The Honeycutters are, at the heart, the musical collaboration of singer/songwriter Amanda Anne Platt and Lead Guitarist/ Producer Peter James. While their sound has drawn comparisons to such artists as Gram Parsons and Emmylou Harris or Gillian Welch and David Rawlings, Platt and James produce a refreshingly unique blend of Americana music that is comfortingly familiar while being entirely original. Whether performing as an acoustic duo or a full fledged Honky-Tonk five piece, The Honeycutters leave smiles on the faces of the ears that they catch.
What’s the first gig you ever attended?
My parents took me to see a fair amount of music growing up, mostly classical and folk. Also my brother was always in alternative rock bands so I ended up going to see him play a lot. The first concert that I ever bought a ticket for and went to of my own accord was probably Blink 182 and Silverchair playing at the Roseland Ballroom in NYC. I was 13. I remember feeling really cool and mature, even though my friend’s dad dropped us off out front in a mini van.
What is the best gig that you ever played/performed?
Hard to say…so many fun ones. It’s always fun to play in our hometown (Asheville) because we get a ton of support and it’s a major energy boost…carries us through the dark days on the road when we might be playing for three or four people in a smokey bar and they’re all talking through the songs 🙂
I think right now I’m still riding the high of our release party for our current album, When Bitter Met Sweet. It was the first time we’d headlined the Grey Eagle (in Asheville) and one of our good friends and favorite songwriters, Moses Atwood opened. The show sold out and the energy in the room was incredible. Also playing on the Cabin Stage at Merlefest…and opening for Guy Clark at Third and Lindsley in Nashville. And playing on my birthday at the Abilene bar and Lounge in Rochester NY. Lots of great experiences this year!!!
What is the best gig you have ever seen?
That’s another tough one. I’ve seen a lot of music at this point. Just this past saturday I saw Todd Snider at the Orange Peel and I was grinning from ear to ear the whole time–he’s one of the few songwriters that I would comfortably use the term “genius” for. Also he puts on a great show. Before Christmas I saw Town Mountain open for the Sean Camp band at the Grey Eagle, that was another great night. Then there are the more epic experiences, like seeing Radiohead in London from the front row of Earl’s Court or The Who at Madison Sq garden when I was in high school. That was an incredible show, even though I was in the nosebleed section and half the original band members were dead.
What is the gig you would most like to play?
Austin City Limits. And headlining at the Ryman Auditorium.
What would be the lineup for your dream gig?
Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmm I think that changes every day. I kind of have a huge crush on Tom Petty, so getting to open for him on tour would be incredible. Especially if he let me sing with him on American Girl 🙂
Catch The Honeycutters Thursday, Jan. 10th at Smith’s Olde Bar
