Brothers Gow Chats With COjam: The Colorado Jam Scene [Interview]
Soulful rock, funk and jazz-based improv. with good clean fun
By Eric Frank
April 22, 2017
The nation of jam extends to all reaches of the United States. From Burlington, VT to Madison, WI, Atlanta, GA and yes, San Diego, CA, one can find genre-bending, eye-dilating, groove-modulating music to eternally soothe the soul.
Enter Brothers Gow, a San Diego-based quintet that has been working its ass off in order to shake yours. With members Alex Gow Bastine (keys, vox), Carson Church (bass), Kyle Merrill, (guitar, vox, trumpet), Ethan Wade (guitar, vox), and Nathan Walsh-Haines (drums, vox), the band serendipitously landed in the beautiful coastal city of Ocean Beach in San Diego where they were finally able to hone their true style & sound using the ocean as their inspiration.
Brothers Gow is nearly as fluid as the ocean itself, endlessly dynamic and transporting listeners to places they’ve never been before. The band is constantly on the move, so tracking them down for conversation can prove challenging. But COjam recently did just that, catching hold of drummer Nathan Walsh-Haines (NWH) as the band weaves its way to Colorado...
COjam: Brothers Gow relocated from Flagstaff, AZ to San Diego, CA early in the band's existence. What prompted that move and how has San Diego as a home base treated you?
NWH: After college we wanted to grow the band as much as possible, so we wanted to have access to LA and other west coast markets. We've been in San Diego for several years now and it's amazing! The scene there is strong and the quality of life is outstanding. We are lucky to be one of few psychedelic/jam-influenced bands in San Diego, so we've amassed a loyal following. Our fans are so good to us. I suppose the only drawback to San Diego is we couldn't be further away from some of the new markets we are beginning to tour in. It makes for some long cross-country drives, but the people need to rock, so we are committed to bringing the show to them!
COjam: You guys have enjoyed success in Colorado. How does Colorado's music scene compare/look as an outsider?
NWH: Colorado is easily the new Mecca for jam-bands. I like it because there's so much going on you have to really bring it and prove yourself to music fans there. People have responded really well and I'm excited to get back this week with some other great Colorado bands. I always say, "If you can win in Colorado, you can win anywhere."
COjam: With regard to your upcoming shows, what can Colorado expect?
NWH: One of the best things about Colorado is the sit-ins. No doubt we will have some killer local players come out and rock with us. We love to surprise our fans, but having our peers sit in with us also keeps us on our toes. Sometimes we hear our songs through another musician's ear and it ups our game. It honestly benefits everyone.
COjam: Brothers Gow has a crazy tour schedule, playing night after night after night. How have you adapted to life on the road? Do you have a favorite road-story?
NWH: Tour life is a really unique experience full of highs and lows. You really have to battle the elements, logistics and finances to keep the dream alive. This year, we are breaching the east coast and playing New York, Pennsylvania and other cool cities. One of our craziest stories...We were en route from Beanstalk (in Westcliffe, CO) to Denver last summer when randomly, our emergency escape hatch on the roof blew off. We had a hell of a time circling back to have one of our guys retrieve it, and then strapped it down with tie-down straps. About an hour later, our brakes caught on fire so we pulled over and put it out with two fire extinguishers. We almost cancelled, but ended up making the show in Denver happen. The show must go on!
COjam: With festival season approaching, which ones will Brothers Gow be taking part in?
NWH: [We've got]...
Wind Rider Mountain Festival: Alto, NM -May 26-28
Galactic Getdown: Lanesboro, MN - June 27-29
Down on the Farm: Manhattan, IL - July 29
The Werkout Music Festival: Legend Valley, Thornville, OH - August 5And we are hoping to play
Hangtown Music Festival: October 26-30, so tell everybody to vote on Facebook!
COjam: Do you believe networking to be more or less important in the days of the Internet, instant news and social media?
NWH: Networking is essential for any touring musician. Being knowledgeable about other bands in your scene and making a point to pay it forward will always help you in the long run. As a drummer, I love meeting other drummers and talking shop and life in general. Social media is a great tool to help facilitate those relationships.
COjam: Well, I’m a drummer… so let's talk some shop! What are you playing on right now?
NWH: I have been playing a Pearl Masters 5-piece kit since 2006 and I love it! It's an awesome road kit and has been with me for every tour I've ever been on. I endorse Trexist cymbals and Telefunken microphones. I also use the Roland Octopad for FX and DW hardware and pedals
Ethan Wade (Guitar): I'm currently playing a G&L Asat '87 and rock an older Mesa Boogie Maverick. It's 35 watts and has 2 12” speakers in it. We recently joined the Mesa Boogie artist family and we work with a pedal company called Source Audio. They make a bunch of pedals I use. I'm especially fond of their latest creation, the Nemesis delay. Along with top notch sounds and simplistic usability, they've been the anchor pedals on many of my pedalboards throughout the years.
COjam: How does a band best grow its audience?
NWH: For us, touring has been the top priority for the last few years. We are averaging more than 100 shows a year. My best advice for any artist is simply to be honest with what you are doing and know what it is you are selling. We are selling a live show and we rock hard and play with passion. Use all of the tools of technology, stay organized, be prepared and most importantly, keep creating and seeking inspiration. It's all crucial—not only to growing your audience, but maintaining it too.
BROTHERS GOW COLORADO TOUR
Saturday, April 22 @ Animas City Theater (Durango)
Wednesday, April 26 @ Hodi's Half Note (Fort Collins)
Thursday, April 27 @ Cervantes' Masterpiece Ballroom (Denver)
Friday, April 28 @ The Lazy Dog (Boulder)
Saturday, April 29 @ Old Town Pub (Steamboat Springs)