Have You Heard: The Spin Drifters

Answered by: Stuie French

When did you start making music and why? I started playing the guitar when I was about nine. I was infatuated by the sound of the guitar and I just fell in love with it. I loved Johnny Cash, Slim Dusty...

Sum up your musical sound in four words? Swinging hillbilly twang.

If you could support any band in the world — past or present — who would it be? My hero in music is Merle Haggard, he reinvented western swing. He's why I fell in love with western music.

If you could only listen to one album forevermore, what would it be and why? Haha, a Merle Haggard album. It's a live album, The Fightin' Side Of Me. I've learnt more off that one album about what I do than any other album...

Greatest rock'n'roll moment of your career to date? Jamming with the late Les Paul in New York... a few months later he passed away. We jammed with Time Jumpers at 3rd & Lindsley in Nashville with Vince Gill and I played with his guitar. It went mad.

Why should people come and see your band? Fresh, rootsy music played with passion. Western swing has no gimmicks — it's all about being able to play well. 

When and where for your next gig? 16 Nov, The Basement. It's such a classic live venue, we love that place.

Website link for more info? thebasement.com.au