Andy Brewer of Taddy Porter
by Deb Rao
Staff Writer
Hot off the heels of performing this Summer at Rock On The Range and most recently opening for Slash this Fall, Stillwater, Okla. quartet Taddy Porter are putting the “classic” back in Metal. If you are a huge fan of guitar solos, you will love this band. Taddy Porter has a sound reminiscent of Lynryd Skynyrd meets the Black Crowes. On June 29, Taddy Porter released their debut self-titled album with first single “Shake Me” landing at Number 3 on Active radio. The band’s latest single “Big Enough” was dropped Sept. 21.
I had the opportunity to talk with singer Andy Brewer when he was in Boston with his band Taddy Porter performing at the House Of Blues opening for Slash. The South has risen again and it is good to see guitar solos once again taking over the radio airwaves. Hardrock Haven is proud to present an exclusive interview with Andy Brewer, lead singer of Taddy Porter.
HRH: Andy, Thank you for checking in with Hardrock Haven. We first met in Boston at your show at the HOB. The band recently kicked off a Fall tour with Slash in Toronto. What was it like performing in Toronto?
ANDY: It was our first time to ever be in Canada. We got such a great reaction from the crowd and we have never been there before. I hate to say it, but they have a stronger love for rock and roll music maybe? The shows have been amazing. Unfortunately, we only have two more shows with Slash. The shows have been sold out. It has been a great crowd. Our style of music is very similar with big guitar solos and long hair and stuff. It is great to play in front of a crowd that loves Slash.
HRH: The bands second single dropped on Sept. 21 called “Big Enough.” Tell us about the song.
ANDY: We are excited about it. It conveys more of a message than “Shake Me” did which was a good time more of a song. “Big Enough” is more of expression as a band. The song starts of about a girl who only feels better when she cries. It is pretty much saying try something different. Are you big enough to try something like love? Are you big enough to try and talk to somebody and get out of your comfort zone sort of thing.
HRH: How would you describe the song-writing process for this album? Do you write all the lyrics?
ANDY: I write the lyrics. Whenever it comes to riffs and things. It is shares between all of us. Sometimes it is me, or Joe, or Kevin. Once we get a pretty good solid idea of what we want to do. We will pretty much run with it. That is when we come together and iron out the tough spots. Something it is Joe just riffing. Sometimes it is just me singing a melody that we turn into a guitar riff. Sometimes it is just the rhythm that Joe and Kevin come up with. There is a bunch of different ways that we get our songwriting done.
HRH: What is it like having two brothers in the band?
ANDY: It is funny, we are getting used to it now. They will fight with each other more than with any of us because they are brothers. Whenever they get into their little tiffs, I like to call them. It just sounds like a bunch of kids arguing sometimes. Sometimes it is just funny to listen to them. Joe and I will play the peacemaker. It never causes any big problems. We haven’t had any fistfights yet. Knock on wood. It is funny because bands like Oasis and Kings Of Leon have brothers in the band and The Black Crowes. Those guys were the main writers in the band and they had such rivalry. It is spread out evenly with us. There is no overbearing. It works.
HRH: I heard the great response from the audience when you performed in Boston. Taddy Porter is putting the classic back in metal with huge guitar solos. I can hear some definite Led Zeppelin roots. Who are some of your influences?
ANDY: We get compared to The Black Crowes a lot. Led Zeppelin, at any time in the day I will put on Led Zeppelin Two. I have never got tired of it. I am a big fan of Free with Paul Rogers and Humble Pie. These bands kind of started this energetic rock music. I have modern influences like Wolf Mother, Jet. Bands like that we really dig.
HRH: Taddy Porter was recently voted band of the month by Gibson. Was this an honor for you?
ANDY: It was great being recognized for playing our music. It started out as a hobby. We are very happy. We can’t wait to start playing some new guitars by Gibson and sample their products.
HRH: I read that Mets pitcher Mike Pelfrey uses one of your songs for a warm-up. Are you a huge baseball fan?
ANDY: I am a huge baseball fan. I grew up playing baseball. Baseball has been in my family for a long time. My grandfather was a pitcher for the Dodgers. My dad is actually a pitching coach in the Mets organization. I play college baseball. I had a chance to play minor league baseball but I decided to go a different way and I am glad I did because I wouldn’t be able to talk to you now.
HRH: ,Yes, and you are touring the world. The band is heading home for a big show in Tulsa on Nov. 27 at Cains Ballroom.
ANDY: Yes, they have it every year in Tulsa. It is called the Cancer Sucks. It is raising money for the charities around Oklahoma. It is awesome; I have been going to do that for a while. Now we have the chance to headline the show. We are glad to be going home.
HRH: Before that you are going on the road opening for Finger Eleven in October.
ANDY: Yes, all the bands we having been touring for have been huge.
HRH: Is there anything else that you want to say to the fans here at Hardrock Haven?
ANDY: Look us up. If you go to www.taddyporter.com that will direct you to all our social networks. We have numerous songs to start working on next year. Right now we are focusing on spreading the word.
HRH: Andy, Thank you again for taking time out of your busy schedule. Be sure to check out Taddy Porter on the road this October.
Visit the band @ www.myspace.com/taddyportermusic.