Getting To Know: The Autumn Saints
It's a rare pleasure to encounter a band that not only captures the essence of a genre but also infuses it with a fresh perspective. The Autumn Saints, a UK-based indie Americana band, exemplifies this rare blend, offering listeners a unique musical experience that bridges the Atlantic. With a singer hailing from North Carolina, their sound is a harmonious mix of Americana roots with a distinctly British indie flair.
Signed by the legendary Nick Stewart, known for discovering titans like U2, The Long Ryders, and Killing Joke, The Autumn Saints have quickly made a name for themselves in the music world. Their journey, marked by a distinctive sound and an undeniable passion for music, is about to reach new heights with the release of their latest EP this month. Celebrating this milestone, the band will be hosting a launch party on February 22nd at the iconic Troubadour in Earl’s Court, promising an evening of captivating music and memorable moments.
The past year has been nothing short of extraordinary for The Autumn Saints. With 11 festival performances under their belt, including notable appearances at the Isle of Wight and an impressive five shows at Glastonbury, the band has showcased their versatility and appeal across a broad spectrum of music lovers. Their two UK tours have further solidified their presence in the music scene, drawing in fans with their engaging performances and authentic sound.
What sets The Autumn Saints apart is not just their music, but also the diverse array of acts they've shared stages with. From the Ben Miller Band and Ags Connolly to Alabama 3, New Model Army, The Buzzcocks, and Pet Needs, their experiences reflect a band that thrives across genres, appealing to fans of indie, Americana, and beyond.
We invite you to join us in exploring the musical journey of The Autumn Saints. As they continue to carve out their niche in the indie Americana scene, their story is one of passion, innovation, and the unifying power of music. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to their sound, there's no better time to delve into the world of The Autumn Saints. We caught up with them:
1. "Wind Burn & Broken Oak" showcased your original work, while "Just Might Be Thunder" features interpretations of iconic songs by artists like Bob Dylan and Johnny Cash. How did you decide which songs to cover, and what was your process for making them your own while paying homage to the originals?
There is always a song or two in the back of your mind that you think: I would really like to explore that one day. Nick Stewart contacted us after our performance at Glastonbury was announced and said he had an idea for us to do an EP where we do versions of our influences. We started brainstorming with him on the phone coming back from a show down south and of course, Dylan, The Band, Johnny Cash came up. Artists that really helped shape us in fundamental ways. The Colonel also suggested we do a War on Drugs song (a modern band we love–"Red Eyes" was the one we wanted) and one from The National. “Blood Buzz Ohio” immediately sprang to mind. I had carried the idea of doing that one at some point since I lived back in America. My wife and I drove through the Rocky Mountains one red afternoon listening to the High Violet album. Really stuck with me. Freddie King’s “Going Down” was a burning blues song that I carried with me for a long time. We really enjoyed recording it. You can’t out King a King–he was an underrated master. We love what he does and wanted to celebrate him Saints style.
2. Your music has been described as a blend of Southern storytelling and British indie influences, creating a unique sound. Can you discuss how the diverse backgrounds within the band contribute to your music's distinct style?
As a kid growing up there is a range of music being played in my North Carolina home. The range of sounds was just like a southern cross-breeze blowing through those open windows. Mom and Dad would play Dylan, Cash, George Jones, Buck Owens, The Byrds and Lorreta Lynn and it was threading through me all the time. In the other room, my big brother would be playing bands like The Clash, The Jam and atmospheric post punks from the UK. Loved how the Brits would break with form. Do what makes the song burn! David, Nick, Marty–they bring that to every song. Really exploring the themes of roots music in new ways.
Eventually that mix is going to shape your creative vision–you have an alloy where there used to be individual metals. When it clicked I knew the mixture felt natural: true. A strict purist is always trimming off any strange leaves that change their reduced version of a tree. A song should be able to grow naturally and it makes sense that branches of it touch other genres, but still keep its roots. Follow where the song takes you. I am lucky enough to play with three amazing musicians from the UK that feel the same way.
3. Following your celebrated performances at major festivals and your tour with The Long Ryders, how has sharing stages with such seminal acts influenced your band's musical direction or performance style?
Playing places like Glastonbury and Isle of Wight really helps you hone your craft and the atmosphere is pretty kinetic. You just lean into it and give it hell. Joyous really if you let it channel through you without getting in the way, kind of a summer storm. For the half hour before I play I can feel the thunder rumbling. It’s an amazing feeling doing what you were made for.
We were grateful that the audiences were into what we were doing; many knew the songs and words. We have our own sound so playing what you love and getting that back from audiences of people you don’t know is stunning and we are always grateful.
And just after, we were able to tour with our heroes: The Long Ryders. True Americana innovators. Pretty unforgettable. They were great to us and sharing the stage with a band that understands and has mastered the hybrid style we love is inspiring.
4. Nick Stewart, with his significant background in discovering talent and promoting Americana music, signed you to Man in the Moon Records. How has working with him and the label impacted your approach to music and your career trajectory?
Being given the nod by the guy who discovered and signed many of our favourite bands continues to be surreal. It has allowed us to do things we never thought we would have a chance to. He’s the real deal, has real vision and it is one of the great honours of my life to be on his label.
5. Your music, rich with atmospheric depth and storytelling, has been praised for its emotional and evocative power. How do you approach songwriting to create this effect, and could you share the inspiration behind one of your most impactful songs?
Every person has an emotive narrative in them. There is something to tell. I think the only difference in a songwriter is they know what to grab. Those smaller fleeting moments and details that capture the larger truth that every person feels. Every song is born differently, but one springs to mind.
One of our favourites that we often end shows with is “Dustbowl Year”. My father was a writer and journalist and one year I traveled with him through the belly of America. Was really stunning. Seeing those wide open places where the Dustbowl era happened. I imagined someone at the time seeing those swift, dark shadows sweeping down and thinking this is the end of things. But it wasn’t. The song is about poverty stricken families finding redemption in the long dust and knowing that who you are and where you come from matters. And that you carry it with you wherever you go–something I also explore in “Moving Through the Deep”.
We are working on and exploring the songs for the next album now and it is truly one of my favourite times in a band–like a quiet, cool morning before the world wakes up, but you know soon the sun is going to blaze and bake the pavement. Possibility, every rising song should feel like that.
