Premier bluegrass band Greensky Bluegrass has been making waves with their recent album release, If Sorrows Swim. The album is an eloquent collection of songs, which showcase the band’s innate ability to create beautiful, pastoral music. The album has already climbed to #8 on the iTunes Country chart; wholly deserving of all the praise and success.

We had the chance to sit down with Greensky Bluegrass guitarist/vocalist Dave Bruzza, to discuss the new release, to talk about the band’s music and influences, and to discuss the band’s upcoming performance at NYC’s Gramercy Theatre on Saturday, 9/13 (tickets are still available). Check it out below:

L4LM: On “If Sorrows Swim” the band is as tight of a cohesive unit as ever, with everyone playing off one another so effectively. Was there a decision by the group to really come together and not take as much of a solo approach?

DB: Yeah. We talked about different dynamics that we haven’t really tried in the studio, a lot of stuff we kinda discovered on stage. It’s truly a band effort. 

L4LM: You are a bluegrass band, there is no doubt about that. But, you guys seriously rock and infuse many different musical elements in your overall style. Where do you draw your influences from musically?

DB: Well, we all have a very wide taste in music. And we all bring different ideas to the table all the time, and I feel this helps out on out arrangements of songs. Whether it be original songs of ours, or any number of covers we choose. 

L4LM: Do you believe that it is important to have a well-rounded sound to survive in the current musical environment? With EDM and pop drawing such attention these days, it seems like everything else gets lost on the greater majority of people’s radars. As a “working man’s band,” how do you keep on keeping on in an industry whose foundations are crumbling (from a business perspective)?

DB: Since I’ve been a musician, the business has most indeed changed. I think that is what is one of the things that has helped us become successful. We were always a grassroots operation, independently releasing our records was the way to do it. But ultimately the music speaks for itself. And just because we are a “bluegrass” band, I don’t think that matters. There will always be fads, but good music will always get a crowd. 

L4LM: You have such a penchant for writing these beautiful ballads, on the latest album w/ “In Control,” and in the past with “Lose My Way” (which is one of my favorite songs ever). It’s such a nice contrast, between the typical archetype of a bluegrass song, and the space that is explored in a ballad. Does the songwriting approach differ greatly from one style to the other?

DB: Paul wrote both of those songs, and they are two of my favorites as well. For me, it’s a mood thing. A certain experience could become a powerful ballad just as easy as it could become a slamming fast tune. It really comes down to what the content is. A breakup, a death, hard times are things that could become this type of tune, but it’s how you feel about what’s happened. What I mean is, a breakup could leave you feeling angry and it could go to aggressive writing style. Or you could feel a little blue about this topic, and that could become a beautiful flowing melody that effects the listener just like Lose my Way. 

L4LM: We all know you love every song on the new album….but seriously, what’s your personal favorite? Come on, be honest.

DB: Ha! All of them are my favorite. There is great collection of songs here. Songs for all!

L4LM: When I’m listening to bluegrass, I feel the need to have a beer in my hand, and sip on whiskey. Why is that (besides the obvious answer of having a potential alcohol problem)?

DB: I guess that’s a personal thing. I like a bit of beer myself when I’m enjoying bluegrass too. 

L4LM: If you could play with any one artist/band, who would it be?

DB: Greensky Bluegrass.

L4LM: You have an upcoming show at The Gramercy Theatre in NYC on Saturday, Sept 13th. Is playing NYC any different from other cities around the US?

DB: Playing in NYC is always exciting! I love coming to play here. Really looking forward to playing the Gramercy, we have never played at that venue yet. Heard lots of great things about the room. Can’t wait to see you all there!

 

Thanks again to Dave Bruzza for taking the time to answer our questions. See you at the Gramercy Theatre this Saturday!

-Chris Meyer and David Melamed