MTM and Portland, Tennessee based funky soul rockers Django Riders have history going all the way back to our days covering MusicTree Festival in Manchester, TN many years ago.

It was only natural that I grab an interview with the band to help promote their latest project (Friction)!

In this interview spotlight, I kick it with the Django Riders to discuss their new music, challenges, technology and more.

Full Q&A along with links and music below.

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.)

Jay: I’m not 100% sure where I came from, before all this it was just darkness. Once I was born I kinda just chilled in Portland, TN. I think we are a blend of Soul and Funk Rock mixed with Americana style lyric writing. Dan and his buddy coined the phrase Hippie Funk and it kind of fits.

Dan:Contagious hippy funk

Tim: Portland TN via Attica IA..Funk-n-Soul is what I call it.

Josh: I’m from Portland, TN, but I currently reside in my head.

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

Jay: I think like a lot of musicians you aren’t really sure what it is that got you here. It’s just something that’s kind of in you and it just never really stops. I remember taking a break from music after my last band for about a year and I don’t think I ever felt more empty then that time. Making music is just what makes me happy.

Dan: I don’t know how exactly we got here – it crept up on us as we evolved as a band.  I want to keep going because one shouldn’t defy the funk…

Tim: I wanted to be just like Elvis. Hmm what motivates me? The crowd’s reaction, not the fame and fortune but I’d take it if it comes.

Josh: It’s just always been something I loved and it’s easy to keep pushing for something you enjoy.

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

Jay: I think this is the first release I have ever released that I know exactly what sound I was going for and Kevin Edlin our producer did such a great job at bringing to life what was in my head. We actually recorded an entire album a few years back and we scrapped because the producer was trying to make it something it wasn’t. I think this time we have found the sound we are looking for. I just want people to enjoy the tunes and maybe it will help a few people get through a tough time.

Dan: This is the first release with me on it.  I think we just want to share our music with the world!

Tim: Well it’s the first major one, so we have that going for us. Just to spread the love and soul.

Josh: It’s actually going to be RELEASED and ultimately I just want people to enjoy it.

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)?

Jay: I mean it’s a blessing and a curse to have an oversaturated market. On the positive side there is so much great music being made that would never get heard 20 years ago and on the negative side there’s so much bad music being made that would have never been heard 20 years ago. It’s all subjective though, something you might hate other people might love. Hopefully we can find a way to fall in the positive side of it.

Dan: It can definitely be oversaturated- you’ve said it.  Jay has been very good at maintaining our online presence and keeping everything updated – technology has helped because he’s worked at it so much.

Tim: Getting noticed, gives you a broader platform to be heard

Josh: Getting your name out there and finding a sound that is different for the thousands of other sounds.

What was the last song you listened to?

Jay: Keep On Shining by Curtis Harding

Dan: Helicopter by Bloc Party

Tim: Be There by Hayes Carl

Josh: Energy by Drake

Which do you prefer? Vinyl? CDs? MP3s?

Jay: I prefer Vinyl is I’m at the house, but you can’t beat the convince of MP3s and the sound quality of a CD. I’m a media junkie to be honest. If it’s an artist I like I will be getting the vinyl and CD which usually comes with a download code for an MP3. Losing lots of shelf space.

Dan: Vinyl is great but I have a larger collection of mp3s- hard to play records in the car!

Tim: For my consumption I prefer vinyl but I want fans to have it anyway they want it.

Josh: MP3s ALL DAY

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

Jay: Spotify is easily my go to. So much content and usually the suggested artists are spot on. I do enjoy Bandcamp for indie artists, but the way Spotify is changing their format I believe you will be able to go to it for anything soon enough.

Dan: Spotify for mainstream and bandcamp for supporting our fellow indie bands.

Tim: Spotify, because of their wide choice of complete albums and artist catalogs in the original order.

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

Jay: Our website www.TheDjangoRiders.com will have pretty much anything you are looking for from us. The new CD and all future releases will be anywhere you want. Spotify, Itunes, Apple Music, Napster anywhere like that. That is if they will have us after the pro Spotify comments.

Dan: Bit of bandcamp, bit of spotify, not of vinyl

Tim: That’s all on Jay he does all the marketing.

Anything else before we sign off?

Jay: Be sure to pick up your copy of Friction

Dan: Thanks for listening!