"An Interview With
ROBERT REYNOLDS
By The Fans"
Special Thanks To Lynne and
Robert
Submitted by Nicholas, North Riverside, Illinois
Q. My first question relates to the lack
of support from country music television and country radio in general.
I hardly see your videos on television and when I call my local country
station, they basically laugh at me. What's your response on
this?
A: Nicholas, that's been one of the big
problems with the Mavericks and country radio. We are not a perfect
fit for their programming, they have their own agenda and we don't necessarily
factor in. We hope to solve the problem by going to a label in NY
or LA and promoting the band as an American music act. And it may
require that you tune into different stations in order to hear us at some
point in the future. It may require tuning into an
Americana station, it may require buying the
records and not expecting much from radio. With the nature of radio
changing, it may not be long before every house is outfitted with satellite-type
radio. At that point, you will probably see, as I have, a lot more
Mavericks music programmed within those stations.
Q. Why the lack of push from your
labels? Why won't they support you? Does this mean that the
Mavericks are splitting up? Or does this mean you guys will release something
independently, a la the first Mavs release?
A: We won't necessarily go independent.
We'll look to find a label that understands us a little better than the
labels we've had in the past couple of years. We had a great run
of things with MCA during the mid-90's, so I can't say we lacked support
from them completely. It's just that sometimes within labels you
have certain key people who are supporters of an act and get a lot done.
If they leave the label, the nature of your relationship with the label
can change. So I really think that what we're looking for is a label
that is supportive. It most likely will not be a Nashville-based
label. And none of this means that the band is splitting up.
Labels don't really control the inner workings of our partnership.
Q. My last request has to deal with Mavericks
acoustic recordings and live recordings. Especially your Royal Albert
Hall Concerts. How can I obtain recordings such as this?
A: Regarding bootlegs, I like them personally.
I think live recordings done by fans for the most part have very little
to do with cutting into sales of your studio recorded albums. For
example, I think it's great the way Grateful Dead fans have exchanged live
concert recordings over the years. The bootlegging of studio albums
to me is an absolute no-no. It's obviously illegal and it does very
directly affect the way a band makes its living. But as far as trading
live tapes, I rather fancy it myself and I know they exist. So I
know they're out there. Find fellow fans that have those kind of
recordings and trade and enjoy.
(closing comment) And if you are ever
in Chicago, look my wife and I up. She is a Mavericks convert and
she will cook you guys the best Italian dinner you ever had.
Robert's Reply: Nicholas, I LOVE Italian…so
be careful what you wish for!
Submitted by Fiona from Scotland
Q. On a day when you're not working what
is your favourite way to chill out?
A: Fiona, I don't know how I lived
for seven years without a pool.
There's nothing like being in the water.
As I answer this question, I'm in the pool and that perhaps answers the
question best. A literal chilling out.
Submitted by Jason & Russ
Q: We were wondering if you were ever
going to make it out towards the Western United States...specifically Colorado.
Any tour dates in the near future out here?
A: Jason and Russ, we love Colorado
and we've always loved playing Colorado. As for upcoming dates, we
have nothing booked right now until we sort out some record company business,
and just hope that Colorado will be on the first of those tour dates that
we do plan.
Submitted by Mary Lou from Connecticut
Q:
In what musical direction (style) would you like to go with your next album/record,
and when will you & the guys start working on it? Is there a
chance you would include more vocals for yourself?
A: Mary Lou, I wouldn't mind personally
a "part two" to TRAMPOLINE --another effort in that sort of direction would
work well for me. I am open to experimenting more with horns or other
unusual instrumentation. Whatever record label we end up signing with,
I would like that they be more understanding of our eagerness to experiment
musically.
Regarding my singing, the Mavericks I think
are primarily known for having Raul as the lead singer, with his voice
being the consistent element of the Mavericks' sound. I'm not at
all at odds with that. It's really hard to compare much of anything
to Raul's voice; it's really a special voice. I know for a fact that I'm
working with one of the best singers in the business, and that's a great
thing. As for me doing singing and stuff like that, that's why I
have bands like SWAG and side projects like I'm doing with Kevin
Montgomery. That's why they serve
such a great purpose. I have the best of both worlds.
