Jesse Reaves
For The Salisbury Post
The title for this column is a line modified from a favorite song of mine, “Cut Me Off,”” written by my interview subject, Evan Bliss.
Bliss, as some of you may know, is the former frontman of legendary DC college rockers The Low Life. After the two studio albums “Thixotropic” and “Daisy Cutter” and a couple live releases, the band called it quits back in 2005.
After releasing a solo record titled “Pour Soi en Soi,” Bliss put together a new backing band ó The Welchers ó and set out on a fresh path. Their self-titled debut album was released last year with a refreshingly original sound influenced by everything from acoustic rock to jam band rock. They have played up and down the East Coast, including a few shows at Charlotte’s The Evening Muse in the NODA district. They will be appearing there again at 10 p.m. this Saturday, Nov. 8.
I recently asked Evan Bliss some questions about the group and his music.
JR: First off Evan, thanks for agreeing to do this interview with me. Let’s take it back to the beginning: how did you get your start playing live?
EB: Made a couple phone calls, and did some dirty, dirty favors … I’m not going into that.
JR: For people who haven’t heard your band’s music before, how would you describe your sound?
EB: Audibly sonic. We’re the Bruce Lee of rock. Our style is that we have no style.
JR: Who would you say The Welchers’ biggest influences are?
EB: All over the place. Anyone enjoying making music.
JR: What brings you guys back to Charlotte every few months?
EB: North Carolina women.
JR: After The Low Life broke up, how was it to start over from scratch on something new?
EB: A lot like graduating from high school and starting college. Sure, it’s cool and you’re better and smarter, but you’re the guppy, no one knows you …
JR: When can we expect the new album to come out?
EB: We’re going into the studio as soon as we get about 18 songs we like. Then, based upon the tracks and the takes, we’ll have a better picture. I’m guessing sometime early next year.
JR: Any new groups you’re listening to that people should know about?
EB: I would be if you slipped me a disk but I’m still waiting. I listen to sports radio.
JR: Any favorite venues to play?
EB: It’s the crowd, not the venue. I’d play in an outhouse if the crowd was awesome.
JR: How did you guys get into providing soundtracks for extreme sports videos? It seems to have gotten you guys a good bit of exposure.
EB: Pure luck. They contact us and of course we say “yes.” That stuff is awesome!
JR: Anything else you want people to know about you guys?
EB: Spread the word, come see a show, thewelchers.com.
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There you have it, straight from the man himself. But don’t take our word for it, get down to The Muse and check these guys out.
If you need a preview of their tunes to get an idea of what you’re in for, check out their myspace page at www.myspace. com/thewelchers or go to their Web site www.thewelchers.com. These guys never disappoint and are always good for an entertaining evening of music.
For ticket information and event location, visit www.theeveningmuse.com.
The Welchers are:
Evan Bliss: vocals/guitar,
Eric Abalahin: flute, keyboard, piccolo, clarinet
Jason Mattis: bass
Shareef Taher: drums
Michael Newbold: percussion
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Musician Jesse Reaves lives in Salisbury. Contact him at ringostrat1@yahoo.com.