SOUTHERN ROCK TODAY: A CONVERSATION WITH MARLEY BRANT

  In 2007 a bunch of great Dixie rockers passed. In 2007 a bunch of new faces had grew up. We also heard some great records. To try to understand the present of our music, we spoke with dear Marley Brant about health of the Southern rock.  

WALTER GATTI – SOUTHERN ROCK ICONS: in the last days passed Hughie Thomasson and in July also George McCorckle… It’s seems that the “old team of the Dixie rock” is formed now by Gary Rossington, Gregg Allman, Dickey Betts, Paul Barrere, Rickie Medlocke, Billy Powell…. They are all “over 60….”
MARLEY BRANT: It’s sadly very true that many of the “Southern Rock Icons” have left us.  Classic Southern Rock has been predominately defined by the music of the Allman Brothers Band, Lynyrd Skynyrd, the Marshall Tucker Band, the Outlaws…all of whom have lost members in leadership positions.  While people like Duane Allman, Ronnie Van Zant, and Toy Caldwell were certainly significant to the Southern Rock genre, members of their band continued to make important music. The rugged life of the rock and roll road continues to take its toll through the additional loss of Steve Gaines, Berry Oakley, Tommy Caldwell, Allen Collins, Billy Jones, Allen Woody, Leon Wilkeson, Dru Lombar, George McCorkle, and Hughie Thomasson, which is both very sad and a huge loss to Rock music in general.  As the initial music ages, so do those who brought it to us.  Yet many Southern Rockers continue to make important contributions to the genre and the music of the classic Southern Rock bands certainly influence a number of up-and-coming bands who show great promise.   

WG – NEW SOUTHERN ROCK FACES: what is the situation of the new bands of SR? I think about Shooter Jennings, but also Shy Blackeman or Alligator Jackson or Black Creek Band…. Which are the “new bands” to listen…..
MB – The original Southern Rock movement influenced bands such as Gov’t Mule, the Black Crowes, Kentucky Headhunters, Confederate Railroad, Third Day and Drive-By Truckers, among others, and there are several new bands that demonstrate a very strong influence and love of what we call Southern Rock such as My Morning Jacket, Sister Hazel, the Avett Brothers, Every Time I Die, Brother Cane, Shinedown, Southern Culture on the Skids, and even “American Idol’s” Bo Bice. 

WG – ABOUT YOUNG PEOPLE:  Do you feel that young people in the south of the States (but not only in the South) grow up today hearing at this kind music?
MB – Southern Rock is more of a state-of-mind than a particular music style. The original Southern Rock bands included elements of rock, country, rhythm and blues and even jazz.  All of those elements give the music a variety of radio outlets.  I think that young people of the South are all aware of the classic Southern Rock music; certainly that of Skynyrd, Marshall Tucker, and the ABB. Freebird and Sweet Home Alabama are the rock anthems of the South, and you can hear Midnight Rider, Simple Man, Can’t You See, Green Grass and High Tides and Ramblin’ Man just about any day on Southern radio.  But most of the classic Southern Rock songs are heard on radio stations all over the country.  It may have started in the South, but Southern Rock is a nation-wide, certainly international, music now.   WG – FESTIVAL: huge and hot situation like the Boonaroo Fest could help southern music to have a place, an identity?
MB – Festivals such as Bonnaroo, which is held in Tennesee, certainly offer a forum for the newer acts which have taken up the Southern Rock banner but most festivals these days – with the exception of maybe Ozzfest – have started to feature a variety of music styles.  There really isn’t a signicant festival that focuses on Southern Rock but elements of Southern Rock can be heard at important festivals such as Lollapalooza, Coachella and at regional festivals all over the United States. 

WG – SOUTHERN IDENTITY: I think that southern rock was a way to feel, a way to be proud of traditions (musical but also cultural), to be “proud to be southern”. Do you think this could work also today?
MB – Southern Rock does certainly bring out a regional pride of those living in the American South. Southerners continue to be misunderstood by those who live elsewhere and certainly by American media. Southerners are often portrayed as uneducated, socially awkward, simple people with a funny accent.  This is certainly not an accurate portrait of the Southerner – there are people from all walks of life and there is a rising Southern dynamic that is bringing people from all over the world to live and work in the South.  Yes, Southerners do know how to have a good time, but there is also a pride of family,a love of the region, a strong faith, and a welcoming atmosphere that makes the South a very special place. Southern Rock continues to reflect all  of that and the music is certainly an introduction of the real Southerner to the world. There’s nothing wrong with being proud of who you are and what you value. 

WG – STRONG FAITH: What do you mean when you speak about “strong faith”?
MB – I mean a faith in each other and the way they live their lives and a strong faith in God. 

WG – OH ATLANTA: Atlanta is still the capital of Dixie-Rock?
MB – Atlanta has changed so much in the past ten years. I wouldn’t consider it the “capital of Dixie music” – in fact, there is much greater emphasis on hip hop in Atlanta these days. There really isn’t any one place that Southern Rock is celebrated, but it is treasured throughout the Southern states. By the way, in Macon, Georgia there is now the Georgia Music Hall of Fame which features wonderful displays on most of the Southern Rock groups including their guitars, show clothes, touring gear, personal items, etc. I recommend it for anyone interested in Southern Rock.

WG – Great Marley, thank you….