The flowers are all bloomed and the pollen has covered all of Tallahassee, this can only mean that it's officially springtime and the outdoor festivities have begun. Whether it's a barbeque, or throwing d-arties (daytime parties), nothing is better than the beginning of the music festival madness and concerts. Country concerts are particularly popular in the spring and summer because, well, who doesn't enjoy good music outside while sipping on a Bud Light in beautiful weather.
Tallahassee has a ton of concerts coming up including the Eli Young Band playing at Springtime Tallahassee on Kleman Plaza on March 27, 2015. The Springtime Tallahassee Festival includes a lot of fun for families and friends, such as the free concert with a beer garden, the Grand Parade and other entertainment stages throughout.
Luckily, I got the chance to interview James Young, the guitarist for Eli Young Band. Eli Young Band consists of four members, Mike Eli, James Young, Jon Jones, and Chris Thompson. Mike and James were roommates at The University of North Texas and discovered their shared passion for music. They played at local dive bars in Texas as Eli & Young and added on two more members and became the Eli Young Band. Since then, EYB has a trio of Platinum and Double Platinum #1 chart toppers: “Crazy Girl," “Even If It Breaks your Heart," and “Drunk Last Night". Listen to what James had to say about their new EP that was just released called Turn It On and more about their music.
Listen to Eli Young Band's new Turn It On EP on iTunes or click here.
What was the inspiration behind your Turn It On-EP?
We've been writing since our last record and so we just had this song Turn It On and we just loved it so much . We've been writing a lot of fun music and its been quite and experiment for us because we just recording these songs in January, the label loved it and we loved it and wanted to put it out as soon as possible. This EP is the quickest we have ever released a record.
How does it compare to other music and albums?
It's a little different and we have recorded a little more with Pop/Rock elements on this EP. You know we have never really shy away from that so it's really right down our alley as far as direction musically and the way we wanted to take this EP. You know it's just a fun group of songs and we were just excited to get it out this quick.
Where was the first gig you guys played as the official Eli Young Band?
A small bar in Denton, TX.
Who is your musical inspiration?
Between the four of us we all have a combined mixture of influences from rock to country all the way to jazz.
What is the best part about being a country singer?
Very blessed to be able to make music for a living. We have our fans to thank for that.
What was the best surprise you have ever had?
Number one record with “Crazy Girl"' and winning an ACM award.
Who would be your ideal singer to go on tour with?
Bruce Springsteen and Tom Petty.