Submitted by Kelly
Q: What made you decide that you
wanted a career in the music business?
A: Well, jokingly I can say
because I didn't think I could do anything else as well. But I guess
the truth is some people just know that they're going to do some form of
entertaining from a very young age. I think my folks knew immediately
that I wanted to entertain because I was doing it since I was young.
As far as music goes, by the time I was a teenager I was playing a little
guitar and thinking, "wouldn't it be the life to be one of the Beatles
or something?" So it went from there. I would hope that if
I weren't in music, I would be doing something with commercial art or graphic
art.
Q: Also I just want to know, do you write
with your left or right hand?
A: I write with my left hand.
Submitted by Lisa
Q: When are The Mavericks coming back
to the UK?
A: As for the Mavericks getting back
to the UK, like anything else Maverick related, it's going to depend very
much on a record deal and a new album. But contrary to speculation,
even if we take an extended break, it doesn't mean that we're breaking
up. For us, the time off is important. There's
the odd chance of course that something would come up and we'd be back
in England on some kind of specialty tour. But there's nothing on
the books.
Q: How is Paul?
A: Paul is fine, Paul's great.
He played really well at the Gorge [opening for the Dave Matthews Band].
He's in great shape.
No Name was submitted with the following questions:
Q: Do you plan on touring anytime soon
with/without the mavericks?
A: I plan on touring with
Kevin Montgomery in the UK in August/September, which is very important
to me. We would like to do something similar in the US, if we can
get some interest. I've just heard from a friend who works with me
in SWAG, and he's talking about going to Spain sometime in the first part
of the new year. So, I will be out playing, both with and without
The
Mavericks, and hopefully, we'll see the Mavericks
again soon.
Q: What happened to Jerry Dale McFadden?
A: Well, Jerry Dale has been touring
and recording with Sixpence None The Richer, and he's still very much a
part of the SWAG lineup. We've just finished an album together, and
we hope that within a week or two we'll finish the actual signing of a
record deal. He was obviously one of the very special members of
The Mavericks, and will not really be replaced, not for his contribution.
There may always be a piano player, but I think Jerry Dale did what only
Jerry Dale can do.
Q: Which label will the Mavericks be
signing with next?
A: That's a great mystery, and if you
have any ideas, let me know!
Submitted by Karen
Q: This is actually more of a request
but I wonder if The Mavericks can do a show in San Francisco during their
next tour.
A: Karen, I don't always
have control over where we do our shows. The Mavericks love San Francisco.
We've played the Great American Music Hall, we've played the Filmore, and
we've played Concord Pavillion outside the city. So I think there's
a greater chance than not that we will play San Francisco on our next tour
because it is a favorite city. I expect we will be back in San Fran,
so don't worry!
Submitted by Michelle & Rob
Q:
Robert, we read that you like backpacking. Have you done this in
the UK and if so what were your favourite walks? Have you seen the
Yorkshire Dales?
A: Michelle & Rob, my backpacking
usually consists of going city to city. I haven't done any of the
walks per se. I would like to do the West Highland Way in Scotland.
Most of my backpacking trips have been more city to city throughout the
UK & Europe, trains and ferries and so forth. It's not
as much a nature-type, hiking kind of backpacking, but a more city to city
sort of thing.
Submitted by Saskia
Q: Do you like horses and have
you ever ridden on a Western Ranch? - It sounds like fun and I want
to do it!!
A: Saskia, I do love horses. I
once owned a couple of horses. I don’t consider myself a very developed
rider. I didn’t have any training per se. But I do love horses
and it's something I'd like to do again in my life. Yes, I've ridden
on a ranch in Montana once. It was quite nice.
Submitted by Jacky
Q: I understand you are artistically
talented. When you have time to paint or draw, what would you say is your
favourite medium to work with -watercolour, pastel, etc? And what are your
favourite subjects to study?
