It had been ten years since country rocker and songwriter Derek Astles, 33, had been on a solo tour. The last however many years, he was leading the Rippin’ E Brakes, one of New Hampshire’s absolute best alt-country rock bands.
Behind Astles, who is from Contoocook, the band played a blend of original blood ballads and priceless covers. Astles could be seen clawing and sweating and growling his way through a set of songs, delivering hilarity and misery in the same breath.
The E Brakes are no more — temporarily, I pray — but Astles still has the fire burning in his pits and wanted to reestablish himself as a solo act, getting far away from the tensions and responsibilities of leading a band.
Astles just came home after a month-long trip through Oklahoma and Tennessee, all the way to Woody Creek, Colorado, where his literary idol, Dr. Hunter S. Thompson, once terrorized and mesmerized the locals. So I caught up with him and found out how his solo run went.
Rob Azevedo: I know you’re a pretty fearless performer, but you must have been chewing on some nerves heading off for your first solo tour.
Rob Astles: I’ve come across a few rowdy crowds that toughened me up. I actually did my first solo tour almost ten years ago and I’ve performed all over the country in different bars, restaurants, and any other place that would have me. Just getting to the show on time can be more nerve wracking these days.
What were some of your favorite spots along the way to play?
Red Brick Bar in Norman, Oklahoma. Awesome sound system, wonderful people. Big E’s Steakhouse. It’s a few miles from the Grand Canyon and full of international tourists who love American music. Acoustic Coffeehouse in Johnson City, Tennessee. I’ve played and camped here a few times. It’s an amazing music joint.
Since leaving the Rippin E Brakes, how has your music changed?
I wrote all of the Rippin E Brakes songs you hear me singing on, so the only change would be the presentation. It’s just me and a guitar now. I went through a heavy songwriting phase over the last two years, so it was satisfying to hear what a band can do with my songs, but I’ve been a solo act for most of my career. I really enjoy singing my songs in their original acoustic form.
Were you able to write anything new on the road?
I think I do my best writing at times when my life is wild and crazy and hectic and stressful. I felt relaxed on this trip. Everything fell into place nicely. I never even picked up a pen.
You got as close to the famed gonzo journalist Hunter Thompson as one can get these days, playing his old haunt, the Woody Creek Tavern. Tell me about that.
They don’t typically have music there, so it was a real treat getting the opportunity. It was fun to envision the tavern in its heyday. The Woody Creek locals were nice and I got to meet Mrs. Thompson and her friends.
How did the people in the Midwest respond to your music?
I tend to perform at the more out-of-the-way places, so I usually get to see how the “real” locals like my music. They liked my “country Eastern”-sounding stuff the best. I guess a redneck is a redneck no matter where you go and they all like redneck music.
Did you want to come back to New Hampshire or just stay on the road, playing out for a new and broader audience?
I think I’m more naturally geared to traveling, but I was excited to continue my Sunday gig at North Beach Bar in Hampton this summer. It was hot out there in the Midwest.
What can we expect from you in the coming year, and any chance the Rippin E Brakes get back together?
Well, in September I’m playing a music festival in Colorado. Hopefully I can just keep my act out on the road from there. As for the band, if you missed it, you missed it.
