Interview

Jon Snodgrass (Drag The River, Scorpios, Armchair Martian)

Intro How about Me & Joe McMahon from SMOKE OR FIRE in Germany & Switzerland this Oct? Finalizing the dates now. 

Jon Snodgrass is a singer songwriter who performs as a solo act but also lends his voice and guitar playing to a multitude of musical acts including Armchair Martian, Drag The River and all-star band Scorpios. I first became familiar with his music through Drag The River in the mid 00’s and quickly became obsessed. The contrast between Jon and Chad (Price, ALL)’s voice is perfect, the songwriting is fantastic and they keep a great balance between more light hearted songs and deeply sad songs. It is, also, perfect driving music.His European tour with Joe McMahon of Smoke Of Fire fame starts TODAY check out the dates below! I’ve never been disappointed by a Jon Snodgrass show, so when he rolls out near your town, make sure to check him out!


Which music genre do you listen to the most? List your five favorite albums in that genre. (feel free to answer for multiple genres if you want)
I like ROCK MUSIC music that rocks. Off the top of my head… ALL, THIN LIZZY, AC/DC, CHEAP TRICK, BEATLES, HÜSKER DÜ, MOTÖRHEAD, X, REPLACEMENTS, WARREN ZEVON, RAMONES, BOB DYLAN, THE BAND, ROCKET FROM THE CRYPT, JAWBREAKER & UNCLE TUPELO are all “ROCK” bands in my opinion. 

Your five favorite rappers of all time? (If you’re not into rap feel free to answer one of these instead: five best lead guitarists, five best rhythm guitarists, five best drummers, five best producers, five best vocalists)
How about I answer 1 of ALL?
RAP- Chuck D
LEAD GUITAR – I don’t really have one. 
RYTHM GUITAR – Malcom Young 
DRUMMER – Bill Stevenson 
VOX – Sam Cooke 

What’s the album you’ve listened to the most in your life? Do you still listen to it?
It might be SAM COOKE – Live at Harlem Square 

What are some of your favorite song lyrics? Lyrics that have been important to you or that had an impact on you?
I first heard the expression “take whatever you need ad leave the rest.” from Levon Helm (THE BAND)  

Do you have a favorite setting or place to listen to music?
I’ve always liked to just walk outta my house listening to music. With nowhere planned to go. I used to carry around a Walkman with a pocket of cassette tapes. Now it’s easier. 

Do you remember the first time you really appreciated an album or a song?
Listening to MERLE HAGGARD in the family car. Laying on the top of the back seat, feet on a speaker, head on a speaker. 

What were you listening to in elementary school? How have your musical tastes evolved since?
BEATLES into HÜSKER DÜ. Not much has changed. 

What beloved music do you share with your parents (or children if you have kids)? Any specifics memories?
My sons loves AC/DC. My favorite memory is me and him riding bikes to his first day of pre school, hearing him singing, “Riding On The Highway! Going To A Show!” at the top of his lungs. 

Most memorable show you’ve ever seen? What makes it stand out?Maybe the first time I saw FUGAZI. There were maybe 10 people there. 

Credit: Nicole Kibert

Do you have any songs that are meaningful to you because you associate them with important events in your life?
Dylan’s Don’t Think Twice it’s Alright

What music or artist has been the most influential to you as a songwriter? Do you change what you listen to when you write music?
I actually don’t listen to much music when I’m in a writing zone. 

What is the most impressive band you’ve toured with? The one that you just had to watch every night?
WRETCH LIKE ME 

Is there any classic / universally acclaimed artist or that you missed out on when they first came out and discovered way later? Any artist that you didn’t like at first and learned to appreciate over time?
I liked the songs I heard on the radio but I really got into THIN LIZZY later than everyone else. I’ve been listening for half my life. I’ve been listening to the BEATLES since I was 5. 

Do you have an artist that you love in a genre that you don’t usually listen to? What makes them stand out? 
I read David Sedaris & Elmore Leonard books often. 

Do you have any controversial/unpopular music related opinions that you would like to defend?
I don’t really like to say anything if it’s going to be negative, ya know? But, I don’t really like a lot of popular music and my music isn’t that popular. It’s never been. But, I’d rather be unpopular. It’s true. Too much attention makes me uncomfortable. I like things the way they are. I feel at home in a half full, tiny club…with a good p.a. Hah. 

If you could create your dream band (with any musicians, dead or alive), who would play which instrument?
DRUMS – BILL STEVENSON
GUITAR – STEPHEN EGERTON
BASS – KARL ALVAREZ 
VOCALS – MILO, SCOTT or CHAD

What albums have been on heavy rotation lately?
I’ve been listening to what my son Hopper finds on my old iPod. Currently, TED LEO’s Brutalist Bricks, RAMONES, AC/DC & THIN LIZZY. 
Also Michael Ian Black’s “Obscure” podcast. 

What are some up and coming artists that you would recommend?
IRON CHIC

Is there a band that you’ve discovered live recently that blew you away?
THE HOMELESS GOSPEL CHOIR

What are you listening to right now, while answering these questions?
Heatwave on the local oldies station as I drive into Dallas Texas. 


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