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Interview with The Buddy System

by Joshua (J.Smo) Smotherman May 9, 2012 7:06 pm

The Buddy System

Aaaaannnndddd heeeeerrrrrreeeeee’ssssssssss The Buddy System.

You can catch them performing at Music Tree Fest on Friday June, 1 at Two Purple Pigs.

Hometown: Shelbyville, TN
Primary Genre: Alt Rock
Members/Instruments: Ryan Frizzell (vocals & guitar), Matt Rose (drums), Rikki Jones (lead guitar), Robert Wilson (bass)

How long have you been playing?

We have been playing as the Buddy System for one year now.

How did you get together?

Matt & I have been friends, and playing music together since we were around 15 years old. Rikki joined up with us last year. He is Matt’s girlfriend’s nephew. Robert was a friend of Rikki’s that was in the right place at the right time.

What do you do for fun? You know…besides music?

I get into hiking, and making things! I like to paint & make junk art. I have a business I am trying to get started with all my own art. It’s called the Rhinovirus. There’s a facebook page & all that.

How’s the music scene in your home town?

The music scene in the Boro has died down in the past decade, but it’s still pumping up the volume! We frequently play the Boro bar & grill, and the Grind.

What’s on your personal playlist this week?

I am really into everything Local H does ,& David Bowie’s “Ziggy Stardust” years.I am really into his album “Bowie at the Beeb” BBC sessions. “5 years” is a great cut on that one.

Can you pin-point the moment you knew you wanted to be a performing musician?

I was talking about this the other day… In Shelbyville, Tn the local high school throws on an event called “Hee Haw Howdy”. It features locals dressed like the old Hee Haw crew from the TNN Network. There was a performance by someone dressed as String Bean playing “Secret Agent Man” on guitar… That was the moment I knew what I wanted to do.

What are your goals? How far would you like to go? What is the next big hurdle?

I wanna write, and perform as many songs for as many people as possible before I kick the bucket… I would love to see the world, and meet all kinds of new & interesting people everywhere… I would like to make a living at it so I can quit “throwing my life away” on these tewp. jobs & horrible uniforms… HELP ME!!!!

Describe one of your most memorable music moments.

One of the first “bigger” shows I ever played. I was standing backstage, and I could hear people chanting our name… It was possibly THE greatest moment of my life…

What song makes you dance when you’re cleaning house?

“Got to Give it up (part 1)” by Marvin Gaye

Tell us about your musical influences.

“Matt & I write most of the Buddy System’s songs. We’re both really into Nirvana, Foo Fighters, Local H, Soundgarden, Tripping Daisy, the Flaming Lips, Built to Spill, Self, the Katies, and lots of 90’s rock”

Where would you like to build a vacation home?

Savannah, Ga

How did you hear about Music Tree Fest?

Luck!

How do you feel about being a part of the Music Tree Festival?

We’re super excited about being part of something new & Larger scaled! It’s awesome to see so many people, artist & musicians coming together, and it as nothing to do with “the roo” Which is too expensive!!!

Do you have plans for Bonnaroo?

We’ll go when we play there!

Is there anything else you want to say?

“We are currently recording our first full length album to be entitled “”Whoopie Pow””. We’re trying to play as many shows to as many people as possible. We have only been a band for a year now, and already have had shows & many talks with local labels ( Mule Town Records Columbia, Tn ), and management teams (Full Force Entertainmaent). We will play for anyone, anywhere, and can’t wait to be part of the noises made at MusicTree!!!”

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About Joshua (J.Smo) Smotherman

Joshua is a music business consultant currently serving as COO of Unlimited Sounds, a boutique publishing admin & consulting firm based in Northern California. He also serves as director of Pac Ave Records, a student-run record label. He is an archivist and curator via Indie Music Discovery.com, co-founded with C Bret Campbell in 2011. He is also a Father of 3 and an all purpose jedi... but before any of this, he was and still creates as an indie/DIY songwriter and producer. Connect on IG. Read full bio.

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