Bluegrass music is a unique art form that is as much about feel and instinct as it is technique. Blending proficiency and passion into a musically intoxicating package, The Roys make their debut with Lonesome Whistle, a spirited set that showcases the siblings’ stellar vocals, taut musicianship and enviable songwriting skills.
Even as their career has taken off, siblings Lee and Elaine have found time to dedicate to helping those less fortunate. They took part in Montgomery Gentry’s annual Harley Ride in conjunction with the Academy of Country Music Awards and Little Big Town’s annual Ride for a Cure, benefiting the T.J. Martell Foundation. This past August, The Roys traveled to Bogota, Columbia with Compassion International where they spent four days in the impoverished country. Now, Elaine and Lee are each sponsoring a child, as well as serving as CI spokesmen. I caught up with Lee & Elaine in Nashville at Bongo Java coffee house for a chat about their work.
Lonesome Whistle being your big bluegrass debut on Rural Rhythm , how did you approach it to make the best first impression you could?
Lee: For me I threw out all of the business and approached it creatively like a blank canvas. I didn’t worry too much about how it should have been done if someone else had done it. We went in and did it the way we wanted to do it. It’s like we are coming home musically. It’s 100% representative of where we are.
The two of you originally released an album on your own independent label before moving to Rural Rhythm for this album. How is your work different now that you aren’t on your own?
Elaine: Being a label and being an artist are two different things. Running a label is a 24 hour a day job and so is being an artist. When you mix the two together it’s hard. When we were approached by Rural Rhythm it was a no brainer. They have a great track record as an independent label. This way we would relax and focus on the music.
Lee: For us when we get together in a room to write a song we always say we have a choice how we want to be perceived. We have two or three minutes to get someone’s attention. There is so much negativity in the world that we want to try and inspire people. At first we were just writing what was in our heart and not thinking much about it. We try to bring everyday life to our music and that is something worth doing for us.
I understand your personal label Pedestal Records was the result of numerous failed experiences with major labels.
Lee: It’s true. We felt we were ready to bring some music to the masses so we formed Pedestal to make sure we were protected legally. The dawn of independent is way beyond being here, it’s here. I’m pretty eclectic with my music. Indie rock is so big because their work ethic is simple: record music. Go out and play for the fans. Repeat. It’s a simple formula. It’s just a matter of a little bit of elbow grease and getting out there and doing it. We decided to do that with the first record because we didn’t want to sit on the music any more. This project has erupted for us so it is good to have the help.
Part 2 tomorrow.
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