Nashville due Red:30 describe themselves as “bluesy neo-country” — a label I can get behind. “Won’t Be Coming Home” is a swaggering, finger-wagging tour de force scolding a lover whose spot has just been blown up. “Drop” Dee Draeger’s masterful guitar is rivaled by Hollie Brougunier’s righteously soaring voice. The song feels like a dark tango, only to explode in blues guitar glory. In our interview, Dee and Hollie explain how they find their groove.
Do I start off with music or lyrics first?
Dee: I start off with music first because I like to create little riffs, hopefully with attitude. Why? This will trigger a bit of a melody, enough for Hollie and I to create a base starting point.
Do you have any song writing tips you can share?
Dee: Yes I do! I am a free flowing musician…meaning I’ll innocently grab an instrument, just for a little enjoyment, start playing, and sometimes before I know it, I have slipped into a flowing moment of creative sounds only to find myself not being able to repeat it note for note. Oh it’s so saddening. With that being said, always have some type of recording devise ON!
What’s the best way a fan can support you?
Hollie: Follow us and listen to us on Spotify! Getting a song on one of their curated playlists can really help build your fanbase — or so we’ve heard!
How do you kill the long hours in the van?
Hollie: When I’m not driving the RV, I’m usually coding or doing other work. I’m a full-time software developer with my own company so I don’t really take vacations. My goal is to sell it someday for a zillion dollars and become a full-time songwriter!
What have you missed about touring?
Hollie: The intimacy of playing house concerts or small listening rooms and watching people’s faces while we perform. Facial expressions can be completely misleading, especially when people are really into your music. I love it when a person goes the whole show with a “resting bitch face” and then they are the first ones to come and talk to us and tell us how much they loved the show.