The Dirty Guv’nahs would love for you to interview them in person, by phone, or by email. Below is a list of past interview questions and answers by James if information is needed immediately.

Q: How did the band first come together and was it an instant connection?
A: A friend was throwing a benefit concert and Sister Hazel was the headliner. They needed an opening band that would play for free, so we formed a band. The 6 of us were a completely random conglomeration of people, all brought together by one friend who’s nickname was and still is “The Guv’nah.” Even though we didn’t all know each other, the connection was incredible. Musically it took a long time for us to learn how to play together because this was the first band for all of us.

Q: What is the story behind the name “The Dirty Guv’nahs”?
A: A friend of ours has the nickname The Guv’nah. He’s the guy that brought us all together. We needed an adjective and dirty seemed to fit at the time. The Guv’nah came to our first show and was on crutches standing in the front row. After the show was over, he told a local news camera that our music was “so dirty that he wanted to go home and burn his house down”… that totally cemented the fact that our name was The Dirty Guv’nahs.

Q: What can fans expect from a live The Dirty Guv’nahs show?
A: 110%. Everything is left on the stage. Fans are encouraged to sing a long, and the songs are written in such a fashion that the live show is more of a communal event and not a performance.

Q: Try and describe your sound. What are some of the influences?
A: Jubilee. You know that triumphant roar that comes out of your mouth after your underdog wins? I’d say we’re trying to make a joyful noise like that. Our influences are diverse, but we always come back to The Rolling Stones . I think we listen to Exile on Main Street in the van on every single band trip we take.

Q: What can fans expect from the upcoming album “Youth Is In Our Blood” ? What was recording at Levon Helm’s house like?
A: Our main objective as a band is to encourage people to pursue community as opposed to living a secluded life. From a songwriting standpoint, I think that Michael and I have really matured in our relationship as friends and that has allowed more vulnerability, which is what makes great songs. Also, Chris and Aaron both wrote songs that are on the new album… which couldn’t excite me more. There’s a real honesty that exists on this record. The struggle of a young man, trying to find his place in a world full of expectations. Sonically, this is our best record yet… and we can give a lot of the credit to working with producer Justin Guip at Levon Helm Studios in Woodstock. He really worked with us to pull out a lot of good stuff. He pushed our buttons and encouraged us at the same time. Also, it was pretty amazing seeing Levon out in his yard everyday… playing with his dogs and living up in his secluded barn.

Q: How do your albums differ from other albums out today?
A: Our last album, self-titled The Dirty Guv’nahs, has a rawness that invites the listener into an experiment. It’s a finished, yet unfinished work. The recording session was so short that we literally did like 2 takes on each song. I think we did all of the vocals, including harmonies, in about 8 hours.
Our New Album, Youth Is In Our Blood, is much more mature and polished. This time around we knew more about the beast that is The Studio, and we tried to prepare for it. Studio work is like a microscope, you immediately see all your flaws… BUT it also allows you to find those truly magic parts of your sound and magnify them.

Q: What does the songwriting process look like?
A: Songwriting is a collaborative effort. The genesis of the majority of our stuff comes from Michael Jenkins. He spends a lot of time thinking about riffs and song structures. Occasionally others of us will start a song. From there, we all listen and add our own flavor to the mix. I spend the most time working with Michael on vocal melodies and then we move to finalizing a structure before bringing it to the band… but then once it gets to the band, things change again. Everyone gets their input, so it’s taken us a long time to figure out how to work within that dynamic. The refining fire is a beautiful thing. We had a relatively short time frame to get ready for recording our most recent album, so we were kind of forced to figure out how to work well as a group during the songwriting process. That experience was really good for us.

Q: Whats your best experience on a stage?
A: Bonnaroo 2009. We got asked to play two sets… one on Saturday, and one on Sunday… we got the extra set because some band had to back out at the last minute. Playing in front of true music lovers was an absolute thrill… and to know that you were a part of the biggest musical festival in America… that was a true honor. I ate lunch with Andrew Bird. Got my picture taken with Grace Potter. Shook hands with and gave my koozie to Jimmy Buffet.

Q: You’ve played all kinds of venues, large and intimate. Which do you prefer and why?
A: We love playing at clubs which hold around 250 people. The intimate setting feels more like family, and those shows always leave us feeling really energized…. even if it means we didn’t make as much money. The emotion is what keeps you going and writing more music.

Q: With such a competitive music scene right now, how do you feel The Dirty Guv’nahs will stand out over the others?
A: We are dedicated to working harder than anyone else out there. I know that our live show is special, and we are continually tole that our blend of country, soul, and rock and roll is truly unique from other young artists out there right now.

Q: What’s one thing we’d be surprised to hear about each member of the band?
A: 4 of us have master’s degrees. Justin is working on his MBA, and Aaron is still in undergrad. Some people might say we’re playing music as an escape from “the real world”, but weare each convinced that we finally found the one thing we’re meant to do.

Q: What one word best describes The Dirty Guv’nahs?
A: Freedom

Q: How have all your friends and family reacted to your musical careers? What’s it like when you get to play at your hometown?
A: All of our families are super supportive. When a person is living out their dream, you can feel it…. it’s hard to tell somebody to quit dreaming when their dreams are finding success. Playing in Knoxville is the best. All of our fans are so supportive…we love playing theater shows in knoxville, but sometimes we love doing a big bar show for old times sake

Q: You were voted Knoxville, Tennessee’s Best Band three years in a row by the Metro Pulse Readers Poll. With that, tell us about the music scene in Knoxville.
A: Knoxville’s music scene is really diverse. Some of our best friends are in other bands here. We love that we are located in Knoxville, because the pool of bands is smaller and it really gives you a chance to play out a lot more and grow as an artist.