Wild West Sessions: Old Californio

Turnstyled Junkpiled’s Wild West Sessions: Gonzo Country in-house performances with some badass Q&A.

Turnstyled Junkpiled caught up with Old Calfornio before their show a few weeks ago, kicking off the seventh season of The Grand Ole Echo. The Grand Ole Echo is LA’s premier Americana/Country showcase, held every Sunday from 5:30-9pm in Echo Park (admission is free).

Old Californio will be opening for The Mother Hips at the Bootleg Theatre in Los Angeles on Friday,  June 1 (8:30pm). Turnstyled Junkpiled has the hook-up for two lucky readers. We are giving away 2 tickets (one pair) to see The Mother Hips with Old Californio, at The Bootleg Theatre. Click here for contest rules and information.

Q&A with Justin Smith (Drums) and Jason Chesney (Bass)

What’s your favorite Western Movie and why?
Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. It’s doesn’t get any better than Paul Newman, Robert Redford, and Katherine Ross. Plus, you’ve got the amazing Burt Bacharach soundtrack. South American Getaway just about says it all.

If there was a Wild West showdown, which outlaw country pimp (dead or alive) would you bet would win and why?
Job Cain, (Elvin Jones) from the acid western, “Zachariah”, because of his extremely deadly groove and silver lame’ vest.

What’s the most badass show you’ve seen in Los Angeles recently?
“Sound at the BHSO” featuring the William Roper Ensemble and Alex Cline’s Percussion Ensemble

Randy Newman “loved LA.” How do you feel about it?
Oh, it’s a scene, man.

Have you ever written a song about Outlaws?
No, but Woody and I wrote a rap that may get us killed if it were released.

Merle Haggard’s no BS. What do you think The Hag would really say if he saw TJ?
He might lament the lack of amphetamines in today’s music, but he’d give TJ a nod of approval I’m sure.

What was the Grand Ole Echo show like?
The GOE is home away from home for us, so we love it. Always. A big thanks to Kim Grant and Matt Farber for always throwing such an amazing show and to all the folks in L.A. who come out to make a good noise.

 

Old Calfornio “Better Yet” shot by TJ’s Nelson Blanton.