Johnson City’s The Barefoot Movement have been making waves in the folk world since the release of their 2011 debut album Footwork. 2013 brings the release of a new album, cross country touring, and all manners of shoeless excitement. The band will perform this Sunday at Eddie’s Attic, and the venue’s own Andrew Chatwood got an inside look at the band.
What’s the first gig you ever attended?
The first gig I remember going to was Hootie and the Blowfish at a huge amphitheater in Raleigh, NC. It was raining like mad and people were mud-sliding down the hill. I was in the second grade. Edwin McCain opened the show. I don’t think we caught much of Hootie’s set because the rain got so bad. Not a lot of that night is strong in my memory as far as the music itself but the thing that did stick with me is the feeling of being among a crowd, all united to hear a band that they love. There’s nothing like it. Music is universal and really has the power to bring folks together and I learned that at a pretty early age.
What is the best gig that you ever performed?
We went on tour with The Milk Carton Kids in May of last year. This was our first time opening for someone on a string of dates and our first time in the Midwest or the west coast, so we were nervous about how our music would be received. The very first night we played in Denver at the Bluebird Theater. The crowd was incredible. We got a standing ovation and an encore. We were standing backstage wondering if we should go out and give it to them or not. We finally did and it was just amazing. There were many nights like that on that tour. We were lucky to have the opportunity and even more lucky that it went so well.
What is the best gig you have ever seen?
I feel lucky to have seen a lot of amazing concerts. Some were huge coliseum shows, some were small listening rooms, so it’s hard to compare two completely different situations and choose which would be the best. But as far as big shows, the best one I’ve ever seen was Roger Waters’ The Wall. The Wall is one of my favorite albums of all time so to see it live, not only musically, but also with all the incredible visual aspects, it really blew me away. I was literally in the last row of a huge stadium but I don’t think there was a bad seat in the house. I’m really glad I got to see that show because I might never get another chance. It was worth every penny.
Gig you would most like to play?
I know this is a bit far fetched but I would have a fit to play Saturday Night Live. That show has been a huge part of my life. To stand onstage in studio 8H and hear them say “Please welcome The Barefoot Movement”…It would be a dream come true. I might have to sneak backstage and steal something though. Maybe a blanket from the Wayne’s World basement? Or anything I could get my hands on. NBC, you have been warned.
What would be the lineup for your dream gig?
There are an infinite number of musicians I admire and would be enthralled to share a bill with. The list could go on forever. But one band I really love that not a lot of folks stateside have heard of is Oysterband. They are an incredible British alt-folk band who’ve been making music since the 70s. One of the things I love about them is that they are wonderful songwriters but also have a deep knowledge of the traditional music of their country. That’s really inspiring to me. So back to the dream gig, it’d have to be us, Oysterband, and then any living member of Led Zeppelin or Pink Floyd, and Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young. The Eagles can come too.
Check out the Barefoot Movement, playing Eddie’s Attic this Sunday, January 5th!
