A Dirty Dozen with MAGNOLIA BAYOU – August 2020

According to a recent press release: “Mississippi based, Southern Blues / Rock Band MAGNOLIA BAYOU has released their newest single, “Sweet Magnolia.” Delicate and uplifting, “Sweet Magnolia” features background vocals by MAGGIE BROWN along with GUS BARNETT (harp) and WALTON JONES (organ and piano), and was recorded at NATCHEZ SOUND STUDIO. Available to download / stream online, “Sweet Magnolia” is off of the band’s upcoming album, STRANGE PLACE. Magnolia Bayou is a rock band, born on the bayous of South Mississippi. Their roots run deep through the rich soil of the Mississippi Delta all the way down to the muddy waters of Mexico. Because their upbringings stretch so far across the state, a vast array of influences are carried throughout their music, which is soaked with the sound and soul of their southern heritage. In the three short years since their formation, they have paid their dues up and down the Mississippi Blues Trail and have toured extensively through the surrounding south and throughout The United States. Full of energy and soul, the band carries a dynamic show that captivates its audience and transports them back to the late 60’s and 70’, a time when music was epic.” We get the band to discuss new music, influences, and much more…

1. Tell us a little about your latest release.  What might a fan or listener not grab the first or second time they listen through?  Are there any hidden nuggets the band put in the material or that only diehard fans might find?

This song was a bit of uncharted territory for MB. Our first true ballad, as we are typically a harder Mississippi rock band. But we are pleased with the fan response thus far.

2. What got you into music, and can you tell us about the moment you realized you wanted to be a musician?

We all grew up in households where classic rock was played a lot, so being exposed to that early on in life pushed us towards music. We all played in band in high school, Dylan & Josh played together in the jazz band throughout high school. Most people don’t know but Dylan was awarded the Louis Armstrong Jazz Award his Sr. Year. And the early rock and blues we listened to early in life was beginning to gravitate us to that style of music.

3. Building on that, is there a specific song, album, performer, or live show that guided your musical taste?

Dylan: A Buddy Guy concert when I was around 14. I definitely knew then that’s what I was gonna do.

Cedric: A couple of shows got me – Journey and The Mars Volta live shows. Some of the greatest live performances ever.

4. Who would be your main five musical influences?

Dylan: So many really with this band. We all listen to so many different genres of music. If I had to pick 5 that would maybe sum up our sound, I would say Black Sabbath, Howlin’Wolf,The Black Crowes, AC/DC & some Alice in Chains. Mississippi style.

5. If you could call in any one collaborator to do a song with, who would it be, and why?

Cedric: Anything with Korn!!

Dylan: Tedeschi Trucks

Drew: Chris Stapleton, one of my biggest inspirations as a songwriter. Raw emotion, soaring melodies. Simple and honest.

6. How would you describe your music to someone who’d never listened to you before? What is the one comparison a reviewer or fan has made that made you cringe or you disagreed with?

We always say Mississippi Rock n Roll. It embodies so many things and is such a deep heritage of American music.

7. What’s the best thing about being a musician?

Traveling, meeting new people and experiencing new places and most of all the thrill of playing on stage and hoping to give our fans a great experience with us.

8. When the band are all hanging out together, who cooks; who gets the drinks in; and who is first to crack out the acoustic guitars for a singalong?

Usually Josh or Drew will cook, Cedric will get the drinks and Dylan would be cracking out the guitar.

9. When was the last time you were star struck and who was it?

Dylan: Definitely Tyler Childers & Kid Rock.

Cedric: John Fred Young (Black Stone Cherry).

Drew: Jimmy Hall, opening for Wet Willie was such an honor and meeting Jimmy was a bit surreal. This was an early trailblazer for southern rock and one of the greatest, if not the greatest. And to see him and how well he has taken care of himself and his instrument is inspiring to a young vocalist.

10. If you weren’t a musician, what would be your dream job?

Not An Option.

11. Looking back over your career, is there a single moment or situation you feel was a misstep or you would like to have a “do over”, even if it didn’t change your current situation?

I would say up to this point we haven’t had any major missteps. We are fairly calculated in what we try to do and just work hard to achieve our goals. We’ve been fortunate not to have had any major pitfalls so far.

12. If you could magically go back in time and be a part of the recording sessions for any one record in history, which would you choose – and what does that record mean to you?

Cedric: Rush-Moving Pictures. Such a pivotal album for drummers, it had groove,creativity and excitement.

Dylan: Live At Fillmore East – The Allman Brothers. I feel like this is the greatest live album ever. The musicianship on this is as good as it gets. They wrote the book on it.

Drew: Little Feat Waiting For Columbus taught me how far you can take good songwriting. Its just funky and the bands chemistry is extra-terrestrial.

MAGNOLIA BAYOU LINKS:

OFFICIAL SITE

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

Category: Interviews