Oh man, can I write in a different set? I’d probably choose the Grimms or the Summers.

Head or heart?

I wish I could say both, but I have to say heart.