Sons of Theo hit us with a hard-hitting southern rock single that hits all the sweet spots from acoustic verses into rocked out choruses, storytelling lyrics and parts that just stick in your head for days on end.
"Old Saint Jude" paints vivid pictures with descriptive words and are surrounded by massive slide guitar melodies and a raw energy that feels like blues and hard rock came together for a party.
The track boasts some intensity and feels like a live performance at times as the band seems to feed off of each other's energies.
But guess what. Apparently, the entire song was performed and tracked by one man. Sons of Theo is the brainchild of multi-instrumentalist Ryan Acosta.
This song has a freeing undertone and it's got this vast and massive sound as those kick drums come through thick as thieves and give the song the added rumble it needs to get that powerful approach.
Bass is perfect and the whole band has this tight sound that comes from seasoned musicians and experience in jamming.
You can hearthe fun and loose aspects as well which is great and that is also what gives the song a little bit of a live feel.
You can hear the fun and loose aspects as well which is great and that is also what gives the song a little bit of a live feel.
But again, you pay a lot of attention to those lyrics and see the images the vocalist puts forth with words.
With such a killer single, we wanted to have a chat with the band or...artist really and talk shop.
Here's what happened.
RAG: Okay so let's start with " Old Saint Jude". This record has a great southern rock tonality to it! Where did this single come from? It's funny you should ask. Some songs have a life of their own and tend to write themselves. This happens to be one of those songs. The lyrics are basically about situations that are simply too messy to clean up; in which case, it's time to pack up and move on. Saint Jude is the Saint of lost causes, and the song is about lost causes. Hence the title. RAG: I'm hearing some great styles on this release. Who are some of your biggest musical influences? My influences are all over the place. I listen to a lot of classical music, blues, funk, progressive rock, hip-hop, alternative, and classic rock. To be specific, I dig J.S. Bach, Beethoven, Jimi Hendrix, Muddy Waters, Stevie Wonder, Sly & The Family Stone, Parliament, Yes, Rush, Fugees, Jurassic Five, Jane's Addiction, Alice In Chains, and Led Zeppelin; just to name a few. RAG: So how did this all begin for you really? When did you fall in love with making music?
That's a tough question to narrow down, actually. I grew up around music. My grandparents dragged me to symphonies and opera from a young age. Not to mention the fact that my grandfather always gave me instruments to play. So, you could say that music has always been a major part of my consciousness. RAG: What's next for you as a band? I played every instrument on this particular single. Plus, I mixed & mastered it myself. I am currently assembling a live band to play shows, and I'm currently starting to book with local venues in the Bay Area. Plus, I am currently recording an EP that should be done by September. RAG: What inspires you guys to write a song? I wouldn't say that it's consistently one specific thing that inspires me. I am inspired my literature, world events, history, personal tragedy, trauma, travel, or simply being out in nature. I think it's important to always be open to everything that we experience. Every life experience is inspiration. RAG: What are you all doing when you're NOT working on music? For one, I have been teaching music for over twenty five years. I teach at a music school in Palo Alto, and I have my own private teaching studio. I recently launched a business called Fat Hat Music, which has three specific functions. One, it's a music publishing company that focuses on sheet music, instructional material, and instructional videos. Two, it is a platform for online music lessons. Three, it functions as an indie record label to publish my own recorded works. When I'm not working, I spend time with my wife, dog, and family. Also, we try to travel as much as possible.
RAG: Who are you all listening to right now? My current top two favorite artists are Larkin Poe, and Eric Gales RAG: Are you doing live performances? I'm currently assembling the live band to start playing live shows again. Be on the lookout for Sons Of Theo shows around August. RAG: This single seems like a big undertaking. What kind of advice might you have for other up and coming bands out there? I am a big believer in doing everything yourself. I advise to learn how to record your own music, how to start your own publishing company, be your own manager, copyright your music, and book your own shows. It's your art. Own it! Don't let anyone else do it for you, or take it from you. RAG: Before we go, what would you like to say to fans of the music? Share the single with your friends, family, and coworkers. Also, be on the lookout for the upcoming EP. Spotify