A: Jacky, my favorite up to now is water
colors, pen & ink, that kind of thing. But I have this burning
desire to try something like oils or acrylic and I think I'll do it eventually,
maybe during this time off.
Submitted by Diane
Q: I love the Mavericks. Are they
coming out with new records soon?
A: Diane, The Mavericks are on
an extended break. The first new music you will hear will most likely
be a variety of solo projects, but we'll keep you posted.
Submitted by Rachel
Q: Is it true that you and your bandmates
are breaking up?
A: Rachel, It seems like every time we
take a break someone turns it into breaking up. The Mavericks are
still together and just taking a little time off.
Submitted From Lowerstoke, Coventry (no name
given)
Q: Are there any future dates for concerts
in the UK at the NEC or NIA? I missed you when you were here last time.
A: There are no dates scheduled for the
UK at this time. As it now stands, the next tour would follow the
recording of a new album. Stay tuned!
Submitted by Shaz
Q: I'm a big fan of the Mavericks and
of Ethan Allen & was wondering if you could tell me any more about
your clip on the Mavs message board - I would be very grateful with anything
you could fill me in with.
A: Shaz, Ethan and the Mavericks
have been friends now for several years. Raul has been helping Ethan
with his current album project.
Submitted by Amanda
Q: I'd like to know how he got
sooooooooo darn cute. Plus if he knew anyone who was willing to give
me a record contract. I thought that when watching him play he had
the guitar strap on his right shoulder, but he's playing right-handed bass
even though he is left-handed. Doesn't that make it that much more
difficult?
A: Amanda, flattery will get you everywhere
and get your questions answered. As for playing right-handed, I guess
I'm a strange bird. I write left handed and eat left handed, but
I throw right handed, and God forbid I should have to hit somebody, I'd
do that right handed as well. I think they call this "confused."
Submitted by Tracey
Q: Are there any plans for the Mavericks
to be touring the UK, visiting Birmingham especially?
A: Tracey, there are no Maverick plans
for the UK at this time, but as you may know, Paul and I will be touring
there August 26 through September 11 with Kevin Montgomery.
Submitted by Maria, Long Beach, CA
Q: So glad you are getting more involved
with the US Fan Club. I tried to join in February of 2000 and sent
in my check # 6665 in the amount of $12.00 but it has never been cashed.
I would very much like to join the fan club.
Shall I send a new check and stop payment
on the other one or what? Please let me know.
A: Maria, before you stop payment on
the check, please allow me to look into the matter. Email me in care
of mavfanclub@aol.com, so that I might be able to respond.
Submitted by Susan
Q: I am going to see you and Paul when
you are with Kevin Montgomery at the Borderline in London. Are you going
to perform some of your own work or will you just be backing Kevin?
A: Susan, we will mostly be doing songs
from Kevin's current album, sprinkled with a few collective favorites that
might include a song of two of my own.
Q: I know the Mavericks aren't working
much this year but I am visitingNashville in the middle of November and
was wondering if as individuals you will be performing in Nashville at
that time.
A: It is very possible that one
or all of us will be doing something in Nashville this November. Check
with the fan club before you travel.
Q: Lastly, I know it is early days but
will the Mavericks be touring England again next year?
A: There are no plans at this time for a 2001
tour of the UK with the Mavericks.
Submitted by Laura
Q: Please ask Robert when he'll be playing
in Nashville next...whether with The Mavericks or another band...aside
from Aug. 13 with Kevin Montgomery.
A: Laura, I hope to be playing some time
this fall with both SWAG and/or Kevin Montgomery; however, there are no
dates scheduled at this time.
Submitted by Laura
I've got a question for you to ask Robert.
Who are some of his favorite bands? Local & national.
A: Laura, a few of my favorite bands:
the Jayhawks, Wilco, Ron Sexsmith, a Nashville artist by the name of Jason
White, and my all-time favorite, The Beatles.
