Interview: Randy Rogers

Tomorrow night, The Randy Rogers Band will take the stage at the House of Blues. In the last several years, the band has been named one of the "must see" live acts by Rolling Stone magazine, appeared on both Letterman and Leno and had their latest self-titled album debut at #3 on the Billboard Country Chart. Houstonist spent some time with the native Texan to discuss music, touring and the band's foray into educational films.

Your band, along with others, represents a new invasion of Texas country music on the national scene. How would you characterize your sound and how does it differ from bands from other music hubs such as Nashville? Would you consider yourselves “Alternative Country?” and if so, how is this different than mainstream country?

We consider ourselves country. Not mainstream, not alternative, just country. We live here in Texas. Texans know country music. We are different than some other acts because we are a BAND. We all have an equal say in the sound as well as the biz. Label it if you want. I am proud we live in Texas, a place where people can afford to be picky about their music.

The Randy Rogers Band has seen quite a bit of success in the last few years, with appearances on Letterman and Leno as well as beating Rascal Flatts for the #1 downloaded country single on iTunes. Do you feel that much of this is due to the 200 plus dates a year the band tours and how do you keep the show fresh night after night?

The fans and the road. 2 things that will always be there if you respect them. Working hard = getting lucky. The harder you work, the luckier you get. I think 200 + gigs a year has put us in a situation unlike any other bands/acts doing this crazy job. Keeping it fresh is easy, listen to the fans, and try to give them something new.

The new album is on Mercury. How has life changed since moving from a smaller label to a major?

We all drive Maseratis now and hang out with Fred Durst at the Playboy Mansion. (smile)

Houstonist suspected this might be the case. Which music might one hear in current rotation on the tour bus? What are some new bands you’ve either played with or found that you are jazzed about?

The music we listen to on the bus is most likely in your grand dad’s ipod, or 8 track machine. A new act, Jamey Johnson. That one is for people who say Nashville sucks.

In 2007, Rolling Stone Magazine listed the Randy Rogers Band a must-see live experience. What might Houstonians expect from a live show?

Well, you can’t talk about our live show without mentioning our band and the energy they all have. Your daughter will like Brady Black, fiddle genius. Your sons will dig the guitar work of Geoff Hill. Chops will steal the show and Les will make you dance all night.

We're sure that even if one does not have offspring, the show will rock! In your songwriting process, do you find consistent themes creeping up?

I like country music more than anything in the world. Country music is about everyday life. Hard work, love, drinking and then losing everything you love and work for. I write about country. I hope everyone knows what that means.

With as many shows as you play during the course of the year, what is the strangest situation you’ve found yourself in?

How bout the best and not the strangest. We got to play the Grand 'Ol Opry at the Ryman this past year. That was my dream come true.

On the band’s website, there is a hilarious video (Little Known Facts ‘Bout ‘Merica) documenting the band’s exploration of the nation’s capital and some potentially alternate explanations of US history. Does the band plan on continuing this series and if so, might Houston be an upcoming topic in episodes to come?

Houston has great haunts and dives. We would love to do a “facts Houston”. I might even star in that episode. I would go straight to the source, Firehouse Saloon.

Houstonist also suggests documenting how well all the astronauts in Houston square dance. It isn't easy to do-si-do in space.

Randy Rogers w/ Rodney Parker and 50 Peso Reward
Admission: $21-40, All Ages
Date and Time: Friday April 24, Doors at 7 p.m., Show at 8 p.m.
Location: House of Blues
1204 Caroline Street
Houston, TX 77002
(888) 402-5837

Photos courtesy of Randy Rogers Band