This featured interview was originally posted in Beyond The Stage Issue 10 and written by Taylor Cleek.
“I feel like… especially with this album, you can see how we tried to think outside of the box. I think the music speaks for itself in that.” It’s a quiet afternoon in the Beach land Tavern and merely a few hours before the doors open to the public. Luckily for me, I already have the best seat in the house as I sit with Nashville natives Judah & the Lion–Judah Akers, Nate Zuercher, Brian Macdonald, and Spencer Across. Judah (the band’s lead vocalist and guitar player) is eager to talk about the band’s brand new full-length album, Folk Hop and Roll.
“Obviously, when you see a banjo and a mandolin…you have an idea what kind of band that’s gonna sound like. So, Nate plugged his banjo into an amp and Brian pulled out an electric guitar.” It isn’t simple hype; Folk Hop and Roll is a definite reflection of Judah & the Lion’s many diverse influences, as the album title suggests. “We wanted to try to be honest and that just felt like a natural progression,” Judah added.
As the packed Beach land Ballroom will later learn, the band isn’t just looking for an unconventional sound that’s unique to them, but also one that captures the energy they put into every set.
“I think that we designed this record kind of specifically around our live show. We just care so much about the performance and the environment that’s created through that and having a place that people can come be themselves and let go and hopefully leave happier when they got there,” banjoist Nate explained.
“I think a lot of times we really feed off the crowd too so it’s important to have a crowd that’s interacting with us,” mandolin player Brian included. As a witness, I can personally confirm that nothing’s off of the table when Judah & the Lion get on stage: jumping into the crowd, distorted banjo solos, or simply dropping all of the instruments for an impromptu hip hop dance party.
And while a concept like ‘rap meets folk music’ could very easily go totally wrong; the band manages to combine disparate genres seamlessly without ever feeling like a cheap gimmick. “I think this tour’s been the most strenuous as far as physically. We’re all just trying to make sure when the show comes we have the energy to go balls to the wall,” Brian explained.
Read more about Judah & The Lion Here
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