Rockabilly Corner: The Barnyard Stompers
by Sheila Broderick
Hello everyone! Rockabilly Corner is back from a short hiatus. I hope this finds everyone well.
You know it has been a long time since I have found a band that I enjoy listening to on repeat. I know that sounds silly but we all do it, don’t deny it. The Barnyard Stompers is one of those bands. Members are Megan Go-Go Wise and Casey Miller. The talent with these two is simply amazing. As stated in “Got me a Trailer” this album will, “blow your f’n doors off!” Their new CD is The Way- Gone, Wild, & Rockin’ Sounds of Barnyard Stompers. There is a variety of different music styles from one song to the next, so you will not get bored listening to this one. From psychobilly to a kind of Irish jig, it’s all here in the 17-track Album. This is a must have for your collection! All right, enough from me; I had the pleasure of interviewing Miss Megan Go-Go Wise, drummer and vibraphone player extraordinaire. Here is the low down on a band you really can’t miss! They have shows coming up in November, visit their website for more information and go check ‘em out!
CMB: Tell us how you and the other band members got together, give us a little background, and introduce yourselves.
Megan Go-Go WIse: Casey had been playing in a traditional Rockabilly string trio (acoustic, electric guitar and upright bass) for over 10 years, and toured through Colorado 3 or 4 times a year, which is how we met. He loved playing in the Bop Kings but was limited in what he could play, so he wanted to try something less restrictive. I heard some of his songs that were more on the country/hillbilly side, and was blown away! I have played for some non-traditional rockabilly/cow punk bands, and brought up the idea to Casey to start a band in that genre. He has a very unique style that I love! It’s much like Hasil Adkins in the way that the music isn’t so ‘square.’ There is a lot of raw freedom in it for both of us.
CMB: Where do you find your inspiration and influences?
Megan Go-Go WIse: Everyday life… people we meet, situations we find ourselves in, and a lot of great music. We draw a lot off of each other. Wild audiences also spark a lot of inspiration when we play live and, if possible, we try to recreate some of those moments and sounds as we grow, and we always build on what we have. We have great chemistry because I’m classically trained and Casey FEELS the music. We’re both passionate in our own ways, so I can hold down the tune while he goes crazy!
CMB: Do you have a CD out or a new release coming up? If so, tell us about it and where to find it.
Megan Go-Go Wise: We just released our self-produced debut album, The Way-Gone, Wild & Rockin’ Sounds Of… Barnyard Stompers, and we’re really proud of it; [it’s] 17 tracks that the two of us finished in two days. There are many styles influencing our unique brand of Honky-Tonk Rock-n-Roll including blues, outlaw country, surf, punk, and even traditional roots in Irish, Cuban and Jamaican styles. There are CDs and USB drives available on our website at www.barnyardstompers.com and digital downloads available on iTunes, Amazon, etc. Of course they’re available at our shows as well!
CMB: What is your take on the Colorado Rockabilly scene?
Megan Go-Go WIse: The scene in Colorado is amazing. It may not seem like it at the moment, but that’s because the last big Rockabilly uprising has slowed down all across the states. It does that now and then and this last wave saw an unbelievable amount of wacky, hokey bands, and massive amounts of poorly written psychobilly, which seemed to spawn from the emo vein. That turns a lot of people off and makes them skeptical of new bands, but Coloradans, in general, seem to embrace live music, no matter what genre.
CMB: Do any of you have side projects you care to mention?
Megan Go-Go Wise: We do have a project that we are always working on. It’s called Vibes-A-Go-Go, which is a lounge/swing group. I play vibraphone in this band (which is similar to a xylophone), and have various guitar players/bass players/singers for each show. Casey still plays with the Bop Kings occasionally when his brother (upright bass and vocal accompaniment), Tomcat Miller, can make it to the area.
CMB: If you had the opportunity to talk with any of your music influences who living or dead would it be and why?
Megan Go-Go Wise: That’s a tough one! I don’t feel like I have specific influences. It’s more like genre influences; at least that’s how I think of it. We thought long and hard on this and decided on John C. Reilly. He’s a great and underrated musician and the only truly talented person in Hollywood. If we took nothing away, then at least we’d probably get a good laugh!
CMB: Whom are you listening to?
Megan Go-Go Wise: These days or right now? I go through phases of what I like to listen to. Right now I am stuck on bluegrass and old, sappy country! There’s always music in the house ranging from old ‘50s Rock-N-Roll and country as well as ‘60s ska and garage/fuzz and ‘70s and ‘80s punk. Most good stuff is, unfortunately, underground, but every 6 or 8 months, a decent band will make it into the mainstream.
CMB: What shows do you have coming up in November and where can our audience find you?
Megan Go-Go Wise: We will be touring the Midwest the first part of November, and the Southwest towards the end of the month. However, we will be at our favorite bar Bloom’s Mill Hill Saloon in Co Springs on Nov 15th, 18th, and 25th. Then Meadow Muffins, also in the Springs, on the 24th. We have great crowds in Southern Colorado but we do play in Denver and the surrounding suburbs pretty often as well.
CMB: Is there anything you would like our readers to know that I haven’t asked?
Megan Go-Go Wise: We both love what we do, and we’re so grateful for the people, promoters, and venues that make it possible for us to make this our living. It is NOT easy! We appreciate all our friends and fans that have been so loyal, and bar owners/promoters that have taken such good care of us here in Colorado as well as the places we’ve traveled. It’s an honor that people like our music…rock ‘n’ roll!
Category: Local News
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