We just got back from a few weeks of shows in the mountains and we’re enjoying a few days off before heading to Europe. Some of the highlights of the last tour were getting to play some shows with the one and only Sam Bush and his amazing band, getting back to some of our favorite mountain towns like Carbondale, playing the KiMo Theater in Albuquerque, NM, and playing Musicfest and Ski Jam in Steamboat Springs, where we got some time on the mountain and some rib crushing rock and roll. If you dig around in youtube.com I think there’s some behind the scenes footage, some video interviews and some live show footage from the tour.

Also, I think one of the shows from Musicfest is posted in the “Extras” section of the website as a free download. This week has been good being back home in Austin and catching up on some sleep and some homecooking. Everybody seems to be fighting off some kind of cold or allergies, and/or broken ribs before heading out again. Despite being a little beat up and run down, it’s been a good start to the year.

If you made it out to any of the shows on this last tour, you may have noticed that we’ve trying out a handful of new songs that we just recorded. We’ll probably spend some more time in the studio after we get back from Europe and see what else comes out. Right now, we’re having a good time writing and experimenting with some new songs live and getting new material down on tape in the studio.

On Thursday we’re looking forward to heading to Europe for another run of shows in Germany and the Netherlands. Then we’ll come back and get ready for SXSW. Sometime between now and then we’ll be buying a new van as well. Good times. With all the news of layoffs, bailouts, harsh times and doubts, we’re thankful to be so busy and working, and hopeful things are on the rise.

Peace from the Heathens

Music Fest 2009: So Much Fun I Broke My Rib

So the Band of Heathens has just finished their second year playing the Music Fest at Steamboat Springs, Colorado. In case you aren’t in the know, this is an amazing winter festival in which thousands of people invade Steamboat Springs and party like there’s no tomorrow. If you haven’t been, I would book my tickets for next year well in advance. It just gets more and more popular every year.

With tons of Texas bands like Ray Wyllie Hubbard, Cross Canadian Ragweed, Reckless Kelly, Ryan Bingham, Randy Rogers, Paula Nelson and the Gougers (the list goes on), its easy to see why people flock there every year. Day and night the bands play on at multiple venues, while fans decide who they want to see most. The booze is flowing and the snow just keeps coming. But on top of that, you get to ski/snowboard all week long as part of the package.

This brings me to my broken rib. The one day I decide to try my hand at snowboarding (remember that its been over a decade since I’ve tried it), I take a major spill and instantly realize that my rib is broken. As far as I know, I’m the only one from any of the bands that actually got hurt. How lame do I feel?

Truth is, I wouldn’t have changed a thing. Not sure if you’ve ever been at the top of a snowy mountain, but there is nothing more breathtaking. That particular day, the sun was out and the powder was fresh (except for the place my rib hit). You could see for miles, and it reminded me of growing up near the mountains in Washington State.

The week was so much fun, and the bands and fans alike were such a pleasure to party with, that I really can’t complain about a stupid broken rib. In fact, after a few gigs around Colorado, we will be returning to Steamboat Springs for another festival that is going on right now called “Ski Jam”. Bands like The Wailers, Todd Snider, Sam Bush, The Greencards and The South Austin Jug Band will grace the stages of Steamboat for another raucous good time.

And who do we have to thank for all this…John and Robin Dickson, and the incredible staff that they have acquired over the years. Some of the nicest people you could ever meet, and man oh man, can they put on a good time. Thanks John and Robin…we’ll be there next year for sure.

Until next time…

Seth