LAKE COUNTY >> “How would you describe your music?”
“Apocalyptic swing,” responded Richard Boisselle, front man of Lost Coast Smugglers, who will be performing at The Village Pub in Cobb on Friday.
If you”re not sure what that sounds like, that”s kind of the point. “We”re sort of a funky alt rock,” he said. “It”s a ”where do you want us, and what do you want us to play” kind of thing.” Unable to stick to a single genre, the group is influenced by an exceptionally broad list of musicians, from rock group Led Zepplin to country singer Clint Black. Interestingly, even Eminem makes an appearance on the list, serving as a lyrical inspiration to the band, if not a musical one. “I don”t know of anybody that we”re not affected by,” said Boisselle.
The current configuration of Lost Coast Smugglers came together about seven years ago, after a guitar player left the group. The band was looking for a new guitarist, and that”s where 16-year-old Billy Peacock came in, who was dating Boisselle”s daughter. Peacock was a guitarist who wanted in with the group, but they were naturally skeptical of the kid. Boisselle gave him ten songs and two weeks to learn them, and Peacock stepped right up to the plate; He learned every song in three days and another 25 songs in a week. He”s been with the band ever since.
The group has been hard at work in the studio, where they just finished up their first album, titled ”Monsters.” They started recording the ten track album back in May with the intent to put out a CD, promote the band, show their vast range, and get some more bookings.
In between recording sessions, the band plays shows all around the area, which draw devoted fans and friends from places like Santa Rosa and Marysville. The draw of the group isn”t without reason, as everyone thrives on the energy of their performances. It”s a rewarding experience for the band and crowd alike. “The interaction between the audience and the band when we play, it”s electricity when that happens. It”s like a well-oiled machine when it really gets going” explained Boisselle, on why he enjoys performing live. “I liken it to surfing, and you can ride the wave or be the wave…You”re the wave and the audience is surfing on you. It”s one giant energy and everybody is connected.”
At The Village Pub you”ll get a sampling of original songs and covers, each of which is sure to be as unexpected as the next. The group”s original songs are written by Boisselle and Peacock, who find inspiration in all aspects of life, from the serious to the standard. “We”ve been through so much … It”s inspiration,” said Boisselle. “I personally had cancer and the guys saw me through that.” Of course, there”s also been plenty of partying and fun to lend a few lines to a song or two.
Boisselle knows you wont be disappointed when you see Lost Coast Smugglers live. “Be ready to have a good time no matter what mood you”re in, no matter what”s going on. I can guarantee you”re going to have a good time,” he said.
The show is at The Village Pub in Cobb on Friday November 14th (the day before Peacock”s 23rd birthday), at 8 p.m. Tickets are $5 and are on sale now at The Village Pub or can be purchased at the door.
Jennifer Gruenke can be reached at 900-2019
