Published: June 18, 2009 2:12 AM EST
By: Isaac Davis Jr., MBA (Juniorscave.com)
New Music Spotlight June 2009 Edition
Jeff Byrd & Dirty Finch
Jeff Byrd & Dirty Finch photo by Kristen Pierson
Get ready to be amazed by the musical sounds of Jeff Byrd & Dirty Finch. The band is creating a sound that will win the hearts of old and new fans. In this recent spotlight with our Webzine, our publication recently spoke with Jeff Byrd of Jeff Byrd & Dirty Finch about the band's amazing sound and what fans can expect from the band in the near future.
Isaac: What was the best part of 2008 for you musically?
Jeff Byrd: It's hard to say...so much has happened. Many changes musically and artistically. Jeff Byrd & Dirty Finch is just now starting to come together as a band. Lots of cool things on the horizon....recording, festivals, etc. The best is yet to come!
Isaac: What do you feel was your biggest accomplishment for 2008?
Jeff Byrd: Putting together a band consisting of 4 like minded individuals. I think coming into my own and writing for me has been a huge accomplishment. I used to be in a band called "The Audiocentrix" and even though I wrote the songs then as well, it felt like I had to write in a certain style or genre. This band gives me the freedom to kind of do whatever I feel like. Genre and all that other shit aside.
Isaac: Describe the music scene in Atlanta, Georgia.
Jeff Byrd: I have no idea! Ha ha! I'm located in the Providence RI area! I can say that around here there aren't many outlets for original bands. Lots of the clubs/bars around here want cover bands....basically shit you could hire a DJ to do. There are a couple of places off hand I could think of...like The Blackstone and AS220 that really go out of their way to support local original music. Marion @ The Blackstone has been especially supportive of us. It's a shame there aren't more places like that...there are a lot of quality bands out here. We need the locals to get out there and support local music!
Isaac: What has been the best venue to perform at and why?
Jeff Byrd: I could go back a ways and say when I played the Metro in Chicago that was the best place, but it really wasn't. It was more the situation...it was the Jeff Buckley Birthday celebration and it was a huge deal for me. I think that was in 2002?? Anyway, like I mentioned before The Blackstone has been great to us, so I'd have to say them for sure. It's just a cool venue with great atmosphere and a great place to find talented local musicians and bands. There seems to be a general camaraderie between the bands that play there.
photo by Kristen Pierson
Isaac: Elaborate a little about whom were your biggest influences in the music industry and why?
Jeff Byrd: The list is a BIG one, but I'll keep it brief. I would have to say John Lennon, Elliott Smith and Ryan Adams have probably been the biggest writing influences to me. John Lennon is John Lennon, not much to say there, but Elliott and Ryan have (had) a way of writing incredibly catchy, melodic songs that are intensely beautiful. I think that "Miss Misery" is probably one of Elliott's most haunting and wonderful songs. It has this ridiculously captivating melody and striking lyrics that are sung with such sadness. I almost hate that song because I wish so bad that I had wrote it. Ryan can write a song that you swear he wrote for you...he just has that amazing way of expressing himself so clearly lyrically. It's great because when you have influences such as these guys, you are constantly challenging yourself to write something "as good as" "Come Pick Me Up" or something...you never quite get there, but it gives you a goal I guess. Oh and I can't forget Mr. Westerberg, Parsons, Tweedy, Harper, Albarn, Petty, Gallagher...see? I could go on and on and on...
Isaac: Let's talk about what you feel you will bring to the music industry?
Jeff Byrd: I think if anything, I'd continue in the tradition of honest rock n roll music. Meaning there's no bullshit....I am what I am, I write what I feel like and I of course, like everyone else, cherish their creative freedom. I'm not going to change the world or anything...I just hope to reach people through my music the same way that the artists I listen to, do for me. I want to continue the tradition of REAL BANDS playing REAL MUSIC and recording LIVE! I know, crazy, right?
Isaac: If you had an opportunity to work with one artist or group, who would it be and why?
Jeff Byrd: Good question...I think right now (this is subject to change at any time of course), I'm going to cheat and say I would choose either Tom Petty or Jeff Tweedy. Petty's been through it all and he could teach me a ton of shit. He just oozes coolness and he's also one of those guys who just throws up melodies. Tweedy's been through a lot as well and is in my opinion a genius. I'd pick his brain about Yankee Hotel Foxtrot...I think I'd really like for him to produce my album. He'd have the best ideas. Shit, I'd really love for him to produce an album...imagine that?
Isaac: How would you describe your music to others?
Jeff Byrd: I hate describing music of any kind, especially my own. I guess I'd have to say alt-country, rock n roll music. Alt-Country is such a huge genre now...and the funny thing is most people don't know what the hell that means. They think I'm Toby Keith or some shit like that. I try to just explain we're in the same genre as Wilco, Ryan, Graham Parsons, Westerberg, Band of Horses...and then the next question I get ready to answer is "who are they"? Then I get frustrated and usually walk away.
photo by Kristen Pierson
Isaac: What type of feedback have you received from fans about your music?
Jeff Byrd: Most commonly, people really dig our sound. I think especially in the North East there are not a whole lot of bands doing the alt-country thing so it's kind of refreshing to hear something different. Normally, they pick a song they really like and sing it to me..."I really like that one, ya know, the one that says something about rain and drinking...". And the great thing is, it's never just one song that everyone likes...it's a different song for each person. Which is awesome. The biggest thrill I get is when people like my songs. It's such an enormous compliment to me. I appreciate every single fan.
Isaac: Where can fans locate you at online?
Jeff Byrd: www.myspace.com/jeffbyrdmusic is the best place to find us. I always post show dates and songs in various states of creation up there. Or just Google Jeff Byrd & Dirty Finch and pick one.
Isaac: What can fans expect from you in the next five years?
Jeff Byrd: Tons more songs. I write like crazy. Tom, Steve and Shawn (my fellow bandmates) are always yelling at me to stop writing because we're still learning the 6 songs I just wrote 2 weeks ago. In 5 years I don't even know what to expect from me. Gotta take life one step at a time.
photo by Kristen Pierson
Isaac: Time for some shout outs to your family, friends, and fans?
Jeff Byrd: Of course my mom and dad, my brother Scott and his beautiful daughter Stephanie, my friends and fans that always come out to support us (Dawn and the crew...you all know who you are), my boys Tom, Shawn and Stevie, and most importantly my Sim...thank you, I love you.
Isaac: Final words…
Jeff Byrd: Thank you so much for giving us this opportunity. I think it's a great thing you do for local musicians by getting the word out there and giving us a chance to tell a little bit about ourselves. It's been fun! Thank you Isaac and everyone at juniorscave.com!
