Interview with Telegraph Canyon.

This week I interviewed Chris Johnson of the band Telegraph Canyon. Hailing from the great state of Texas, Telegraph Canyon is one of the newest additions to the Velvet Blue Music roster. While that fact alone is enough to recommend the band, they need no reference other than their awesome music. These guys are serious contenders for my favorite new (to me) band from last year. They play a perfect blend of alt country/Americana/indie rock that somehow manages to feel like something entirely new. I can pretty much guarantee that after a quick listen to the tracks they have up on their MySpace page, you'll feel the compelling need to buy their entire album right away. Enjoy the interview, and don't forget to visit Telegraph Canyon at the links below.
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Brax: Where does the name Telegraph Canyon come from?

Telegraph Canyon: It's an actual canyon close to Kerville, Texas. It's where the poles for the first lines of communication in America were cut by the military.

Brax: What music project are you currently working on?

Telegraph Canyon: Telegraph Canyon mainly. We've been touring steadily since the release of The Tide and The Current late last summer. I've got a project called Pelican State that I've been writing for some as well.

Brax: What makes Telegraph Canyon live shows special?

Telegraph Canyon: Lots of energy. I can't say for sure, but I think that's what most people take away from the show. It's the reason I have a good time in this band.

Brax: Time travel or inter-dimensional travel?

Telegraph Canyon: Inter-dimensional. I'd just like to be able to get to New Orleans from Dallas anytime, day or night. Can that be an option?

Brax: Sure. What's the music scene in Texas like?

Telegraph Canyon: As good as I've seen it anywhere in the rest of the country. We've got some pretty big cities here with several great venues and the population to support it. The economy is better here than in most places, so it's helped to keep folks coming out to shows.

Brax: I absolutely love your album The Tide and the Current. What's the story behind the photo of the building on the album cover?

Telegraph Canyon: It was taken in south Texas. I'm not sure what the building is now exactly...looks like a hardware store. The fist holding the lightning bolts that's painted on outside was the symbol for an old power company from the '60s that went out of business. No one ever painted over the past. I like that about old buildings in the South. There's a hardware store by my house that was a Piggly Wiggly grocery store ages ago. The bricks still bear its mark as well. I was drawn to the photo because of the sky though. I liked that it felt southern too, but not overtly so. It's an interesting picture that I could stare at for a long time to come and still learn something. Props to Jill Johnson who took the photo and my good friend and Telegraph Canyon pedal steel/piano player Brian for having the eye to put it forward.

Brax: iPod, CD, Vinyl, or other? Why?

Telegraph Canyon: All of 'em!
Vinyl is for home mostly. Most everyone in the band has an large record collection and we spend a good amount of time listening to Charlie spin 'em out.

I enjoy complete albums on CD in the car while driving alone. Something about the lack of options and distractions that makes me leave a CD in the player for a week or more at a time. I like getting to that place with music that only comes with repeated listens under different circumstances...(like) mood, weather, time of day.

The iPod is for hanging and sharing music with friends, traveling or just hiking through the city on foot. I love a backpack and pair of headphones.

Brax: What do you hope your fans take away from your music?

Telegraph Canyon: No idea, really. I just hope they keep coming to shows and giving us a chance to make music our life.

Brax: What is your opinion on robots?

Telegraph Canyon: I'm for 'em!

Brax: Any advice for others trying to “make it” in music?

Telegraph Canyon: Ihe harder you work, the luckier you get.

Brax: Anything else you’d like to add?

Telegraph Canyon: No sir.

Visit Telegraph Canyon:
www.myspace.com/telegraphcanyon
www.TelegraphCanyon.net
Tell them Brax sent you!
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Thanks to Telegraph Canyon.
Check back next Wednesday for my exciting interview with Doug Van Pelt of HM Magazine!

Brax.