The Band Of Heathens Talk New Album, Their Voices And More
Words by Glenn Sargeant
Feature Image Photo Credit: Lance Wilson
The Band Of Heathens, long hailed as one of the most fiercely independent bands in rock and roll have released their latest album ‘Country Sides’. Ed Jurdi from the band chatted to us about the new record, their voices and more:
Who is in The Band Of Heathens, how did you meet and what do you play?
The Band of Heathens Current Lineup is:
Ed Jurdi – Vocals, Guitar
Gordy Quist – Vocals, Guitar
Trevor Nealon – Keys, Vocals
Clint Simmons – Drums, Vocals
Nick Jay – Bass, Vocals
We met back in the fateful year of 2005 in Austin, TX swapping song and stories at a club called Momo’s
What is your earliest musical memory?
Sitting in the living room at my parent’s house, my dad playing guitar and piano next to the fire, singing songs like “House of the Rising Sun,” and “California Dreaming.”
When did you begin songwriting?
I began as a teenager. It was a great way to get out of doing traditional school work assignments. I would always offer to write a song in lieu of doing a presentation or a final essay in a class.
You have your new album ‘Country Sides’ out now. How did you want to approach the making of the album?
We recorded the record quickly, most of the principle tracking was done in 5 days. We wanted to capture a snapshot of the band at this moment in time. The musical idea of the record is “Country Soul.”
Where did you record the album and who produced it?
We recorded at The Finishing School in Austin, TX. It was produced by the band & Jim Vollentine.
Do you have any interesting, funny or memorable stories from the recording sessions?
It was all very quick, flying by the seat of our pants. I’d describe the atmosphere as focused, but relaxed and loose. We love being in the studio making things up, there is a magical quality about hearing a track come to life within a matter of minutes.
Did you use any particular instruments, microphones, recording equipment to help you get a particular sound/tone for the record?
We use a lot of vintage instruments and amplifiers. Classic Fender and Gibson Guitars, Wurlitzer Piano, and Hammond B3. We featured a lot of pedal steel playing from our friend Geoff Queen. His playing and contributions really informed the sound of the record.
Which of your new album tracks hear you at your a) happiest, b) angriest and c) most reflective?
Happiest – Lead Don’t Follow
Angriest – I don’t feel like anger is a very prevalent emotion on the record, but I do think “Take the Cake,” has an informed perspective on the idea of giving to others, rather than taking for yourself.
Reflective – Forever’s Not a Long Time
Was it a difficult album to write?
It wasn’t necessarily a difficult album to write. It was difficult to pick the songs though. We started with a batch of about 30 songs and whittled it down to the 11 that you hear on the final album.
Who designed the album artwork?
Jason Ambrose, who is a friend and has been a close collaborator on a few past projects.
One of the tracks is the single ‘Getting High On Your Own Supply’ which is out now. What was the story/inspiration behind the track?
The idea is that we build the world we want to live in all around us. In our case, we’ve used music to create our surroundings and this song celebrates the fact that we can still be inspired by and find new ways to. get high off of the music that we’re making.
Do you have any videos to accompany the release?
Yes, there are videos that accompany a few of the songs.
Where is your hometown and could you please describe it in five words?
Austin, TX – Music, Friends, Lifestyle, Magic, Hot.
How do you look after your voices?
Try to use it as much as possible in good situations. The voice is a muscle, the more you use it, the stronger and more resilient it seems to be. Proper rest and hydration help preserve it and keep it in good working order.
Do you have any live dates planned in the UK/Europe in 2026?
We are possibly looking at some summer dates in UK/Europe in 2026.
What two things do you hope to have achieved once you have left the stage?
That the band and the audience have had fun and made a memorable night, where we’re able to connect and rejoice in the power of music.
Do you have any favoured stage instruments, effects, pedals, microphones etc?
For every person in the band, it would probably be their own gear… For me, I love having 2 fender tube amplifiers behind me. I’m currently playing a Mid 60s era Brown Deluxe and a Mid 70’s Princeton Reverb, both which I love.
You are given the opportunity to write the score for a film adaptation of a novel that you enjoy. Which novel is it and why?
On The Road – Jack Kerouac. I know they’ve already made a film adaptation of this, but I think it would be a really fun project to be a part of. There is this duality… The solitude and loneliness of traveling and the empty, endless night, juxtaposed with the manic tempo of the city and the rapid fire of beat poetry. It’s almost like 2 scores…
The pastoral, acoustic patchwork quilt string band stuff and the hard bop jazz stuff. It’s a project that would allow me to incorporate a lot of talented collaborators, which is something that I always relish.
Who are some of your musical influences? Do you have any recommendations?
The Beatles, Willie Nelson, The Band, Muddy Waters, EmmyLou Harris, and one million other amazing artists. Everyone should go check out The Wood Brothers, David Jimenez, Hiss Golden Messenger, Nathaniel Rateliffe, Sierra Ferrell, Sarah Jarosz, Chicago Farmer and Reid Foehl.
As a band you are celebrating your 20th anniversary. What memories/highlights do you have from that period?
It’s all been a bit of a blur to be honest with you. The fact that the band is not only still together, but thriving after 20 years is an accomplishment that I’m simultaneously thankful for and proud of.
What makes The Band Of Heathens happy and what makes you unhappy?
Originality, playing music and making great sounds makes us happy. Bad coffee and being homogenous makes us unhappy.
