Guitarist Andrew Trube, of the Austin-based group Greyhounds, talks about their new album, Cheyenne Valley Drive.
With retro style and groovy guitar licks, Austin-based duo Greyhounds bring psychedelic vibes to their modern Americana sound, and it’s bigger than ever with their new album, Cheyenne Valley Drive, available now.
Following their highly acclaimed Change of Pace — consisting of 13 tracks that transcended time with funk, soul, and blues — their latest compilation of songs, Cheyenne Valley Drive, takes keyboardist Anthony Ferrell’s and guitarist Andrew Trube’s sensational genre blends to a new level.
Album highlights include the funky and funny “No Other Woman,” the bluesy opener, “Learning How to Love”; the heartbreak classic “12th Street”; the soul-powered “Rocky Love”; and the trippy closer, “Credo.”
Whether it’s twirling organs or wah-wah-pedal power riffs, Cheyenne Valley Drive delves into more than enough styles to keep listeners engaged and charmed.
Recently, we talked with guitarist and co-songwriter Trube about the new record and what inspires their eclectic sound.
Cowboys & Indians: What do you hope fans will take away from the new record?
Andrew Trube: Get outta your head and into your heart. Don't overthink anything — let it happen naturally. Don't be afraid to let things go. Letting go is a good way to move forward.
C&I: What was the writing and recording process like?
Trube: We pulled from a catalog that we have had for almost 20 years. The songs range in age. We tried to pick the ones that were most suitable for the studio and the scenario we put ourselves in. The writing process for each tune is different all the time. Anthony and I will write together or separately and then bring it to the table for further analysis.
C&I: Any fun memories along the way from getting it from concept to actual release?
Trube: The ease of its creation was the fun part. Everything just fell in place from the title to the tunes. Matt Ross Spang over at Phillips made sure tape was rolling and things sounded good while our bud Alysse Gaffigan got some killer shots. Coming in prepared left us time to soak up all the mojo in that heavy Memphis studio.
C&I: You have incorporated so many different sounds into the album, most notably some groovy funk and soul. What were some inspirations for the sound?
Trube: Live to tape. We also limited ourselves to eight tracks to work with. “Commit and move on” was our motto. Knock it out in the first or second take and move on to the next tune. The fresh energy was what got us the human elements that are missing from most modern records. People are smart and can eventually tell if something is jive or not. [They can tell] if someone is real or not.
C&I: This is a follow-up to your acclaimed Change of Pace. How do you think Cheyenne Valley Drive differs?
Trube: Definitely the approach. We spent way more time in the studio with Change of Pace. We did a 180 with Cheyenne Valley Drive.
C&I: How do you think you’ve evolved as artists since the release of your debut album, Liberty?
Trube: Still the same guys in many ways, just older. We evolve and write along with that evolution. Our influences and palette are always shifting, but one constant is that it has to groove. It can be any kind of music, from country to classical, Jerry Reed to Pavarotti, [but] it’s gotta groove and come from the heart.
C&I: What’s your writing process like? Do you start with the lyrics or the music first?
Trube: Always different. A song idea can come from anything. The more random the idea comes to you, usually the better.
C&I: Who are some other artists that have inspired you?
Trube: The Meters, Allen Toussaint, Los Lobos, Jimmie Vaughan, George Strait, ZZ Top, James Brown, Stax, MMW — all our friends, you know who you are. This list is long and always growing.
C&I: What can we expect in terms of touring?
Trube: Always on tour. [Laugh.] We are in Europe right now. We will be doing a tour in the Midwest with Los Lobos next month.
C&I: You’re based in Austin, Texas. What are some of your favorite places to visit when you’re home?
Trube: The Chili Parlor and then walk over to the Capitol. We have a beautiful Capitol. Go swim in Barton Springs. Ride a mule around town and the greenbelt with my bud Grey Horse. That really clears my mind.
C&I: What’s something your fans might not know about you all?
Trube: Anthony is deaf in one ear and I don’t play with a guitar pick.
For more information on Greyhounds, including upcoming tour dates, visit their Facebook page.