A Newsvine Interview With the Waco Brothers About Their New Live Album

The Waco Brothers are an alt-country band who kick butt in their live shows. While their albums, especially Waco World, are pretty good they are even better in concert. So when the publicist for Bloodshot Records asked if I wanted a copy of the live album I said, of course, especially if I can interview one of the singers.

I was thinking maybe I could interview singer Jon Langford,who I find intriguing as he is also one of the leader of the Mekons. He was unavailable but I was happy to instead interview guitarist Deano Schlabowske, who is another of the singers.

When I recently interviewed the leader of the Bottle Rockets he mentioned that people think they are a great bar band when that is not the case. I'm not sure if that's true - having not been lucky enough yet to see the Bottle Rockets live - but I can say that the Waco Brothers ARE a great band to see at a club or bar having seen them perform at bars in Austin, TX and Philadelphia.

As with Robbie Fulks, another excellent alt-country artist, these guys alternate between serious rocking songs and tongue-in-cheek pieces. Appropriately the interview reads much the same way.

The new album comes out tomorrow, March 4.

Scott: Have you been part of the Waco Brothers since its creation? What had you done prior to being in Waco Brothers?

Dean: Yes, Jon and I had tinkered around with various formations of the band since he moved to Chicago , around 1992-3(?). Initially, the "band" was just Jon & I, with Tracey joining us for a few songs at our first show at the Rainbow Club. The other misfits joined the fold within the first year.

Scott: I'm sure each of you will give a different answer but let me get your version: What was the band like when it got started and what was the goal and game plan at that point?

Dean: In my mind our goal was, and is, have fun playing music we like, have a few drinks and hopefully make a little money. Oh, and tear down the capitalist system....

Scott: What is your role in the band?

Dean: Amateurish "lead" guitar, songwriter, singer, head sommelier.

Scott: How has the band changed over time?

Dean: We're a little more competent. We complain a lot more. I think the songwriting has really developed.
We started out playing only covers. Our first records were thinly camouflaged rip-offs of the artists we covered. I think we gradually developed our own playing and writing styles. While Jon, Tracey & I have very different approaches to writing, I think all three of us have drifted towards writing in a style that suits the members in the band. You know...songs you can still play after a couple Hornitos margaritas...

Scott: What is your role in the band?

Dean: Interpreter, nanny, magician....

Scott: Do you think the band sounds better live or on albums? Is it fair to say the Waco Brothers are a great live band? I've seen you guys twice- in Texas, in Philly - and was blown away both times. Why do you think you guys are so good live?

Dean: There are a couple things that set us apart live. First, we have five hams, including three lead singers, lining the front of the stage. It's kind of a sensory assault that you don't get with your standard "lead singer, lead guitarist, who cares about the rest of the band" format. Second, we've maintained the attitude that we're determined to have fun on stage. Remember, the mid 90s when we formed was the tail end of "shoe gazer" bands and the beginning of the "alternative rock" era.
Most bands were seriously miserable or miserably serious. We laughed and played miserably!

Scott: There are a bunch of side projects, I believe. Which ones are you involved in?

Dean: I have another band with Alan and Joe Camarillo (the Waco's Chicago drummer) called Dollar Store. We have two CDs available on Bloodshot. I am currently recording a project with Bill Anderson and Pete Stiles from the Meat Purveyors. I think we'll call it A.S.S. ( Anderson , Stiles, Schlabowske).
I sang on some of the Pine Valley Cosmonauts records. I own a wine shop called Cellar Rat.

What's the best part of being part of the Waco Brothers? The worst part?

Dean: The best part - Free drinks, the undeserved adoration of dozens, six sweaty old men in a van.
The worst part- too many free drinks, the uncomfortable adoration of a few, six sweaty old men in a van.

Scott: Do you get tired of jokes about Waco , TX or does that come with the territory?

Dean: I have always found the people of Waco to be sensitive, intelligent and attractive. I find jokes at their expense offensive.

Related: What is the best and worst live concert you ever saw?

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