A chat with Carrie and Lawrence of The Whiskey Charmers with their fan Ben. We talk about our favorite songs from their new album Lost On The Range. In addition, we touch on the songwriting magic of placeholder words. This conversation then delves into the power of video soundtracks to broaden an artists reach.
Favorite Songs
I asked about my favorite song from the new album called “Crossfire”. Carrie hints that perhaps the song is a reflection of a time when she wasn’t quite...
A chat with Carrie and Lawrence of The Whiskey Charmers with their fan Ben. We talk about our favorite songs from their new album Lost On The Range. In addition, we touch on the songwriting magic of placeholder words. This conversation then delves into the power of video soundtracks to broaden an artists reach.
Favorite Songs
I asked about my favorite song from the new album called “Crossfire”. Carrie hints that perhaps the song is a reflection of a time when she wasn’t quite being kind to herself. One of Ben’s favorite songs is “Human” which is in the video game "Detroit: Become Human" by Quantic Dream. He thinks the band should play that more often in their live sets. What do you think?
Lawrence and Carrie said part of the problem is that they have so much material it can be hard to pick a set. They once did a special event and played five full sets without repeating a song or adding a cover. That is a ton of material to choose from. Lawrence said the new songs tend to be the favorites. Older tunes sometimes get lost in the mix. In a dream world where cash is no limit, The Whiskey Charmers would love to put out a double live album. Sounds like we fans need to get a crowdfunding project underway.
Songwriting and First Albums
In a nod to the writing of William S. Burroughs and David Bowie, Carrie uses an approach to writing lyrics that borders on the cut up technique. As she works out a melody, she inserts a placeholder word. A random word that fits the melody. While they seem to be just placeholders, they magically transform into the actual lyrics in a sort of transcendental meditation spontaneous spark. Like David Bowie, the Whiskey Charmers do write songs about space travel and musings on what this all means.
As music lovers, we had to chat about first albums. Carrie’s first was the soundtrack to the movie “Grease”. Lawrence from the tender young age of six was into the mean and gritty rocking blues of AC/DC’s “Highway to Hell. Ben went big on his first musical purchase with Black Sabbath’s “We Sold Our Souls For Rock and Roll”. Facing the wrath of his parents, Ben walked up to Kmart and proceeded to revel in the glorious power chords of Black Sabbath.
Guitars and First Concerts
While we were talking, Ben showed off his sweet Dean Psychobilly Cabbie hollowbody archtop electric guitar in taxi cab yellow with black and white checkerboard. Don’t even ask, as Ben isn’t selling this baby. Carrie then showed off Lawrence’s sweet Les Paul which was a gift from his brother. Lawrence loves the guitar since it reminds him of his guitar hero, Randy Rhoads.
Chatting about guitar heroes leads to first concerts with Elton John, Kiss, Bob Seger and Ozzy. This included some fun family memories with Lawrence. Ben remembers his family taking him to see Bob Seger. Ben eventually becomes good friends with Cole Seger (Bob’s son) who happens to be a hell of a filmmaker.
Video Games and Satanic Doo-wop
Somehow we looped back to playlists, Spotify, and the Detroit: Become Human game which featured The Whiskey Charmers as well as other Detroit artists Thornetta Davis, Emily Rose, Rocket 455, White Shag and Model 500. The power of a video game soundtrack can’t be overstated.
Ben mentioned that he listens to the Whiskey Charmers daily. In his weekly mix he also recommends The Gaslight Anthem “The ‘59 Sound” and Twin Temple a Satanic doo-wop band. Yes, you heard correctly, satanic doo-wop. You never know what an episode of Fans With Bands can bring.
Links and Such
Dig into all the stories on this episode of Fans With Bands with The Whiskey Charmers. We hope you enjoy it! Subscribe to Fans With Bands on your favorite podcast service such as Apple, Google, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Audible or Stitcher. Be sure to rate the show and please send us feedback. We would love to hear from you.
Check out The Whiskey Charmers music on Bandcamp
Follow The Whiskey Charmers on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram
Keep an eye out for Ben's new podcast called Motor City Juke Joint
You can also follow Fans With Bands on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram
For samplings of music by artists featured on Fans With Bands, drop by our playlist on Spotify
Support the podcast!!
