Black Pistol Fire
Kelly Doherty caught up with Canadian blues rock duo Black Pistol Fire about their recent album, Hush or Howl, comparisons with The White Stripes and their plans for the year.
Who is Black Pistol Fire and what's your story so far?
We are two fun lovin' chaps from Toronto, Canada by the names of Eric Owen and Kevin McKeown. Kevin plays guitar and sings, Eric plays the drums. We have been friends since we were wee tykes and play Rock and Roll. Nowadays, we spend a lot of our time in Austin, Texas though Canada is still home.
How would you describe your sound for someone who's never heard you before?
It's Rock and Roll! Each song has a different feel to it: Some are bluesy, some funky, some country, and some have a punk rock edge. But in the end, it's only Rock and Roll!
What's the band up to at the moment?
We just got back from a tour with The Toadies and doing something very special with T-Mobile in Chicago that will be happening very soon. We were also recently in the studio laying down a few new tracks. Just keeping forward momentum going!
How has the reaction been to Hush and Howl?
It's been great! Radio has been really supportive and we've made many new fans while also pleasing those that have been with us for a while.
What inspired the album?
This album was a put up or shut up album for us. We were getting frustrated with a lot elements within the music business and decided that we needed to really make a splash with this album and either fall asleep (Hush) or Scream to the universe (Howl).
Tell us about the recording experience.
I believe it was 5 days total. 4 of them taking place in April at 5th St Studios in Austin and 1 day in October at the same studio. Nick Joswick is a mighty engineer and we recorded to 2" tape on the famous "Neve" Console. Our dear friend and long time producer Micael Rocha flew in and helped guide the LP in the direction it needed to go. While 5 days to record might not seem like much, I actually think it's the most time we've ever had for an album, so we actually got to experiment a little.
How do you feel about the comparisons between the band and acts such as The White Stripes and Black Keys?
They are bound to happen I suppose. Aesthetically, the comparisons are obvious. And yes, there are indeed some similar sounds. I think if someone were to listen to the music and not know anything about the band (that there's two of us), they might not be so quick to make those comparisons. We're both Jack White fans so if someone needs a point of reference for our music, then it's fine.
What are your plans for the rest of the year?
We're playing Loufest in St. Louis and then ACL in Austin. Probably more touring and laying down more tracks whenever we get the chance.
Who influences your sound?
Other musicians and artists. Both old and new alike. I could go on forever naming acts we love. Zeppelin, Creedence, old Kings of Leon, Little Richard, and The White Stripes are some but there are so many more. We really do love all types of music.
Final words?
Baba Booey!
