Bands today seem to be gigging more than ever, and there’s never been more proof than the story of Nashville rockers, Fools for Rowan. With over 100 gigs to their name playing major stages like Summerfest and opening for Evanescence, we caught up with the band to find out just how they’ve become so successful.
Your EPK shows that you’ve booked over 100 gigs – how have you been such a successful live band?
It's our energy on stage that has captivated audiences and keeps the fans coming back. Plus, it really helped us in the beginning to spend a little money to put together a professional live video that shows fans and venues what we can do live. It's helped us book many gigs we wouldn't have gotten otherwise including opening slots for bands such as Evanescence...Halestorm...Sick Puppies and many more.
What’s it like being a musician in Nashville? Is it a better city for bands or is it more difficult to make waves?
Well...it's good from the standpoint that there's a ton of talent so you're pushed to be really good to get noticed. However, it's a very critical town so you're likely to get some very honest and sometimes "harsh" critiques from other professionals who happen to be in the audience. One great thing is that you're likely to find out after a show that someone like Hayley Williams from Paramore or Kelly Clarkson were in the audience during your show!
What’s your favorite venue to gig in Nashville?
It would have to be 12th & Porter (because they have such great lighting and everyone has to stand up close)...and The Rutledge (those guys running the "Ledge" are SUPER nice). But our show at War Memorial Auditorium in front of a packed house of 2000+ fans opening for Evanescence is by far the coolest gig we've ever played in Nashville.
What advice would you give artists who are trying to break into the Nashville scene?
Give your music away. Don't put any roadblock in front of new fans hearing your music. You can make money later. Also, once you have a little fan base don't play in town so much. We started out playing a gig here every month until we had a good base of fans. Then we got the Evanescence opening slot in August of 2011 in Nashville which REALLY helped us gain a ton of new Nashville fans. Now we only play Nashville 3 or 4 times a year...and try to make it a special event and we end up with way more fans there because they know if they miss that show they'll have to wait a while til we do another!
What’s up next for Fools for Rowan in 2012?
We're working on a new album probably an EP and also hoping to do a new music video. We also recorded our show last December at 12th and Porter in Nashville so we should have some new live video soon. We'd also LOVE to hook up with a larger, more well-known band as an opening act for a national tour in 2012.
Keep an eye out for Fools For Rowan on the road and in your headphones this year! Check out their live performance of "Dead" at 12th and Porter below:
