Childhood friends Jason C. Waller and Tiffany Leigh reunited after 10 years and began traveling the Southeast, sharing their songs, and making new friends. Audiences quickly became fans of their 2010 EP entitled My Poor Queen. This propelled the duo to progress their simple and joyful singer/songwriter style into a rich multi-layered sound. 2012 marks the release of their first full-length album Stoke The Fire and an all new line up. They joined us for our 5GB series before their show tonight at The Earl.
What’s the first gig you ever attended?
I went to my first show when i was 15 years old. It was at the Masquerade and the bilI was Sam I Am, Supersuckers, and Bad Religion. After that, I was hooked…what a great show! I got in trouble a lot because my friends who were driving me didn’t respect my Mom’s curfew and I wanted to stay and see all the bands. I think I still turned out all right.
What is the best gig that you ever played/performed?
So far, our gigs keep getting better and better so the answer continues to be the last one I played. It was with The Whiskey Gentry and Have Gun, Will Travel at Smith’s Olde Bar back in July. We played on a Friday night in the middle of the Gentry’s three-day sold-out residency and the energy in that room was incredible!
What is the best gig you have ever seen?
Now that’s a tough one. I’ve seen so many good bands play great shows! My favorite moments are when the songwriter grabs my soul for a minute. I remember being at the Star Bar and seeing Cary Ann Hearst from Shovels & Rope play a solo set to a room full of drunk folks and everyone shut up. They all payed her the closest attention because what she was doing and saying really struck a chord. I also saw Ben Trickey play to a crowded room at the Earl and not a person said a word during his set because what he was doing and saying was authentic, it was real. Every show I go to I’m looking for that spark of realness.
What is the gig you would most like to play?
I want to play everywhere! Red Rocks would be cool as well as The Fox Theater here in Atlanta. I’m also excited to play a cruise ship one day. One of my current favorite places to play is my living room while the kids are running around. Sometimes we’ll jam and make up silly songs.
What would be the lineup for your dream gig?
Wilco, Willie Nelson, and Waller. I can already see the poster with the 3 giant W’s. I always say swing for the fences!
Catch Waller, August 17th @ The Earl
