Thank goodness we are live-tweeting the Grammys — now you can head to High Noon Saloon on Sunday night where you’ll find a stellar variety of homegrown artists. We recently completed an interview with Jeremiah Nelson, who will be sharing the stage with Old Earth and Dietrich Gosser. And to get a full introduction to all three acts, check out my recent conversations with both Todd Umhoefer of Old Earth and Dietrich Gosser.
Old Earth’s Todd Umhoefer
In what setting can you best grasp and utilize creative energy?
“That depends. I’m constantly mindful of songs and art despite the setting.
“When I write words, I like being around people. I get a lot out of ambient intermingling conversations and the compelling pieces you’ll inadvertently catch. Barroom philosophy or hearing a poetic phrase in an unexpected place is very exciting to me.
“I prefer if no one can hear me when I write guitar parts or sing, though. I already feel self-conscious about unfinished work, but to think of someone listening to me work out a vocal part or guitar loop for three hours is just humiliating. I’m subletting an amazing studio right now, in downtown Milwaukee, and it’s the best space I’ve ever worked in.”
Do you find more serenity in music or silence? Why?
“Definitely silence. The music I listen to and make is typically unsettling.”
If we pass around a donation bucket at High Noon Saloon on Sunday night, how much money would you require for you to make a few post-show shirtless snow angels?
“I hate being cold, and we’re getting a low of negative-11 degrees! No less than $1,000.”
How do you translate the sharp rhythm of your music performance to other parts of your life?
“The rhythms and tempos I play are pretty close to what I’m always hearing in my head. It’s a constant 1-2 clap, which might sound annoying or maddening to other people but that rhythm makes me feel alive. It’s more like the other parts of my life are being translated through the music.”
And finally, how do you preserve a song’s meaning after you’ve performed it countless times?
“Sometimes I give the song a rest from performances; sometimes I stop practicing or even thinking about it. Revisiting them later is like running into an old friend, and immediately remembering all the things I like about them. I try to treat songs with kindness and avoid harsh judgment. My relationship with a song might change because it might not represent where I’m at at the moment, but any song written in a meaningful way will always be meaningful.”
Dietrich Gosser
On August 17 you tweeted, “Midwestern musicians make cigarettes look so damn sexy! #thatshitllkillyou.” On a quasi-related note, who is the sexiest musician you’ve had the pleasure to collaborate with?
“Musicians really are incredibly sexy. If you get up on stage chances are I will fall in love with you; at least for a song or two. I’ve had the chance to work with so many beautiful men and women recently I couldn’t possible single one out. I don’t know how People magazine does it. What does it feel like to be the second sexiest man alive? And Patrick Dempsey is number one! It hurts. I have been crushing on those PHOX boys pretty hard, though. They’re like the Madison One Direction.”
When you hear the words “polar vortex,” what is your immediate reaction?
“Isn’t that a Cuba Gooding Jr. movie?”
High Noon Saloon is famous for putting a lime in your PBR if you request it. How do you drink your PBR?
“Straight up please. Preferably a tall can. Limes are reserved for Mexican beers for some reason.”
If you could master any instrument you’ve not yet attempted to play, what instrument would you choose?
“Probably the violin. It’s such a romantic sounding instrument. It’s capable of such incredible emotion. Even when its quiet and graceful it has a sharpness. Like there’s so much potential energy in each long note. And the use of the bow is beautiful to watch.”
Lastly, what does the future hold for Dietrich Gosser music?
“I’m not certain what’s next. I’m gonna try to sell some of these records. I’m gonna do a little more touring this year and I’ve got some songs kicking around that I would love to record soon. I really want to start a rock ‘n’ roll band. Do you play bass?”
My answer to Dietrich’s last question is yes, I’m learning. But somehow, everything I play ends up sounding like a Seinfeld riff.
So give Jeremiah Nelson, Old Earth, and Dietrich Gosser music a listen if the names are new to you. All around, it’s folk with a twist of modernity coming from big name Wisconsinites. I can say with utter confidence that the three acts will be the most aurally pleasing threesome you observe all night.