by Elise Olmstead
Today, July 12, 2017, psychedelic bluegrass band The Kind Thieves released their new single “Shallow Grave” from their upcoming album Many A Thief. We took a moment to talk to guitar/dobro/banjo player Colby Elswick about the band and this exciting release! Check out the single in the video above, and we guarantee it will brighten up your day.
When did the band come to be and how did you meet each other?
It all started with a vision that Cody Perkins & Colby Elswick about 4 years ago. Two years into it we recruited Jonathan Archie & Drew Jobe to round out our then string band sound. Just a couple months later Drew brought in Annie Fowler on the fiddle & Colby brought in Andrew Brown on drums thus bringing our transformation into our current brand of Jamericana. Throughout this current festival season we have added Dustin Roberts (percussion), Gary Reynolds (trumpet/banjo), & Jason Lockart (keyboard) to round out our newly found big sound.
How did you come up with the name “The Kind Thieves”?
A quote from George Mcdonald. Essentially, don’t judge a book by its cover.
What influences led you to play your distinct style of “jamgrass”?
Naturally with a big band there will be quite a few different influences. We collectively like just about anything you can imagine. Our short list of influences would definitely include Grateful Dead, Pink Floyd, Cabinet, & Greensky Bluegrass
Where did you record this single?
We recorded our single “Shallow Grave”, at the Harmonics House in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
Tell me a little bit about the songwriting process on this single. What inspired the lyrics and sound?
Colby and Drew locked themselves in a room during the winter of 2015 and churned out this song as well as quite a few others that will be on this album.
When will the full album be released? What is it called?
We will be releasing our debut album Many a Thief on all platforms on October 13th!
Where will you be performing this summer?
We will making stops at Deep Roots Mountain Revival in Masontown, WV, The Burrito Bar in Lansing, WV, & Creek Bottom Brews of Galax, VA & Mt. Airy, NC. Watch out for us in a town near you!
