THE BRIDGE CITY SINNERS – A COOL CONVERSATION WITH LIBBY LUX

Photos Rich Russo

By Ralph Beauchamp

I’m a huge Amigo The Devil fan and because of that, somewhere down the line, I got introduced to The Bridge City Sinners. The Sinners started out as a group of buskers in the Pacific Northwest. They have graduated to a full fledged ensemble with four albums under their belt. The lastest is In the Age of Doubt released this year. The Bridge City Sinners‘ sound is totally unique and singular. Everything about them is special. Built around a base of bluegrass, folk, punk and jazz, they have created a dark hybrid that is beautifully macabre and melodically superb.

Led by the audacious Libby Lux (Lead Vocals/Ukulele), The Bridge City Sinners deliver voracious textures that captivate their listeners to their very core. Every songs is an adventure and Lux’s voice is both spicy and full of sublime intonations. The rest of the band consists of King Strang (Guitar), Scott Michaud (Upright Bass), Clyde McGee (Banjo) and Lightnin’ Luke (Fiddle). Each member is a ruthless musician that brings everything they have to the Sinners. In addition, the band has a inspiring DIY approach to their music. They have formed their own record label (Flail Records) and handle all their business affairs on their own which is highly impressive.

Libby Lux was kind enough to sit with us for this cool conversation after their show at the Webster Underground. Review of their show will post sometime in the near future.

AMP: How did this unique musical journey begin?

LIBBY: CRAIGSLIST!! I found myself in a place of deep dark depression so I asked the question “what makes me happy?” And the answer was, and always has been, music. So I hopped on to the Craigslist musicians section and started to browse! The rest is history!!

AMP: Your music spans several genres including bluegrass, jazz, country and punk. How would you describe your music?

LIBBY: Awe man, that’s a hard one!! I’ve heard it called so many things; yeehaw goth, black grass, folk metal, alternative rock. I think it really just depends on which song you are listening to. Our personal music interests are all over the place and we pull inspiration from each avenue. So call us whatcha like, just don’t call us late for dinner!!

AMP: You mesh well with artists such as Amigo the Devil and Gallows Bound. Is there a macabre bluegrass scene a brewing?

LIBBY: O it’s been a brewin!! There is a playlist called “murder folk” and it has a good list of a handful of other bands in the scene!

AMP: What are some of the themes you incorporate in your music?

LIBBY: Whatever comes to mind, we are a playful bunch. We’ve got songs about giant rats and trolls as well as more serious topics, like loss and addiction.

AMP: You’ve done everything in your musical career with a DIY approach. What are some of the pluses and minuses?

LIBBY: Plus: it’s a point of pride that we have gotten to have our say on each and every piece of the puzzle. Minus: it’s a LOT of hard work!!

AMP: Dynamics can make or break a band. What’s the dynamics in BCS like?

LIBBY: I am happy to report that after 7 long years of friendship/playing music together we are still going strong! King Strang fills the roll of the annoying kid brother that you truly love to hate lol. Clyde is thoughtful, caring and always willing to help. Scott works hard and cares about the people around him even harder. Lucas is like the moody teenager who keeps to himself but is still happy to join family fun night. Then there’s me…I’m loyal and loving with a sharp edge, I would lay my life on the line for the ones I love, for my “family” and we are most definitely just that.

AMP: What gets the band excited in today’s world?

LIBBY: A good truck stop.

AMP: Any last words for your fans?

LIBBY: Collywobbles.

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