Duane Betts will be tearing it up on the Funk n’ Waffles stage in downtown Syracuse on Wednesday, March 20th. We had the opportunity to ask a few questions to get to know the artist a little better.
Q – You have been touring on the strength of your critically acclaimed first full-length album, “Wild and Precious Life”. Why was starting that daunting recording process in 2022 the right time?
I had been writing a lot during the pandemic and I knew that some of the songs felt like songs for a Duane Betts record rather than an Allman Betts record. Also, Allman Betts Band had just announced a hiatus. It definitely was time to make a full length record. It all happened very naturally.
Q – Listening to “Wild and Precious Life”, you can hear the strong influence of your growing up around music. What do you think, in terms of songwriting, is your personal stamp and direction?
Q – How has your music progressed, or what is different now, since your 2018 EP release of “Sketches of American Music”?
Q – Writing just one song can be a deeply personal journey, let alone an entire album’s worth. Do you find it cathartic to put your thoughts and feelings out in the world, or do you find it terrifying?
I write a lot with my friend Stoll Vaughan. He and I wrote most of these songs together. I wrote “Circles in the Stars” for my wife and that’s a pretty personal song. It is what we do as artists, we put ourselves out there every night on stage. We put ourselves out there in what we sing about .
Q – Live, in-studio analog recording can be, to say the least, challenging. Has this always been the method to your madness, and why did you choose this particular recording method on “Wild and Precious Life”?
We recorded at Swamp Raga in Jacksonville, Fl (Derek Trucks & Susan Tedeschi’s home studio). We wanted the sound you can only truly achieve from recording analog. It was an option so we did it. It just has a fantastic sound going to tape.
Q – Having grown up in and around music has obviously had an effect on you, considering the career path you have chosen. What were impressions and takeaways, either good or bad, from first, watching from the sidelines, to then becoming involved in the “family business”.
I’m really grateful I was able to grow up on tour per se. I was able to sit in frequently and really learn how to play way more quickly. Playing in front of an audience is a lot different than playing in your room so I really was able to access a wealth of knowledge. It also helps to be around great musicians and asking questions.
Q – You began what one could only call a storied career as a young man. Is there any difference now, either spiritually, perceptionally or even physically, in touring?
Q – Playing with, and being the driving force behind, the band Palmetto Motel, what are new challenges and responsibilities you have found, if any?
I always like to surround myself with people I feel I can learn from. I try to be an understated leader- if that makes sense. The guys I play with are all superb musicians and this run we will have Cody Dickinson (North Mississippi Allstars) on drums. We always try to keep it fresh and exciting.
I hope people can forget about their worries and their troubles for just a couple hours. I hope they leave feeling lifted. I hope there is something fascinating about what they hear and/or watch.
Q – What can the listening public expect from Duane Betts in the near or not too distant future?
I am writing songs for a new record. That is something I’m really excited about. I hope to have more news on that soon! I love playing live and there is no shortage of that this summer!
Thanks to Duane for taking time to answer a few questions. We look forward to the show! Duane will be kicking things off around 8pm. Tickets can be purchased through the TicketWeb website. See y’all there!
Funk n’ Waffles, 307 S. Clinton St., Syracuse, NY 13202