Since day 1 a big part of what we have done our damndest to curate here on Red Line Root is local, independent artists and their music and trying to shine a light on their art. Grace Potter is a prime example of taking that ideal and amplifying it to 11 with the annual Grand Point North festival in Burlington, Vermont (September 17-18th).
Alongside national and internationally touring artists like Old Crow Medicine Show, Guster, The Wood Brothers and Potter herself in the line up sit a slew of Burlington and Vermont bred bands that came up playing their songs in the bars and listening rooms by Lake Champlain. Blue Button just so happens to be one of those acts that calls Burly home and spreads their brand of alernative rock n’ roll around town. A sound that harkens back to the sound of Pixies or Dinosaur Jr. There is a grit and attitude to their sound, but it has that punk vibe that draws you in, makes you listen, its infectious and addicting,
We caught up with the band to talk a bit about their local roots, the festival and the community (or perhaps lacking of it) around town…check it.
RLR: So, how would you guys sum up your sound in 5-10 words?
Jason Cooley (guitar, vocals): Rock and roll and rock and roll and rock and roll.
Rebekah Whitehurst (bass): Love child of Rolling Stones, MC5 and Fugazi (I strive to that altitude)
James Bellizia (guitar): Kiss meets the Pixies
Eric Olsen (guitar): Rock and every word that rhymes with rock.
Frankie Zee (drums): That’s like trying to sum up sex in 5-10 words. So, I guess we sound like having sex. Really good sex though. The kind that sounds like an awesome rock band.
RLR: A big part of what Red Line Roots has stood for in its time is community building and fostering some semblance of a place to hear acts that are up and coming or may fly under the radar. We are new to VT (just 3 months) and definitely still getting a feel for the music community around the state. So how has the music community around here and Burlington impacted you all as a band and artists? Do you find a lot of other like minded music makers? Does it make things easier or tougher being in a place that isn’t as much on the map as a music city as say NYC or Nashville?
Jason Cooley: I’ve been playing music in Burlington for 22 years now, so I’ve seen the community change over a bunch of times. But back when I first started playing it was only because I was encouraged to do so by the scene at the time. I actually joined a band before knowing how to play, which should give you an idea of how welcoming it was back then. Eugene Hutz taught me how to play. I’m older now so I don’t know very many younger bands anymore, but I still go to see them and I hope they have the same attitudes people did back then: anybody can do it if you let them try. That said, it’s hard to get out of Burlington.
Rebekah Whitehurst: The music community is very supportive and bands in general seem excited just to be creating music, no real attitudes.Depends on what you’re looking for. For me, Burlington has an easy, accessible music scene. I could go for a little more punk rock though.
Eric Olsen: Um…
Frankie Zee: Playing in Burlington is a crapshoot. Most venues don’t really promote unless you’re a D.J. and theres no venue that offers a backline. I’m a drummer so you can see where I’m coming from (hint hint every venue)…
RLR:Talking about Grand Point North, who are you all excited to be sharing a stage with at the festival this year?
Jason Cooley: And The Kids, because I keep hearing about them and we have a song called The Kids.
Rebekah Whitehurst: This line up looks amazing, should be great throughout.
James Bellizia: Grace Potter
Eric Olsen: Grace Potter, Guster, Indomitable Should Band, And the Kids
Frankie Zee: I don’t actually know who’s playing. Does Blue Button count?
RLR: Playing a stage overlooking Lake Champlain on the waterfront is going to be a pretty killer backdrop, but what are some of your favorite stages in Burlington or VT in general to play on and why?
Jason Cooley: I miss Club Toast (90s club), but I really enjoy playing Club Metronome, mainly because of the memories and the great sound by Sergei Ushakov.
Rebekah Whitehurst: Radio Bean has always been my favorite InYourFace place to melt faces.
James Bellizia: I liked the stage at the Northeast Kingdom Music Festival, but it doesn’t exist anymore.
Eric Olsen: Radio Bean & The Monkey House & Waking Windows
Frankie Zee: Any venue that treats the band well. I.E. drink hookups, food hookups, promotes the show……I’d say the Monkey House and Artsriot. Those venues offer good hospitality and a laid back atmosphere.