Submitted by Lynn
Q: How has writing/performing children's
music (meaning for children's films) affected your songwriting in the "traditional"
sense? (are you willing to take more chances, have you gotten more experimental
with your approach to your traditional songwriting methods, etc.)?
A: Lynn, this is a kind of chicken before
the egg question - I'm not sure if writing children's songs affects
my "traditional" writing or the other way around. Either way, the
end result should be similar - a memorable song. I will say, the
children projects are extremely fun to approach.
Q: I'd also like to know how your grandmother
is. She was such a delight when we met her at Foxwoods back in 1998.
Is she doing well these days?
A: As for my grandmother, she is as delightful
as ever. I've been visiting her roughly once a month and she's quite
a handful.
Submitted by Paul
Q: Does the band have any plans to release
the filming of the Trampoline recording sessions on video?
A: Paul, good question. There are
no plans at this time to release a film of the making of "Trampoline."
Though I have great interest in finishing that project some day.
Several Questions Submitted by Chris from Australia
With respect to the recent departure from Mercury-Nashville
in search of a new label "more capable of promoting the music The Mavericks
will be continuing to make".
Q: Does this mean that The Mavericks
have some idea what the next album will be like. Have new songs already
been previewed within the band? (i.e. will it be closer to the White Album
or Abbey Road?)
A: Chris, I would say there is
no real idea at this time as to what the next Maverick album will sound
like, but the title might be "White Abbey." Sound good to you?
Q: When is Ken Coomer gonna drag Billy Bragg
into one of SWAG's recording sessions?
A: That's a great idea. Billy Bragg does
SWAG.
Q: The perrenial favourite! - What records
have you been listening tolately?
A: My latest fav records: "Smile"
by the Jayhawks, and an independent release from Nashville titled "Shades
of Gray" by Jason White. I highly recommend you look into this one.
Q: And I won't ask when are The Mavericks
going to find out how much the sun shines and how good the wines are in
Australia?
A: It is one of my biggest regrets
that the Mavericks have not been to Australia yet. We need to fix
that one.
Submitted by Daisy from Belgium
Q: I know you write songs
but have you ever thought
of singing them yourself and putting them
on an album?
A: Daisy, I do sing many of the
songs I write in my band SWAG, as well as some other material I am involved
in.
Q: Also, whatever happened to all the
filming material that was used during the making of Trampoline. Do
we ever get to see a video of it?
A: The film from "Trampoline" is
as of yet unreleased, but I still have high hopes.
Submitted by Susanna from Connecticut
Q: Gosh we really miss you guys here
in Connecticut. I know that you have been really busy and have no
plans to tour with The Mavericks (at least in our area) at present, but
was wondering what the future holds. Are you guys going to work on
a new CD?
A: Susanna, we do plan on working on
a new album, but our priority now is to finish up some solo projects.
Each of the Mavericks have been enjoying some outside work and I think
it brings a lot back into the group.
P.S. Say hello to your daughter.
Submitted by Magda from The Netherlands
Q: Are you coming to The Netherlands
on your tour with Kevin Montgomery and Pettibone?. I would like to
see you guys!
A: Magda, I don't think the Netherlands
will be on MY tour plans with Kevin, but I know he would like to get there
this year. As for the future, I hope we can go together.
Submitted by Helen
Q: Can you tell me how many videos the
Mavericks have out for TV - I have taped about 10 so far.
A: Helen, I believe we have shot 15 or
16 videos by now.
Q: Will I eventually be able to join
the UK fan club?
A: I would hope that you would be able
to join the UK fan club or the US fan club once it gets back up and running.
Ten questions submitted by Eric :
Q: What record [song-wise] do you
really miss in your collection, and if someone out there had it, would
you drive hundreds of miles to obtain it? Not necessarily an original,
but a copy of.
A: Eric, I can't think of a song missing
from my collection, though I'm sure there must be one.
Q: If you could contract a painter to
create a Mavericks album cover, which one would you choose [Painter: dead
or alive]?
A: I would love to have an album cover
painted by Vincent van Gough.
