Come and get your Scantron!

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. 

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.   

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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.