Q&A: WHISKEY SHIVERS

Last week, on our never-ending quest to stay up on the new new and the new new new, we stumbled upon Austin-based Whiskey Shivers on the LA leg of their summer tour. Among a consistent stream of synthetic pop beats and the over-reaching disney-stars-turned-musically-inclined-sorta-kinda-musician, it’s incredibly refreshing to see these guys actually play, well, instruments. With catchy rhythms, killer energy and impeccable musicianship, Whiskey Shivers turns traditional bluegrass on it’s head and has become our fave new “freewheelin’, trashgrassin’, folk tornado” band (and they’re pretty easy on the eyes, ladies.).

Before they darted up north on the 101, the boys caught up with us for one hell of a Q&A:

So, what’s up?
We’re currently piled into a van en route to Portland, Oregon, finishing out the last leg this three week run up the west coast before returning home, and then eventually east again. Basically just trying to spread and practice friendship all across this great nation of ours.

Can we get you something to drink?
Sure. Know anything that cures hangovers? Maybe a purple vitamin water? Gatorade? Pedialite? Micheladas? Do you have those in LA?

Great name! What’s the story behind it?
Haha thanks! I think a lot of people think it’s the DT’s but it’s actually that feeling you get right after a shot of whiskey. That hot feeling that shivers up your spine as you realize the nights gonna get a whole lot radder.

Dream music festival?
Well, we’re playing Austin City Limits, which has always been a dream being as how we’re out of Austin. Aside from that, I’d say Coachella, Telluride, or anything with Insane Clown Posse.

Rock, paper, or scissors?
Scissors. See attached image for our matching scissor tattoos.

Do anything last night?
I’m glad you asked. As a matter of fact we did! We played The Silvermoon Brewery in beautiful historic Bend, Oregon and a good time was had by all. Shortly thereafter we had what we call a cartwheel party.

How late did you stay up?
Three maybe? After the cartwheel party, we were lulled to sleep by the sweet voices of Andy Griffith, Opie, and The Darlings (or the Dillard’s, which is our favorite bluegrass band who had reoccurring roles in the show).

Meals or snacks?
I think we’re all pretty indifferent so long as bacon is involved.

Craziest road trip/tour story?
Something involving way too much Bartles and James and a ripped frenulum. That’s probably as much as anyone cares to know.

Who would you invite to your fantasy dinner party?
Tia or Tamera Mowery, Barney Fife, Genghis Kahn, and Rachel Many.

Your biggest fan?
This dude who calls himself Curtis McTurdis comes to all of our shows within about a 200 mile radius. He once walked from Austin to San Antonio to see us play.

If life could resemble any film…
Goonies, obviously.

Who would you hire to write your theme song?
Chingo Bling or Ke$ha. We can’t come to a consensus.

Blue or black ink?
Black. Like our souls.

Ever sit down in the shower?
Of course! That’s the only way all five of us can fit in.

When was the last time you really froke out on someone?
Thats hard to say. I froke at Andrew our bass player the first time I saw the word froke, which was right now. Does that count?
Oh, I met Paul Ruben once and froke the heck out. Not at him per se, but the same way that a 13 year old girl meeting Jonathan Taylor Thomas in 1993 might have reacted. Screams, cries, and awkwardly long hugs.

What’s the first thing you said out loud this morning?
I woke up to all the dudes singing This is How We Do It by Montel Jordan. I believe my first words were, “…so I reach for my 40 and I turn it up…”

Are you listening to music right now?
Yes! Chingo Bling.

Your dream project?
Literally, anything with The Muppets. Anything.

Where can we catch you next?
Well, I’m not sure when we’ll be back in LA quite yet, but if you’re worldly enough to escape to Texas, we’re playing Utopia Fest in Utopia, Texas on September 20th, and Austin City Limits on October 12th.
If you’re not worldly, Bobby’s going to be making his national television debut on Cops this fall. Oh, and of course, there’s always here: www.whiskeyshivers.com

If we gave you $50 what would you buy?
Cronuts!!!! Just kidding, those are awful. Realistically, probably $50 worth of Ranier Beer.

Last three google searches?
Taylor Swifts feet, “Taylor Swifts feet,” and “Taylor Swift’s feet.”

What are you doing later?
Practicing friendship up and down the coast!

Can we come?
We wish you would!

Visit the band’s website to sneak a peek at their upcoming tour dates.