Interview: Tammy Rogers of The Steeldrivers

Grammy nominated nashville contemporary folk band The Steeldrivers are playing Forecastle on July 19th, so we interviewed fiddler Tammy Rogers about their new album, The Muscle Shoals Recordings, their experience with Rounder Records, as well as fashion advice.

The Steeldrivers. Tammy Rogers in center (with cape).

37. is this your first time playing Louisville

TR.  Yes, first time playing the Forecastle festival!  But we have played once before in a small club.

37. What are you most looking forward to at Forecastle/Louisville besides playing?

TR. I always look forward to hearing other bands....we have made some great friends that way!  Meeting backstage and hanging out or getting the chance to hear someone for the first time.

37. You have had a great response to your new Muscle Shoals Recordings; Muscle Shoals AL has a legendary music history from the Booker T and the MGs to the classic recordings of Etta James, Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Rolling Stones, and recently with the Black Keys; How was your experience recording in one of Music's most hallowed grounds?

TR. We had a great experience recording down in the Shoals.  I think we all relaxed a bit and tried to get into a little different mindset than when we have recorded in Nashville.

37. Rounder Records also has a special place in American Music, home to traditional and folk greats such as Mike and Peggy Seeger as well as non-traditionalists like Jonathan Richman and They Might Be Giants; How has your experience been working with such a long lasting and wide-spanning record label? 

TR. I had more records that Rounder had released than any other label when I was young so it has been a great honor for me to be affiliated with them and the history that they have!  They have been incredibly supportive of the SteelDrivers from the very beginning.  I really don't think we could have found a better fit for our music.

37. What are the benefits, both in style and performance, for wearing capes? 
TR. Capes are cool!  And it was actually quite chilly the day we did the photo shot back in December so the cape was quite practical as well!