Eddie 9V Talks New Album, May 2024 UK Tour & More

From Atlanta, Georgia, Eddie 9V has made a name for himself in the blues scene in America’s deep south. Wowing all types of audiences with his searing Freddie King-style approach to guitar and his original retro/soul songs. He will be touring the UK in May 2024 and he chatted to us about his new album and more:

You will be touring the UK in May 2024. How are you feeling about the shows and do you plan to do any sightseeing when you are over?

I’m feeling like I’m finally getting to something I’ve always wanted to do. I’ve always been fascinated with The UK and its rich history of killer musicians. I knew I wanted to come over here as soon as I heard the Howlin Wolf London Sessions album.

Who is in your live touring band?

On bass we have my Brother Lane. He’s the brains of the band and tour manages us in the States. On Drums we have David Green. He’s from Gasden AL and plays with a fire that I don’t don’t see from most drummers. On Keys we have Chad Mason. He’s the life of the band with his charm and easy going feeling. Oh and he also rips on piano.

You have previously released the single ‘Beg, Borrow and Steal’. What is the inspiration/story behind the song?

At the beginning of writing for Capricorn I was drenched in old soul records. Syl Johnson, OV Wright, Al Green and so many others. I had horn player in the band at the time and used him to my advantage. I’d stay up late and listen to these records for the intricate horn lines and try to apply them to my songs.

The track is accompanied by an official music video. What was the thought process behind it and who directed it?

I’ve always hated music videos where the band acts in it. So I was watching Stephen Stills and manassas on the German TV show “Beat Club” and thought that was an interesting idea. It was directed by Troy Beiser. He found this girl who learned German for a week to introduce the video.

Your latest album ‘Capricorn’ is out now. How did you want to approach the making of the album?

With all my albums I try to bring a since of realness. I hate albums that are so produced to the point where I don’t know what’s real or fake. When people hear my stuff, I want them to instantly know what there getting. We heard about the legendary studio in Macon (Capricorn) opening back up and we had to check it out. It was such a cool feeling being within those walls where Duane and Greg Allman cut songs, Marshall Tucker. The place still had the same drapes as 69.

Where did you record it and who produced it?

We heard about the legendary studio in Macon (Capricorn) opening back up and we had to check it out. It was such a cool feeling being within those walls where Duane and Greg Allman cut songs, Marshall Tucker. The place still had the same drapes as 69. Rob Evans was engineering and I produced it. We got 11 musicians to drive 2 hours from Atlanta all for pizza and beer. I’m very lucky to have all this talent at my disposal

Who are some of your musical influences?

Al Green, Mike Bloomfield, Freddie King, Bobby Charles, Stephen Stills and Neil Young

What two things do you hope to have achieved once you have left the stage?

Leaving the audience feeling they got their money’s worth is one. And two is, remember to always get your check before you head to the bar. I’m teasin!

Do you have any favoured stage instruments, effects, pedals, microphones etc?

I like changing it up. I’ll usually play a guitar for a year and then switch it up. It’s funny cause then the fans come to the show and say “man where’s the tele” Guitars are just like relationships, they all have that honeymoon phase and then you pick another one up. Right now I’m playing my old Strat straight through a Music Man Amp.

Where is your hometown and could you please describe it in five words?

McDonough Georgia. Quaint, jacked up trucks, country music, rap and ignorant.

Do you have any interesting, funny or memorable stories from the album recording sessions?

Oh yeah! Everybody was very timid and shy at the beginning of the session. So I say “hold it hold it!” And told everyone we are going drink two beers and try it again. And afterwards after a laugh and some brews I could tell the vibe shifted from “let’s not mess up” to “let’s mess it up” and it ended up changing the whole mood for the whole album.

Which of your new album tracks hear you at your a) happiest, b) angriest and c) most reflective?

Happiest: Yella Aligator. Angriest: Bout to make me leave home. Most reflective: probably It’s Goin Down.

Was it a difficult album to write?

It was probably the easiest album I ever wrote. It was a huge learning experience when it came down to mix the record. We were used to just mixing these old blues tracks which had like 4 instruments on it. But when you’re dealing with like 40 tracks on each song it can get crazy fast trying to make everything fit

How do you look after your voice?

It’s hard. I need to get a professional coach. On the road I try to warm up before every show. But it’s hard being a soul singer shouting every night and then talking to fans after the show. You do 10 of those in a row it starts to take a toll.

What makes Eddie 9V happy and what makes you unhappy?

What makes me the happiest is after a show when me and the band have a few pints and just get to relish in the fact of how lucky we are to get to do this for a livin. What makes me unhappy is the way this music industry is heading. Used to just have to focus on the music you know. Now it’s wake up have a coffee do 3 tik Toks make a instagram post, check your twitter and I almost can’t do it anymore. Social media that is. That’s why I like playing to blues,jazz and soul audiences. There usually a more intelligent audience and will show up for the music. At the end of the day, I’d rather play to 30 insanely passionate people instead of thousands of people with their phone up waiting to video “the hit” so they can leave.

Feature Image Photo Credit: Cameron Flaisch

Eddie 9V tours the UK from May 13 -16 special guests The Zac Schulze Gang.
Tickets are available from https://www.alttickets.com/eddie-9v-tickets

 DHP Family Presents by Arrangement with The Main Thing

 “EDDIE 9V” – MAY 2024 UK TOUR
SPECIAL GUESTS: THE ZAC SCHULZE GANG

TICKETS AVAILABLE FROM
ALTTICKETS.COM & EDDIE9VOLT.COM  

THE GRACE, LONDON
MONDAY 13 MAY 2024

KOMEDIA, BRIGHTON
TUESDAY 14 MAY 2024

THE BODEGA, NOTTINGHAM
WEDNESDAY 15 MAY 2024

THE LOUISIANA, BRISTOL
THURSDAY 16 MAY 2024