The smooth soulful sounds of Durand Jones & the Indications might sound like something straight out of the 70s, but this band of millennials isn’t looking back. Their second album “American Love Call” has led to appearances on Jimmy Kimmel Live! and Last Call with Carson Daly, to name a few, and the momentum is building. Before they kick off a national tour at Art On The Rocks presented by Dale’s Seasoning Friday night, we talked musical food pairings, the inspiration behind the band’s sound, and more with band members Blake Rhein and Aaron Frazer.
Birmingham Museum of Art: Everybody wants to know the band’s story. How did you all meet, and how did you combine musical tastes to develop your sound?
Blake Rhein: We met in Bloomington, Indiana, and quickly bonded over our love of soul music. Our collective passion to discover new music is a huge part of what drives our band forward. Whether it’s digging through dusty 45s at the record stores we visit on tour (shout out to Dan and the guys at Seasick Records) or sifting through youtube rips, we’re always on the quest for something that will inspire us.
BMA: What can the audience expect from your show at Art On The Rocks on the Tito’s Handmade Vodka Stage?
BR: It’s been over a year since the last time we played in Birmingham. We’re always adding new ideas to the live show, so if you saw us at WorkPlay Theater, expect a totally new set and a few surprises.
BMA: Birmingham has an incredible food culture. If your music were perfectly paired with a delicious meal and cocktail, what would be on the menu?
Aaron Frazer: I think we’d be paired with backyard cookout burgers and a pack of High Life. Our music is communal and something that’s accessible to everyone, so it goes best with any meal you can share with friends.
BMA: What are you most looking forward to about playing in Birmingham this summer?
AF: The people! Birmingham folks were some of the first people in the world to support our record, so we can’t wait to bring the new tunes to them live again. Special shoutout to Seasick Records, who’ve repped us super hard from the beginning!
BMA: Art On The Rocks is about blending the best of Birmingham culture (music, performances, food, and more) with the beautiful Museum environment. In the spirit of fusing music and art, which visual artists might best represent Durand Jones & the Indications?
AF: I really enjoy the work of Anna Buckner. Not only does she embrace the Midwest (where we met), but also her style of quilt painting utilizes pieces of fabric that aren’t usually put together and when they’re put together they create these unique and new shapes. I feel like the band is like those pieces, as we come from all sorts of different backgrounds, but somehow we are together, collectively creating art.
Tickets for Art On The Rocks featuring Durand Jones & the Indications are on sale now here!
