New Interview: The Killdares

by Blair Lovern

The Killdares were kind enough to drop by TGHQ to talk about their music and the State Fair screwing them over this year (my words, not theirs.) Ah c'mon, for seven years (2005, '04, '03, '02, '01, '00, '99) they were a Texas State Fair institution. The band played seven shows a day for 24 days. How much is that? You do the math - who do you think I am, some fancy pants information provider at your beck and call - ah, hell, never mind. It's 1,176 total shows.

The band seems to have taken it in stride, though. You know why? Because they're all fine folks. Here's to them giving the Cotton Bowl some company again in 2007 and beyond. In the meantime, you can check out The Killdares this Friday at Indiekitten's Halloween Party at The Cavern, along with Rose County Fair and Romp Almighty.

Below we've got a pair of songs for you and a brief video interview. If you've seen the band live you know what a terrific show they have, plus you know they rarely play acoustically. It was the first time I've ever heard the band in that setting. We in the office were impressed. If you haven't seen them, you need to treat yourself to their version of Celtic rock.

Also check out the band's latest CD, Any Given Element. (I've heard someone playing it in our office at some point every day since The Killdares stopped in.)

Finally, we've also included a little video on what the heck the Great Highland Bagpipes are, courtesy Killdares bagpipe expert Matt Willis. Did you know Matt became drawn to the bagpipes, thanks to KHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAN!? Click the link, you'll see what I mean.

One last item, the interview begins just after the band's name introductions. Nothing else is missing but you'll notice it starts in the middle of Roberta Rast discussing her trip to Nashville as a top fiddle contest judge. Chalk that up to, ah, technical difficulties (Actually, chalk that up to Blair is an idiot. Any other yahoo at any other media outlet anywhere gonna admit they are an idiot? No. Here at TexasGigs I proudly admit that.)

As a result, here are your introductions with principle instruments, going around the circle from left to right in all the videos: Tim Smith (drums, lead vocals), Roberta Rast (fiddler extraordinaire), Matt Willis (bagpipes), Jim Dawson (bass), Brek Lancaster (guitar).

OK, so take it away, Roberta, explaining the fiddle technique of "chopping."