You most likely have already heard of Daughn Gibson. In the short time since the release of his debut album All Hell, the handsome balladeer hailing from Carlisle, PA is capturing serious attention by tastemakers and music fans interested in new takes on country and blues. You might hear subtle nods to Robert Johnson or Skip James, but Daughn throws a curveball by adding dark electronic elements to boot. Daughn Gibson’s charm and uniqueness comes from his ability to perhaps equally fit in alongside Toby Keith or Depeche Mode.
Gibson just dropped his new album, Me Moan, via Subpop in July. He’s currently on tour and is stopping by The Earl in Atlanta on Monday, August 12. We were lucky enough to catch up with the singer-songwriter to ask him some questions about the new record, his live shows and his fans! Check it out.
You recently released a new album which is super exciting. What was the recording process like for this album? Was it different than the last?
It was kind of the same. I was held up in a small room in my house and I arranged stuff on Ableton. Then, I took it to a studio in Chicago and hired a bunch of people to come in to lay tracks down on it. The first record is me hunting and pecking on the keyboard and poorly strumming a guitar, and this actually has really good players on it.
Where did you draw your inspiration from for the songs on this record?
I don’t like to listen to a lot of music to draw inspiration from, just like, you know, talking to people, watching television, reading books, just living life normally is enough to get inspired to write. I didn’t really change anything or go seek out some wild adventure, I just live my life the way I normally do.
What has been your most memorable show?
We just played Fargo and right before the show I warmed up by doing Shania Twain and I think the crowd I did that for was a lot bigger than the one at the show. That was my favorite show so far, just actually doing Shania Twain.
What are your pre-show rituals?
Before hand, I normally just drink a lot of whiskey and coke and smoke cigarettes. I’ll pace around and that’s it. Nothing crazy, just try to get in the zone.
How do you connect with your fans while playing a live show?
Generally, I just stare at them until they look away uncomfortably. If I see someone standing still or texting, I try to connect with them psychically and tell them to stop. Other than that, I just try to have a good time and dance around.
Tell us about a strange fan experience you’ve had.
This guy came up to me yesterday and said he was tripping on mushrooms and that he was in the bathroom throwing up. He said he had a moment of respite from the vomiting and looked up and I was standing there. He said that really got him all excited for the show. That was a pretty nutty one. Mostly it looks like people just got out of work from their office jobs and a lot of gay dudes and ladies. That’s about it. My fans are a lot different than I ever would have thought.
What is your dream lineup? Venue? Lineup?
I might just play on a boat with Kenny Chesney. We could charter a boat down the Mississippi and of course, he could open for me.
What are 3 things that you have to bring with you on the road?
I bring a couple of my favorite T-shirts, I like to pack as many colorful socks as I can of all different shapes and designs, I have one with a big cobra on it, one with some pot leaves on it… I think colorful socks are my main thing. If I don’t have colorful socks with me, I might as well stay home. I call them “happy” socks. They make me feel good; like I have something secret going on underneath my normally black garb.
So you are coming to Atlanta soon. Do you have any interesting stories about Atlanta?
I’ve had many shows in Atlanta. Since I was a teenager I’ve been playing in Atlanta. I remember sleeping in a van and a security guard knocking on the window and telling us to leave. A lot of Atlanta for me is sitting outside the venue. Every show in Atlanta is more and more fun. This time should be the ultimate experience.
What’s the plan after the tour?
I’m going to get home and record another record and put it out the exact same day next year. That’s my goal. I’m just going to annoy everyone with records every year. It’ll be great!
Make sure to catch Daughn Gibson at the Earl with Hiss Golden Messenger on Monday, August 12!
