Samantha Crain and The Midnight Shivers are in town tomorrow at Cicero’s, playing songs off their newest EP, The Confiscation. Signed to Ramseur Records, Crain has gained a following through her traditional folk songs that showcase her talents as a strong songwriter. Crain, a 21-year-old Choctaw Indian from Oklahoma, is certainly an up-and-comer, and not to be missed, especially at such an intimate venue like Cicero’s. She recently took some time to answer 12 questions for insideSTL.com
1. Tell us a little about why you're on tour and the music you're going to be playing.
We're on tour to just expose ourselves to as many people as we can.....We want to be known as a good live band more than anything else so touring is important to us and that's why we do it so much. The music we play is a healthy mixture of folk, jangly rock, and soul.
2. Have you ever been to St. Louis before? If so, what do you know about the city?
We've played STL many times before at Cummels Cafe, Ciceros, Lemmons, and various house shows. Two of the members of our band, Jacob Edwards and Andy Tanz, are from Perryville, MO so they are very familiar with the city. We know St. Louis has a rich history in alternative country and roots rock, bringing up artists and bands like Uncle Tupelo and the Bottle Rockets. We also know that the half-finished McDonald's Monument is there (wish they'd hurry up and finish that thing).
3. What's the best thing about your record label, Ramseur Records?
Ramseur Records is comprised of the hardest working and most honest people in the music business. They want the bands on the label to succeed, not only currently, but for the span of their career as musicians. It's all about staying independent and trying to work with the music industry without having to really be a part of it.
4. What was it like recording your newest EP, The Confiscation?
It was a week in a dark, drab basement in Greenville, Illinois. We had whoever was around in town that we knew help us out with different vocals and instruments and it was a real quick and painless community effort.
5. Who are some of your favorite songwriters?
My favorite songwriters are Bill Callahan, Jason Molina, Townes Van Zandt, and Mark Linkous.
6. What are some of your favorite venues you have played while touring across the U.S.?
Our favorite venue is Whitewater Tavern in Little Rock, AR. Some others we have liked a lot are Pianos in New York City, the Blue Fugue in Columbia, MO, and the Northside Tavern in Cincinnati.
7. What's your favorite part about performing?
We love the dynamics of playing....playing really, really loud and then the next song playing really soft. It's like a rollercoaster. Also, talking to people afterwards. I love hearing people's stories.
8. Take us through a normal day on tour.
We wake up, get in a fight, eat lunch, get in another fight, drive, eat meatloaf, listen to Mr. Jenkins' cd, play a show, read some comic books, and then sleep
9. If you could tour with anyone right now, who would it be?
Beck
10. What are some of your favorite albums
*"Rumors" by Fleetwood Mac
*"Songs for the Weary" by Theodore
*"After the Gold Rush" by Neil Young
*"It's a Wonderful Life" by Sparklehorse
11. What's the funniest/craziest thing to ever happen to you while on tour?
We actually joined a traveling circus for a while and played shows outside the big tent for people coming into see the circus.
12. The best way to support my music is to...
GO SEE LIVE MUSIC AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE!