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Former Greenberry Woods members bring Freeway 111 to the Recher.
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Former Greenberry Woods (Sire/Reprise), members C.L. Blake, Brandt Huseman and Miles Bennett have added Guitarist Mike Thiess and formed Freeway 111. The band will join Black Friday and the Pearl Fishers at the Recher on Saturday December 20th. Freeway 111 goes on promptly at 9:00p.m. so don't be tardy.
I recently had the opportunity to discuss with C.L. Blake his plans for the band.
Andy Belt: When was the band formed? Members?
C.L. Blake: Miles Bennett, Mike Thiess, and I started playing together as Freeway 111 in December of last year. After working with a couple of different bass players, we called on an old friend of ours, Brandt Huseman, to lend us his talents, which luckily included the use of his garage for rehearsals! Brandt, Miles and I used to play together in The Greenberry Woods in the early to mid 90’s.
AB: What are the group’s plans?
C.L.B.: Speaking for myself, I get a tremendous amount of satisfaction from the whole process of writing, recording and performing, also the camaraderie of playing music with people who I really enjoy hanging around with. So the plan, for me at least, is simply to continue writing and recording songs, and play out when we can. And hope nobody quits.
AB: Who does the songwriting/composing?
C.L.B.: Well, I bring the songs to the band. From that point, as long as they like what they hear, we see how the music evolves, with everyone contributing to the way the songs are finally delivered. I think it is very important that everyone in a band makes a contribution to song development; it’s what keeps people engaged in the process and makes being in the group important to them. In Freeway 111, Mike is an incredible guitar player and his style and delivery really makes our sound. Mike can play with anybody. Miles is a solid drummer and completely in step with the songs I am writing. He also has a talent for producing. Brandt plays several instruments including the bass, has an incredible voice, and has a very good ear for arrangements. He is also a great songwriter, which you can hear in his other projects, most recently, The Pale Stars.
AB: How would you describe your sound?
C.L.B.: I would describe it as not annoying! Even if you listen to our songs or come to see us live, and don’t particularly like the music, it won’t make you want to run out into traffic or look for the nearest tall building.
AB: Have you released any material?
C.L.B.: Right now we are working on our first album, CD, or whatever you call it. We’ve finished two tracks, one of which, “Tressa”, was just featured on WTMD’s Baltimore Unsigned show. The plan is to release the record in the Spring, schedules permitting.
AB: Are you trying to get signed like you were at one time to Sire/Reprise?
C.L.B.: Again, I am just speaking for myself, but no, nothing on that scale. I am, however, interested in working with a local or regional “artist friendly” label. But if not, there are many more avenues available now to successfully promote your music than there were 10 years ago.
AB: What is your opinion of the local music scene?
C.L.B.: From what I hear and read, it appears to be doing quite well. I think area musicians from all genres receive tremendous support from radio stations like WTMD, which is unbelievably popular with the people we know. Do you know who we should call to get invited onto the scene?
AB: Where can we hear some your music?
C.L.B.: We have some finished songs and a few demos on our myspace page, www.myspace.com/freeway111band and we certainly would never discourage a request to WTMD or WRNR! And of course, you can come see us live at the Recher Theatre on December 20th opening for area legends, Black Friday and The Pearlfishers.
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