Interview: Scott Avett of The Avett Brothers

Conducted by Capt. Obvious


Obvious: I drove to Mobile, AL the other night and caught your live show, which quite honestly was one of the best I've ever been to (right up there with Wilco). The energy was great, especially considering the relatively modest crowd. Do you prefer playing to larger crowds or in more intimate settings?

Scott: We have learned to enjoy both types of crowds. Big or small, no matter, they both have a ton of positives and reasons for doing. We have to understand that there are always going to be new places or certain types of venues that will produce less people but it's all about the kinds of people not the amount.

Obvious: Describe your upbringing. Both you and Seth are very talented, was music a vital part of your childhood?

Scott: We did grow up in a fairly musical family. Our father, grandmother, aunts and uncles. However, it was always more about gathering than performing. For me personally, whether it was music or dancing or jumping around and screaming, it was purely about stirring things up and putting on some sort of a show for anyone willing to pay some attention.

Obvious: I'm really impressed by your paintings. Do you find it difficult to balance your artistic endeavors considering you're so busy with your music?

Scott: I will say that painting is very important to me. I am very serious about it and it always lives on its own plane away from the other forms of art that I am involved in, however, it is a constant push and pull for me shifting from one to another and I have learned to maintain constant growth with it on and off the road. It is about continuing the study outside of the studio and although I don't have the time in the studio I constantly research and collect in preparation for my return to the studio.

Obvious: "If I Get Murdered In The City" is such a moving song. Any chance it will be appearing on the next Gleam EP?

Scott: Yes there is a chance.

Obvious: You guys have really picked up a lot of steam as of late, playing Late Night with Conan O'Brien last year and having "If It's The Beaches" played on the NBC series "Friday Night Lights." Are you surprised by the success?

Scott: None of our accomplishments have made us champions but we are extremely thankful and honored by the recognition. Since day one we have promised to carry ourselves proudly no matter the rate of "success" that comes our way. Success, for us, is to maintain that integrity and that attitude and nothing can touch us... but, surprised to find yourself on the Grand Ole Opry or Conan O'Brien, no doubt about it.

Obvious: What's your record for broken banjo strings in one night?

Scott: Sixteen at Andy's in Chestertown, Maryland.


Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/theavettbrothers

Listen:
MP3: The Avett Brothers - Die Die Die (from Emotionalism)
MP3: The Avett Brothers - If It's The Beaches (from The Gleam EP)
MP3: The Avett Brothers - If I Get Murdered In The City (Live)

Tags: The Avett Brothers, Interview, Captain Obvious