Colorado's Americana/country/folk rockers The Drunken Hearts have been described as "magnetic" (Elevation Outdoor Magazine) and "a steaming and raucous sound full of emotion and energy" (303 Magazine). With their latest release, "The Prize," in March, the band is gaining momentum on the national scene. Lead guitarist and Northwest Arkansas native Kory Montgomery spoke with What's Up! about his excitement for the album's release ahead of the band's return to Fayetteville with a show at George's Majestic Lounge May 29.
Q. Tell me a little bit about your journey from Arkansas to Denver. When did you leave us? What can you tell me about how the band came together?
FAQ
The Drunken Hearts
WHEN — 8:30 p.m. May 29
WHERE — George’s Majestic Lounge in Fayetteville
COST — $10
A. I moved out to Colorado over five years ago. I was convinced by many great friends that had made the move out west to stay in Denver and try out the amazing music scene that is here in the Rockies. I continued my band (Kory Montgomery) and over time met all the guys from the Drunken Hearts, and we hit it off. About a year and a half ago, there was an opening in the band for lead guitarist, and I was happy to land the gig.
Q. What do you most look forward to when you get to come back to Arkansas?
A. I am an avid Razorback fan and am always excited to be back in Fayetteville. I can't wait to see the friends and musicians I grew up around. There is an incredible amount of music that comes from that corner of the state, and I can't wait to be back around them. Go Hogs!
Q. What does it mean to you to get to come back and play in such a hometown institution?
A. I grew up musically at George's and began playing there when I was 13. (George's owner) Brian Crowne is someone I have always had respect for, and I appreciate everything he has helped me with throughout the years. I am proud to call George's home and extremely excited for The Drunken Hearts to experience the hometown venue.
Q. How did the writing/production/recording process for "The Prize" differ from the EPs?
A. A lot of the songs on the previous EPs were live arrangements that translated easily into the studio. For "The Prize," we basically did the opposite and arranged the songs for the studio, collectively, as a band. It was my first experience recording with The Drunken Hearts, and it was really fulfilling.
Q. Now that it's out, did it come together the way you envisioned?
A. The process of collectively writing these songs as a unit was a unique and very different approach for us, so there was definitely a time where no one knew how it would turn out. However, we are all really happy with the end result and have already begun recording our next record with Tim Carbone from Railroad Earth, to be released in 2019.
Q. Do you have a favorite song on the new album? Why/which one?
A. I really like the way the entire record turned out, but "Black Snake" is rocking! It was a song that we completely changed from what (lead singer/acoustic guitarist) Andrew [McConathy] brought to the table initially. I was extremely happy with the way we wrote to his lyrics on that song.
-- Jocelyn Murphy
jmurphy@nwadg.com
NAN What's Up on 05/27/2018