Preacher Stone Talk New Music, Touring And More
Words by Glenn Sargeant
Photo Credit: PR
US Southern Rock six-piece Preacher Stone recently released their single ‘Rise Up’ and gave us some of their Southern hospitality by taking some time to chat:
Who is in Preacher Stone and what do they play?
Ronnie: We’re a high-octane, 200 proof, rock-n-roll guitar-driven band kicking boots out of North Carolina US with songs about the common man and heart-wrenching smoky bar frequenting tales. In the band we have myself Ronnie Riddle (lead vocals) Marty Hill (Lead Guitar), Ben Robinson (Lead Guitar), Johnny Webb (B3, Piano), Jim Bolt (bass) and Josh Wyatt (drums). We’re very much a band of brothers!
Where is your hometown and could you please describe it in five words?
Marty: We’re all a bit scattered about, but me Aquadale, NC – Just like Andy Griffith Show.
Ronnie: Landis, NC – Small blue collar mill town.
Ben: Jacksonville, FL – The birthplace of Southern Rock.
Jim: Mooresville, NC – Chilli, country, NASCAR, BBQ, fishing.
Johnny: Salisbury, NC: Quiet, peaceful, simple, familiar, family.
Wyatt: Greensboro, NC: Quiet, slow-paced, retirement, friendly.
What is the inspiration/story behind your single ‘Rise Up?
Ronnie: When Marty brought the musical idea to the band, we were all feeling the strain during the pandemic as well as all of the division and negativity in the media, so writing lyrics that encourage people to just be good to one another seemed a natural fit. ‘Rise Up’ along with ‘Damage Is Done’, which we released back in the spring, was one of the first songs written for ‘Preacher Stone V’. Yes, that’s the title of our new album which will be out next year!
Do you have any favoured stage instruments?
Marty: My ugly green Telecaster and Gibson Les Pauls. Sometimes, a ’64 Gibson Firebird.
Ben: For me it’s 100% my Gibson Firebird and SG, ain’t no others like it. Jim plays his beloved Fender Custom Shop Jazz Bass, Wyatt Tama drums and for Johhny ut’s Hammond and B3, so cool!
How do you look after your voices?
Ronnie: Sleep and proper hydration and in case of emergency: Lays Potato Chips and Jack Daniels.
Jim: Sleep and beer…I mean water, yeah, water…with hops in it.
Do you have any plans for any live shows in UK and Europe in 2024?
Jim: That’s something we’re working on right now! We had a blast in the UK earlier this year with our UK brothers Sons of Liberty and we keep getting asked to come back. If you want to see us or us play at your venue/festival, let us know and we’ll see what we can do!
What are your plans for future music releases?
Ronnie: Like I said, we’ll be releasing our new album ‘Preacher Stone V’ in the new year, we’re currently putting the finishing touches to it and we’re all very excited, there’s gonna be something in it for everyone who likes what we do.
Marty: There’ll be another single early 2024 so look out for that as it’s a true ass-kicker. We can’t wait to share the new album with all when the time comes as it’s our best work yet!
What kind of music/artists do you like listening to? Any recommendations?
Wyatt: I listen to my friends Black Dynamite and Ron Jr. I highly recommend Miles Davis
“Witches Brew”.
Ronnie: Disneyland After Dark (DAD), Jason Isbell, Thin Lizzy, Nazareth, Bad Company to name a few. I would recommend The Georgia Thunderbolts!
Jim: At the moment, new rock from Dirty Honey is kicking my ass!
Marty: The legends of Lynyrd Skynyrd, Thin Lizzy, Blackberry Smoke. Ben will simply say “ROCK AND ROLL!!!” Hahaa!
What makes Preacher Stone happy and what makes you unhappy?
Ben: Preacher Stone is such an organic organism. In my opinion, to make Preacher Stone happy, constant momentum needs to be maintained. Whether it’s touring or being in the studio, it’s the constant progression that keeps the group moving. Being on stage with five of my closest friends is an absolute for me. Money can’t buy the feeling that overwhelms my being when we’re all on stage together. If all of that comes together, there’s nothing that could make me unhappy.
Marty: Playing for and meeting new folks around the world makes me very happy. As for being unhappy, when I’m not playing and worried about the state of the US and the world.
Ronnie: Writing, recording, performing, riding my motorcycle, seeing the world and spending time with friends and family. Not getting to do those things makes me unhappy!
Photo Credit: Supplied By PR
Preacher Stone’s latest single ‘Rise Up’ is out now.
For more information visit their official website: https://preacherstoneband.com/bio
