Gigslutz Interview: JOHN BUTLER TRIO

Australia’s John Butler Trio release their sixth studio album, ‘Flesh And Blood’, next week. While they’re huge back home (with #1 albums and ARIA awards – like BRITs but Australian…), it’s more of a cult following over here, with smaller venues full of fans of the “white Rasta” and his band’s blend of rock, funk and the blues. From busking and selling a self-recorded cassette to representing his home country at Live Earth and setting up his own record label, John’s career is a success story fuelled by focus, determination and a clear passion for what he does. We caught up with him (the only constant in a history of line-ups that makes the Sugababes seem stable) to talk Red Rocks, bluegrass, live albums and why you should catch them live while they’re here.

You’re back in the UK for the first time in three years – and with another new line-up. What have you missed most about the UK?

I love playing to UK audiences! They have an amazing enthusiasm; we always have great shows there.

What can the fans here expect with the addition of Grant to the band?

He brings a special ‘groundness’ to the band. The chemistry between us is great. He has a mighty right foot on the kick-drum, and his pocket is deep! Byron [on Bass] and him have been playing on and off for years so the engine room is tight.

Despite numerous changes in band personnel, you’ve only ever kept three members? Is three the magic number or is it to avoid having to change your name to the John Butler Quartet?

Three is the magic number, baby!

You’ve said that you hope ‘Flesh And Blood’ can be “the soundtrack for some great moments in people’s lives and some shit moments people’s in lives”, but what albums would be the soundtrack for the greatest and shittest moments of your life?

Beastie Boys: Ill Communication, Tracy Chapman’s first album, Jane’s Addiction: Ritual De Lo Habitual, Bob Marley & The Wailers: Legend, Band Of Gypsies: Live At The Fillmore East 1969 (The second night!), De La Soul: 3 Feet High And Rising, Rage Against The Machine’s first album, Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald’s duets, The Police’s Greatest Hits, Gillian Welch: Hell Among The Yearlings… This should give a pretty good idea why the trio is so eclectic.

In-between songs on ‘Tin Shed Tales’ (2012’s live album), you joke about how you were born out of wedlock on April Fool’s Day to parents who both had the surname Butler. Do you ever wonder what kind of music you might have made if this hadn’t been the case?

Nope. I never wonder!

Talking of ‘Tin Shed Tales’, it’s one of two live albums you released in-between the release of Flesh And Blood and your last studio album (with two others released earlier in your career). Some bands shy away from live releases, do you think it’s an important part of a fan’s music collection?

Umm, I think it’s an important part of what we do. The reason there’s three or four between every album is because we tour that album extensively. It’s how we built our following and an integral part of the fabric that makes this band, and myself as an artist.

The show at Red Rocks Amphitheatre (which was not only recorded but streamed live) must have been something special, considering not only the stunning setting, but also the iconic acts who have played there before.

Yeah, it was massive. When I went to the states and did my first support there 13 years ago it was my dream to play that venue as a headliner. We supported 7 or 8 different acts there and we finally we made it to the moment where we could draw our own crowd to that beautiful, sacred place and put on our own show. It was a major achievement and one that never fades. We’ve headlined again since and a photo of that show is hung on the wall backstage with photos of all these legends I look up to. It’s a pretty surreal thing.

Back in the UK, Cambridge Folk Festival artistic director Eddie Barcan listed you as one of his favourite acts to have played there, what are your memories of the event?

Really? Wow! I didn’t know that. I wasn’t sure how it went over by memory but if Eddie liked the show we must have done alright.

Would you like to play again?

Hell yeah, I’ll come back anytime! It would actually be a great gig to do solo too.

‘Only One’, the lead single from ‘Flesh And Blood’, is a beautiful summer haze of a song, with steel-drums featuring heavily in the chorus. Do you think it’s possible to write a sad song with steel-drums?

Yeah, they’re pretty bloody happy! But they are very versatile. They’re in ‘You’re Free Too’ which is a pretty dark song, and ‘Wings Are Wide’ which is extremely moody. So yeah, you can definitely use them for different feels.

You’ve spoken before about how you aren’t genre specific (which can only be a good thing).There’s clearly a strong helping of bluegrass in there though; something you don’t hear a lot of in the UK. How can we appreciate bluegrass more?

It’s an amazing style of music with its roots in Celtic music, actually. There are a lot of jigs and reels in that early stuff. I think why I like it is because I’m a sucker for rhythm in all its form, and bluegrass has some pretty heavy ones.

Perhaps you could hold a bluegrass master class over here.

I couldn’t teach it to save my life! But I do have a few finger-picking licks that give the impression like I know something… which I don’t. If you hold a bluegrass class be sure to invite me. The only way I’ve learned is by asking questions. I’m pretty sure I’ve just finished my introductory course and have a long way to go… At least I hope so.

Are there any UK bands that you’d say aren’t genre specific?

Hmm… The Beatles! Led Zeppelin, uh… I need to get out more. I’m sure there’s heaps.

With an ever-increasing supply of songs to choose from, how do you decide the set-lists for live dates?

Yeah, it’s really tricky to get everything in, that’s for sure. I try to play 48% new stuff at my show so that the audience and I are on the same page. You need to take your fans with you. If you don’t keep growing and evolving everyone gets bored.

Are there tracks you couldn’t even consider not playing?

Songs like ‘Zebra’, ‘Better Than’ and ‘Ocean’ are essentials. They’re not only crowd musts but mine too. Then from there I just try to pick a good selection and vary it every night. Mind you, I’m shocking at doing it, but with this album I’m going to have to nail the equation.  

Any songs you don’t ever imagine playing again?

I don’t think I could play a song called ‘Trees’ anymore. It’s not how I like to write anymore, and is so of a certain time and place. It just doesn’t reflect anything that hasn’t been said better in other songs. I’m going to rip my music off though and write a better song with it!

For anybody who is reading this and hasn’t seen the John Butler Trio live before, why should they grab the opportunity to see you while you’re over here?

Hmmm… I reckon you should come to one of our shows because I can guarantee you’ll see something you didn’t expect. You’ll be taken on a ride through a lot of different countryside and come out on the other side feeling like you had a real experience. But, hey, that’s just me. See for yourself.

Thanks again and best of luck with the album and shows!

Much appreciated! Be well.

Dan Bull

Dan Bull

Reviews Editor
London. Likes: Glastonbury Festival of Contemporary Performing Arts, Prince Charles Cinema, Duran Duran Dislikes: Soreen, All-hits setlists, "I liked them before everyone else..."