If you listen to one song today, make sure it’s Colin Southfield & The Mushroom Country Band’s “This House.” Southfield is an exquisite storyteller, matched by his soulful performance. The band is fantastic, too. I’m eager for everything the band does next — it’s been a while since I’ve come across a new Americana band that genuinely embraces the grit and texture that draws us to it.
Formally established in 2020, Colin Southfield & The Mushroom Country Band seek to provide you with an authentically punchy array of original songs. You ought not search further for unmistakably American music.
Who are some of your musical influences?
Well, there’s a ton of them. But just to name a few, Sturgill Simpson, Bruce Springsteen, John Prine, and Charley Pride. Mostly people who play “three chords and the truth.”
Do you play covers at your shows? Why or why not?
We ultimately keep covers to a minimum. There’s a lot of venues out there where they ask you to not play covers and I think that’s kind of ridiculous. Even the best of the best cover other peoples songs. It’s transparent in the fact that it shows an artist’s influence. A well-played cover, with a level of creative freedom and while still preserving the song’s integrity, is always a great addition to any set. You’re crazy if you think I won’t cover a Billy Joe Shaver song.
Recent release you cannot stop listening to?
Brent Cobb is making a gospel album right now and he’s released two singles off of it. They’re amazing. “We Shall Rise” is a dirty rock and roll sound and “When It’s My Time” is the classic country gospel sound with sonic overtones. It’s just a really beautiful project so far.
Do you have any songwriting tips you can share?
Keep writing. You can get stuck in the mud pretty easily. But, keep writing. I have unfinished verses in my head that I’ve been working on for more than two years that I still play around with. You don’t just stop because you hit a wall. You find a weak spot in the wall by chiseling away at it.
What’s the best way a fan can support you?
Just listen to what we put out there. Come out to a show. Sing the words with us. But really, just listening is the first and most important step.
Colin Southfield & The Mushroom Country Band — Facebook, Spotify
Definitely pure Americana. Love these guys