Interview: Fred LeBlanc of Cowboy Mouth

On Tuesday February 24th, Cowboy Mouth returns to Houston, playing at the House of Blues. Perhaps one of the hardest working bands on the road today, this New Orleans-based band is notorious for their roof-raising live shows. Fred LeBlanc formed Cowboy Mouth in late 1990 and for 18 years has been its lead singer and drummer. Fred has also produced albums and written short stories

Cowboy Mouth has gained quite a large following over the years, perhaps most notably for the amazing live shows. Add to this the fact that Cowboy Mouth is on the road doing as many as 200 shows a year and one must wonder, "how do they do it?" What are some of the techniques you've learned over the years to remain so consistently energetic and at the very least not lose your voice?

Well, thanks first for the kind words. We've worked really hard through the years to constantly put on the most qualitative rock ‘n roll experience we can. Good to know that people are noticing. I think it starts with a basic enthusiasm for what we do and the gratitude of knowing how lucky we are to do this for a living, especially these days and in this economic climate. I have lost my voice a few times over the years but i find that water is THE best thing you can do for your body overall. I drink easily a gallon a day on the road and it seems to make all the difference in the world. Also, a fair amount of sleep is good for the body as well. You’ve got to keep an enthusiastic mind (which can be tough, to say the least) and a hydrated body.

Beyond the lyrics and the live shows, Cowboy Mouth's music has always had somewhat of a theme, mostly of redemption and renewed optimism. Is this a conscious effort you make as a songwriter and performer, or is it simply a byproduct of your own experiences?

I can't say on my end that it has been conscious. I can't speak for John or his songs. I do know that I tend to write about what goes on in my life, although sometimes in a veiled way. I know that I personally have had to renew my optimism many times over my life just to keep going. And Lord knows, we all need redemption from time to time. Maybe I'm still learning my lessons. That's probably it.

If there were a Cowboy Mouth musical (such as those that have been done for groups like the Beatles, Queen and Abba), what would the plot be? Which actors would you like to see in it and why? Is there a chance there might be puppets?

That involves WAAAY too much thinking! And thinking is NOT why I got into music. Yes, that has bitten me on the ass from time to time. But the main reason to play music is to experience that sense of freedom on a regular basis that creativity brings. Who would play me? Brad Pitt, of course. That's a joke, by the way…

Who are your favorite bands? Which groups receive the highest rotation on the Cowboy Mouth bus?

We all tend to listen individually to music right now. Regina's liking the new Black Rebel Motorcycle Club. JP has always been a Weezer fan. I've returned back to listening to Buddy Holly, because of the 50th anniversary and all...

You'll be going over to Iraq in March to entertain our troops. Will this be the first time Cowboy Mouth has gone over to play for them? How did the opportunity come about?

Yep, it’s our first time. We knew a band out of Minneapolis that had done it called Catchpenny (good band, by the way) and the military asked them to facilitate bringing other bands over. And they said, "oh we have the perfect band for you..."

The new album is called Fearless. This will make 11 albums and the music is still fun, infectious and clever. After all these years and all those songs, where do you find inspiration for new material and what is your songwriting process? Music first or lyrics first?

Well, once again, I cannot speak for John. When we write together it tends to come out of jamming. But I think (I may be wrong here) that his creative process is very different than mine. My songs tend to start with emotions first, before either music or lyrics, and I tend to craft both of those subconsciously around what I'm feeling. So then they tend to arrive, if not fully formed, at least with the basic elements intact. Every song and creative experience is different and unique.

Conservatively speaking, how many drumsticks do you break a year?

It’s an infinite number. About 10-12 per show, 150-200 shows a year. You do the math.

(Houstonist did do the math - this would be 1500-2400 a year. Thank God for endorsements…)

What can Houstonians look forward to when Cowboy Mouth plays House of Blues on February 24th?

It’s our Mardi Gras show!! We'll play some of our old stuff, some new stuff, and some Fat Tuesday favorites. Its gonna be a blast! See ya'll there!!!!

Cowboy Mouth with opening band, Outlaw Nation
Admission: $20-$30
Date and Time: February 24th, Doors open 6 p.m.
Location:
House of Blues
1204 Caroline Street
Houston, TX 77002
888.402.5837

Photos: www.CowboyMouth.com, Valley Entertainment