Four albums into their decade-long career, Band Of Horses decided to revisit the past with their latest release, recording live stripped-back versions of the group’s most loved numbers across two nights in Nashville.
The album’s genesis came about after BOH frontman Ben Bridwell stumbled across a fan’s stripped back cover of their track 'Part One', and was so blown away he decided to revisit the song himself.
Straight up, how’ve you felt about fans re-working your music? Some artists have been a bit touchy about it?
It’s the greatest compliment in my opinion. That someone would care enough about a song to learn its nuts and bolts and make it even more ‘theirs’ is such an honour for me as a songwriter. I do the same thing to my favourite songs and my intent is pure in that process.
You seem to be directly engaging the known fanbase with this album, giving back to fans in a very broad and interesting way?
Honestly, things have just come together spontaneously. We’re always toeing that line of pandering to the fans and following gut instinct.
Were there any surprises in the arrangements that you’ve used?
Two songs that we'd never attempted in that dialled back dynamic were 'Detlef Schrempf' and 'The Funeral'. My initial thought was what can we add to them to keep them sounding large but with the help of my bandmates; we decided to pull them back even further and I feel like that pulls the listener in even more and hopefully contorts their minds.
Which do you guys feel is the most important factor to getting your work out there; what has helped or strengthened the impact of your group?
All of it has helped I think. A band like ours needs to tour and bring it to the people, embellish the sounds from the albums, and make it personal to the record-buying public. Promotional obligations are absolutely necessary to give the writers, radio, etc, a personal connection to be inspired by for their work. I should add that having sappy love songs that females identify with means they're dragging their boyfriends along to the concert. That’s TWO tickets instead of one!
The ‘Ryman’ recording has some geeky gravitas, in addition to the quirky nature of the actual arrangements; why go with the DsD format?
Because it sounds pristine? It really adds to the intimacy of the recording. I'd challenge anyone to listen to this and not feel the connection of the audience and the band. It really sounds like you can hear the air in the building.
Any influences on your newer material, fresh blood and energy so to speak, due to the re-working of your music?
Probably so, but it's a bit early to tell. Feels like I've been wearing an acoustic guitar like a necklace lately, practicing around the house and stuff. At the same time, I miss the hell out of loud amps already. I can't wait to stomp on pedals and hear pounding drums again.
Was there a cover version you’ve done that you would love to give to YOUR favourite artist; to show this appreciation that you’ve been given?
I covered a Nate Dogg song on the day he died a few years ago. I wish i would've done it while he was alive to show my appreciation of his talent.
What can we look forward to from BOH in the upcoming months/ years?
Hard to say right now. We're working towards getting a new album together but it may take a while. Always hoping to get back over to see you lovely people.
Written by Ben Stewart
‘Acoustic At The Ryman’ is out now.
