The Kingston Springs
If Jack White and The Black Keys set up a couple vintage Fender amps in their garage and covered some Dick Dale and Credence Clearwater Revival, you’d have a taste of the debut album by Tennessee rockersThe Kingston Springs. We caught up with lead singer Ian Ferguson to talk about their first full-length project that bridges surf rock, blues, folk and Southern rock.
What’s the story of your journey as a band so far?
We’ve all known each other since we were young and used to jam in my basement. One day, about 4 years ago, we started writing music together. We then began playing out in Nashville for a good while and eventually hit the road. We’ve been writing, playing and traveling ever since.
What has influenced your sound? How has it developed?
Well, I think we influence each other as a band. We have similar taste in music, but we all have different things we listen to and separate things we bring to the table, which makes for a blend of some interesting stuff. As far as what’s playing in our van, we’re listening to anything from Link Wray to the Growlers – and of course some Hank Sr. But our sound is always developing because our interests and tastes are too.
As a rock band in Nashville, did you ever feel like you were going upstream against the country music culture?
It’s cool to see the great music coming out of Nashville. Especially the rock ‘n’ roll. It’s been great playing in a city with so many good bands, and we have some loyal fans here. As far as the country music culture goes, I don’t feel like we are fighting against it; if anything, it helps give us that extra “twang” we need. There’s a long history of good music coming out of the South. I know it’s affected us in a very positive way.
Talk a little bit about releasing your first full-length album.
It’s our self-produced, self-titled debut album, and it’s out this week. While recording, it took us a while to find the sound we were looking for. We experimented around town with multiple producers and engineers but, for a while, couldn’t seem to find it (keep in mind we were used to recording and mixing everything by ourselves out of my basement). Eventually, we ended up in my family’s studio, which gave us a lot of freedom. We recorded there to tape and mixed it ourselves in the end. We’re definitely happy with it and glad to finally put it out.
