Formula Indie Sessions _ Interview with Rolling Boxcar International
What is your earliest memory connected to music?
I can vividly remember playing the theme from Jaws at a piano recital when I was a child.
How did your passion for creating music begin?
It probably started during those early piano lessons, continuing when I joined the school orchestra as a double-bass player.
What’s the story behind your current music project?
Rolling Boxcar International (RBI) started soon after Angelo LaMarca and I (Richard Blair) met. We soon started playing music together and could communicate and understand one another easily.
How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard your music before?
Categorically, we fall under the indie, singer-songwriter, Americana umbrella. We hope our music is comforting and challenging, like the ocean.
What is one thing you’ve learned that completely changed the way you make music?
Not to be afraid, to keep moving, and not to be too precious
What tools, instruments, or software are essential in your creative process?
My notebook and guitar are essential
Which indie artist or song are you loving right now?
Jeff Tweedy’s new album, Twilight Override, especially the song “Parking Lot.” And Hacienda’s new album, Oaxaca Sun
How have your personal experiences influenced your music and artistic vision?
Concentration, determination, self-discipline…these are admirable qualities developed over years and apply to the creation and consumption of any artistic endeavor.
What emotions or messages do you hope listeners take from your work?
Commiseration–that you’re not alone–and hope
What’s the most important lesson music has taught you so far?
To keep pressing on
What is a dream venue or festival you would love to perform at?
The Beachland Ballroom in Cleveland, OH is tops on that list. And who wouldn’t want to play at the Ryman Auditorium and Red Rocks Amphitheater?!
If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be and why?
Levon Helm comes first to mind. He was such a collaborator who always aimed to support other artists, to encourage them to challenge themselves and see the whole operation as the end goal.
Where can our listeners follow and support your music? (Website,Spotify, IG, links)
Looking toward the future, what’s your dream for the next chapter of your musical journey?
We hope more people hear our music and would love to get some sync placements in television and film. But we really just hope to continue to write songs and make music together that will inspire and encourage others.
What do you hope listeners will discover about you along the way?
That we are sincere–that we mean what we say and say what we mean. And that we love you.
