Interview with Alder Street All Stars plus Harmed

Who: Alder Street All Stars
What: Non-traditional bluegrass band in concert
Where: Portneuf Valley Brewing, S. 1st Ave., Pocatello ID - map
When: Saturday, August 14, 2010 8:30 p.m.
How Much: Free!

I got a note from Penny Pink, brew mistress and restauranteur extradinaire, about an upcoming band scheduled to play at the pub, the Alder Street All Stars. So I contacted the band to find out more!

Here's what I found out.

ASAS: We're really looking forward to the shows here in Idaho and can't wait to play at the brewery! I don't know if Penny mentioned the band we are traveling and playing with, but we are with an amazing trio named the Harmed Brothers who will be playing with us everywhere but the brewery.

SLG: Cool! So we get two interviews for the price of one!



Describe your genre of music in as much detail as you like. Maybe list your three best crowd-pleasing songs? Can you explain in what way do you most appeal to your fans?

Alder Street All Stars: Best described as thug-grass or politically charged non-traditional bluegrass. Our fans enjoy the hard drinkin, instrumentally driven political statements, along with the firey stage presence of the band.

The Harmed Brothers: We're best described as Americana folk, a diverse collection of musicians and songs, ranging from gentle and melodic to intense and spirited, almost easing into punk territories.

SLG: Tell us where you're from and currently based in what town?

ASAS: We are based out of the Campbell Club Cooperative in Eugene, Oregon. The band first came together 4 years ago to play a benefit for a couple of friends who were being threatened with deportation. The benefit raised enough money to pay the legal fees that were necessary to keep our friends in the country. The fellas decided that since they worked so well together, maybe they would just keep it going. And here we are 4 years later....

HB: We're originally based out of Cottage Grove, Oregon. Donnie Vietti (Vocals, guitar) originally hails from Marceline, Missouri, Guthrie McClenny (drums, washboard, vocals) was born and raised in Cottage Grove and Alex Salcido (banjo, piano, vocals) came from the Los Angeles County.

SLG: Past shows or venues you'd like to brag about? Past or future shows in the Pocatello area?

ASAB: We had the good fortune to be able to open for the sold out show featuring The Devil Makes Three at the WOW hall in Eugene, Oregon for and play regularly at festivals in Oregon and Washington.

HB: This is our second national tour. Our last great experience on the road was a five day tour of the midwest during the holidays and through the new year.

SLG: Any comments about the local live music scene, the music industry in general? What do you think is the best way to get your music out there?

ASAB: We are excited for the new west coast folk revival that is popping up all up and down the coast with bands like the Blair Street Mugwumps, the Conjugal Visitors, Fruition, and Badminton Orchestra. We absolutely hate Brittney Spears, Lady Gaga, and anything else that isn't real music. In fact, we even have a song about that. God we hate them.

SLG: Do you have any favorite videos of your band or your music on YouTube?

Alder St: Wow hall show -



See also these related videos
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8DWG6dmQFC4&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JdYajqh6VgI&feature=related

Harmed Brothers: New Years Eve 2010 on Stafford Ranch in Stroud, Oklahoma -



SLG: Recordings? If so, where did you record? Who produced your recording? Will you have CD's or more for sale at the show?

ASAS: Alder Street currently has 2 albums titled Beer Made and Too Drunk to Folk. The most recent album, Too Drunk to Folk was recorded in Cottage Grove, Oregon by David Beeman. We will have cd's and t-shirts for sale at all of the shows.

HB: We just recently finished our first full length, "All The Lies You Wanna Hear," also recorded in Cottage Grove, Oregon by David Beeman. It was released mid-July online, available for sale on the road and for download on cdbaby.com.

SLG: How can fans contact you? Myspace? or another website?

ASAS: Alder Street All Stars can be contacted through myspace at www.myspace.com/alderstreetallstars

HB: myspace - www.myspace.com/theharmedbrothers
facebook - http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Harmed-Brothers/187922850093

ASAS: We hope this helps and once again, we are looking forward to our first tour! See you soon!