If you, like me, are sitting and watching your mailbox, waiting for the latest Grimtale Records release- SCANTRON Grim018- to arrive at your doorstep, here's a little something to tide you over...
You may know him as James or Jimmy. You may have caught him rocking out with one of the coolest bands to travel with their own piano around, Low Cut Connie. As with so many artists too talented to keep it all in one place, he's got a little 'side project' going and has kindly taken some time out of his busy touring schedule to answer a few of my questions.
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| Jimmy Everhart with Low Cut Connie, SXSW 2014 |
Hey James aka JimmyScantron! Thanks so much for
agreeing to this Q&A~
Please
give us a brief introduction to yourself… Background? Bands you play in? When
did you start playing music? What other instruments (if any) do you play? How
did you get to be so funny?
My
name is Jimmy Rice Everhart and I play lead guitar in Low Cut Connie and my
band, Scantron, which I also sing lead vocals. Guitar is my sole purpose
on the planet, but I do fare well with piano and keys, and most instruments
that are plucked or strummed.
As
far as the comedy thing, I blame my mother - she's a quirky, extremely
imaginative kindergarten teacher. Beyond my work, I try not to take life
so seriously.
Many folks
reading this will be familiar with you from Low Cut Connie… How did you hook up
with them? What’s it like touring the country with those crazy Connie Boys?
What are some of your favorite touring memories to date?
I was asked to join Low Cut Connie after
one of my old bands opened for them. Adam approached me at the end of the
evening about the gig. Touring with them around the country has been a
dream come true. Often times amidst the constant financial and personal
struggles that come with touring so extensively, I take for granted the things
we get to do and see.
My favorite memories of tour are always of
the scenery, the sounds, and the food. I was fortunate to drive up the
Pacific Coast Highway between LA and Portland with my fiancé, Molly. That
was my most cherished tour memory to date. If you're looking for
something dirty, well, there are too many things for me to recall!
Your first
EP ‘Scantron’ is about to hit folks’ mailboxes in vinyl format courtesy of
Grimtale Records and rumors are swirling that your second EP, ‘Palamino
Blackwing’, will also see the light of day on wax. What, if anything, does it
mean to you to have these recordings available for the public in a more
tangible format?
Having Scantron on vinyl is a total treat,
especially for someone who collects! The Low Cut Connie album is coming
out on April 21st and we have our two Scantron releases as well. It's
very satisfying dropping the needle and hearing all your hard work presented in
the most tangible way; it's even more satisfying to know that people actually
want to own a copy. I'm so happy I don't have to burn CDs anymore.
You’ve got
some fairly epic Scantron band posters/ artwork to date- who is the brain child
behind those?
The Scantron posters are made by our bass/
keys player, George Murphy, who also owns a multimedia company, Planet Ten
Media. Of course, I coerce him into the goofy/ sleazy theme, but
ultimately he's the brainchild.
With
touring and several EP’s already under Scantron’s belt combined with consistent
touring and recording with Low Cut Connie, do you find it difficult to
compartmentalize these different projects?
This spring is particularly busy.
All of my time is essentially devoted to Low Cut Connie and the release of
"Hi Honey", which we are all very proud of. In the past year,
the Scantron boys have been compiling equipment in our studio, I just wish we
had more time to churn out new stuff. On the bright side, recording and
producing your own stuff is free and a great pastime.
You
recently proposed to your gal Friday in a fairly spectacular fashion. Any
advice you have for other men considering popping the question?
Haha,
as far as my proposal:
Molly
and I have known each other for a long time; we've dated for almost 6 years
(April 18th!). It was the easiest decision I've ever made in my
life. It is profoundly difficult to tour and maintain such a loving
relationship, but the key is that we trust each other implicitly and Molly is
my number one fan. I can live without touring and being on stage, but I
cannot live without her. Simple as that. As far as advice: Save
money, have confidence, and stick with a classic-looking engagement ring!
Official Five ‘Gotta Know’ Questions?
1)
First vinyl memory?
My first vinyl memory is either listening
to Eddy Arnold at my grandparent's house or dancing to Paul Simon when I was a
little baby.
2) What
is an album you regularly spin for your own enjoyment?
My most worn-out piece of wax is
definitely "Tonight's The Night" by Neil Young or the self-titled
album by Link Wray (the country one where he sings a lot).
3) What
was the last album you added to your collection?
I just bought "S.F. Sorrow" by
the Pretty Things and "Boom" by The Sonics.
4) What
was your favorite album or new artist from last year?
My favorite album
from last year is either "All or Nothing" by Nikki Lane.
5) What artists are you looking forward to hearing more of
this coming year?
I'm
not even sure who's working on new albums this year, but I'm most excited about
follow a few of my new friends in Futurebirds and Turbo Fruits. Both
bands are insanely good.
*************************
Thanks so much to Jimmy for participating! You can check out Scantron for yourself via Grimtale Records (get one while you can, they're going fast!), their Bandcamp or (if you're anywhere near Delaware) at a live show sometime in the future. Look for Low Cut Connie's 'Hi Honey' via Contender Records in April, available for pre-order now via their website.
