If you are familiar with Cincinnati band 500 Miles to Memphis, you know that they are a band that rocks but also has country roots in their sound, incorporating instruments that are traditionally associated with country music; lap steel, fiddle, banjo and mandolin. 

For Blessed Be The Damned, 500 MTM brought in musician and producer, John Pedigo (The O’s, Old 97’s) for production and engineering and Grammy nominated engineer, Adam Pleiman leading the charge with engineering and mastering.  Besides producing, Pedigo lends his talents to the album with some banjo and vocals.  Philip W Peeples (Old 97’s) plays bells and percussion on a few songs and other guests include Paul Patterson (violin, viola, cello) and Nathan Hickey (Vocals, Percussion). 

In this interview spotlight, I chat with 500 Miles To Memphis about the upcoming album release, challenges, technology and more.

Full Q&A along with links and music below.

The band will be in Nashville on January 24th (2019). Find event details on Facebook.

Where are you from and what style of music do you create? (In your own words, not necessarily in marketing terms or by popular genre classifications.)

 We are all a bit scattered(OH, KY, IN, WI) but we claim Northern KY and Cincinnati, OH as our home.  It’s tough being from a river town.  We have love for both states but we usually just say Cincinnati when folks ask.  Except for this time. hahaha.  You get the long answer.  Our music is an amalgamation of everything Americana(specifically Appalachia) and Punk Rock.  If Green Day and NOFX had a baby with Bill Monroe and Earl Scruggs… and if their cousins were Merle Haggard and Rancid. 

What led you down this path of music and what motivates you to keep going?

 This path is 20 years in the making.  I started in punk bands in high school and eventually got a taste for country and folk music in the late 90s, specifically the songwriting aspect.  I knew I wanted to front a band but I couldn’t decide between country and punk, so I figured I’d mix both of my musical loves together and see what happened.  It was definitely a rough start(est2003).  Our sound was all over the place but the songwriting wasn’t terrible.  Over time we were able to get better and hone it.  As for what keeps us going?  I’d like to quote Keith Richards.. “We’re still trying to get it right”. 

How is this new release different than previous ones? Were you trying to accomplish anything specific?

This album, our 5th, draws more from our Appalachian region and roots than our previous efforts.  At the same time, this album is more upbeat and punk.  I think longtime fans will notice a more aggressive edge to this one.  

Name one or two challenges you face as an indie musician in this oversaturated, digital music age? How has technology helped you (since we know it does help)?

You nailed it.  Oversaturation mixed with a lack of budget.  We work our asses off day in and day out just for the chance of getting our music heard.  99% of the time it falls into the void.  But, as a fan of music, it’s an amazing time to be alive.  Everything you want is at your fingertips.  The sky is the limit.  There are so many talented people out there giving their music away for free.  500mtm is no exception.  Aside from the “free” thing, having our music so readily available online gives us the opportunity to be heard around the world 24/7.  

What was the last song you listened to?

 Transatlanticism – Death Cab.  I haven’t listened to this album in a long time.  Just randomly popped up and I thought damn… what a great band and album.

Which do you prefer? Vinyl? CDs? MP3s?

 Gotta go with MP3s for convenience.  I’m always on the go so the only way I can hear music is digitally.  But, because of this, I get to listen to music literally all day every day.

How about this one…. Do you prefer Spotify? Apple Music? Bandcamp? Or something else? Why?

 Amazon music.  My wife and I pay for the prime membership to get free shipping anyway so it just makes sense.  They pretty much have everything too.

Where is the best place to connect with you online and discover more music?

 We are most active on Facebook.  We do have twitter and IG but aren’t as active there.  If you message or email us, odds are I will write you back within the hour.  Please feel free to reach out any time.  We love talking to people.

Anything else before we sign off?

Sure… we have an embarrassment of riches when it comes to our access to music, so don’t forget to go to shows and buy merch.  You’re not only supporting the band you like, but you are also supporting a local independent venue which against all sanity and odds have decided to run a business based off of their love of rock n’ roll and beer… and sometimes pizza.