Back Again: Railroad Earth and the Telluride Bluegrass Festival

Back Again: Railroad Earth and the Telluride Bluegrass Festival

The following interview was conducted in April of 2008. Adam Greuel, a freelance writer and music lover, contacted Railroad Earth bassist Johnny Grubb about the success of his band, the Telluride Bluegrass Festival, and the band’s soon-coming appearance at the 2009 Festival.

In some respects, Railroad Earth grew up very fast. You boys literally made a demo tape and before even playing a show, you were booked for the Telluride Bluegrass Festival. What was it like being catapulted, if you will, onto such a large, prestigious stage?

Johnny: Well, to be honest, I wasn’t there. I came on board about 18 months into the band’s life, so I missed the seminal period during which we were booked at Telluride and made our first two albums. I was a replacement for the original bassist, Dave. We never met or he probably would’ve warned me off!

I think what happens when you make a little one-off demo tape that instantly lands you on one of the most prestigious festivals in the bluegrass world is probably two things: some very powerful validation that you are indeed onto something, and a tremendous amount of pressure to follow through or look like a bunch of asses in front of the whole world. Actually, make that three things, because you’ve seen the promised land almost right out of the gate, so you are then doomed to spend the rest of your career trying to get back there. Having the band start off that way gave everyone the impression that we needed to hit this thing as hard as we can, and the band spent the next 18 months on the road, pretty much nonstop. I think that’s where our original bassist, who was my age and therefore many years younger than the rest of the band, got severely burned out by the life on the road. I was lucky enough to come after that, or I could’ve very well suffered the same fate.

In the last year, Railroad Earth has become known as an act that is playing very, very well. That good old “word of mouth” has really vaulted your band into the forefront and back again to the Telluride Bluegrass Festival. Could you talk a bit about the reasons for all the success in the past year and years? Is it due to the growth of the band over time? Or are people just beginning to catch on to the sound on a larger level?

Johnny: The short answer is that we can finally live up to our reputation, I think. I think that when you launch with a story like that, you better friggin deliver. It’s taken a while, but over the course of the last 8 years on the road together we’ve gained the skills and the confidence to deliver on a big stage in front of a big crowd, and then some. I think for those of us lucky enough to be there on a really good night, we’re a sublimely good band. Fortunately those nights come more often these days, due in no small part to the size and energy of the crowds that are there now. That critical mass of quality music and crowds is finally feeling at hand.

I know a lot of folks really enjoyed your first two sets at the Telluride Bluegrass and, actually, have wanted to see you back for years. Now, as I read the message boards and chat rooms, I cannot help but notice the large amount of excitement that people have for your two sets this year. I know, for a fact, that your Nightgrass show at the Sheridan Opera House was, and is, one of the hardest tickets to come by. Can you talk about how it feels to be back at Telluride for not only the main stage show, but a Nightgrass show as well, and have a great deal of support?

Johnny: Awesome. And we’ve worked hard for it!

People seem to have many different reasons why the Telluride Bluegrass Festival is so incredible. In all actuality, perhaps there are many reasons. From a performance standpoint, what is it that makes Telluride such an outstanding and amazing place to play music? Do these two shows stand out as you guys look at your summer schedule?

Johnny: The one time that I have been able to play the Telluride festival was one of the nicest times I’ve had since I’ve been doing this. We are rarely treated so well as I remember being treated the last time, so I’m very much looking forward to getting back there. I mean, you’re in front of all the legends of the bluegrass community, we’re playing right after Elvis Costello, and we get to hang out with everyone for a few days to boot. Greensky is going to be there for me to harass, Crooked Still, David Byrne (I think we share a birthday). So yes, these shows stand out. From a performance standpoint, there’s a magical mix of dry air and a lack of oxygen that always makes for a memorable set! It’s going to be awesome!