Q: I once read in an interview with Don
Cook that he was not really fondof working with The Mavericks before he
actually met you guys (I think over a dinner or something) - but he found
a lot of similarities in your approach to making music. What was
your approach to Don before youmet him; for instance, by judging what he
did with other artists.
A: I personally wasn't sure about working
with Don Cook before meeting him, but I must say it worked well for us.
As for the future, I'm ready for a change.
Q: Besides the 20 or 30 minute videotape,
are there any plans
to release more Trampoline video material?
A: No plans at this time to release more
footage from the "Trampoline" sessions.
Q: Is there a song you put out
either on single or album that you
personally think of as "it's a shame that
didn't become a hit,
it deserved it"?
A: There are a few regrets regarding
singles that didn't work, but mostly I must say I am pleased.
Q: If, for some reason, you had
to choose between making music
yourself or listening to music from others,
which would it be?
A: I'm very fond of the innocent days
before I was in the music business and I could listen to the magic of music.
Q: What's the best videoclip you've ever
seen? (And why?)
A: Difficult question - maybe Sinead
O'Connor's "Nothing Compares 2 You."
Q: What do think of:
- Nashville [As a place to live]?
- Nashville [As a place to work/make music]?
- American food?
- Big record companies?
- The US TV and Radio stations?
A: I've really come to love Nashville
for work and home. As for American food, there is both good and bad.
I like some of each.
Q: Which would you prefer:
- 5 nights in the Royal Albert Hall or one
afternoon in front of 100000
people in Hyde Park?
- Success based on talent or on 10 years of
hard work?
- John [Lennon] or Paul [McCartney] ?
- These kind of interviews with fans or with
big magazines/
radio/TV-shows?
- Having success as a solo-artist or in a
band?
A: I like a variety of venues and
playing for both large and small
audiences. I favor John Lennon and I've
always loved being in a band.
Q: When the Mavericks are going to record
a new album, would you bewilling to keep a kind of diary of what's happening
at particularmoments (either starting from the first meeting to write/gathersongs
or during the recording itself) to be publicised on theMavhouse?
A: I've always kept a diary through the
making of most of our albums. Yes, I could imagine publishing them.
Submitted by Paul
Q: Here are a couple of very important
questions we guys inevitably ask each other after a few beers, when
conversation turns to popular television shows of the 1960's:
Ginger or Mary Ann?
Jeannie or Samantha?
Bille Jo, Betty Jo or Bobbi Jo?
Batgirl or Catwoman?
Marcia Brady or Laurie Partridge?
A: Paul, Good questions - Mary Ann; Samantha;
Billie Jo, Betty Jo & Bobbi Jo all at once; Batgirl (I love Bats);
Laurie Patridge
Submitted by Michael & Elain, Arizona
Q: My husband and I are big fans of the
Mavericks. We are also big, big fans of Marty Robbins and thought
that if you were going to occasionally do remakes of some of the old songs,
that would be a great place to look. Have you guys considered Marty Robbins?
We would be thrilled to have our 2 favorites in one package.
A: Michael & Elain, we have covered
a few Marty Robbins songs in concert. We love Marty too.
Submitted by Johnny
Q:
It is easy to forget how much work is already done when you get up on the
stage. You told us that "It's gonna take a lot of effort to fire
up the whole organization just for these few shows" when talking about
Dave Matthews, so my question is: how many people does it actually take?
A: Johnny, the Mavericks usually travel
in and around 10 to 15 people. That is the band and crew.
Q: Have you signed a new contract yet?
If so - with which company?Are there any artists you, individually, will
record albums with whilethe next Mavericks album is on the stove?
Will you move over to the pop/rock world?
A: We are still shopping for a new record
deal. As you probably already know, I have a side project called
SWAG with Ken Coomer from Wilco and Tom Petersson from Cheap Trick, among
others. What is the pop/rock world anymore?
Q: Does the band feel it needs, musically,
a turning point or will you keep on going knowing the rest of the business
will catch up on you occasionally?
A: I think the Mavericks should go on
just being the Mavericks and let the musical chips fall where they may.
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