Jason Boesel is best known as the drummer for acts like Rilo Kiley, The Elected, and Conor Oberst and the Mystic Valley Band. Fifteen years behind the kit is, of course, no small accomplishment, but these days, Boesel’s attention is trained less on the snare and more on another area of the stage—front and center. He released his solo debut, Hustler’s Son, in January, giving us not only a rock-solid alt-country offering, but also aural proof that he’s as adept at writing a heartfelt ballad as he is hitting the drums.
Highly intrigued as to how he arrived at this new musical juncture, we spoke with Boesel about the new album, as well as his upcoming tour, which kicks off next week.
Making Out Like Bandits: When did you seriously begin to write the songs that appear on Hustler’s Son? When were you aware these songs would become a full album?
Jason Boesel: I guess I seriously started writing songs in 2005. It was slow going at first. Most of the songs on the record were written in the year leading up to recording the album.
The number 26 seems to be a recurring theme on the song “Black Waves.” Can you explain the significance of this?
The number 26 sort of signifies a dead end to me. The end of the line, end of the road, etc… end of the alphabet.
“I Got the Reason #1″ has some connection to [Conor Oberst and The Mystic Valley Band’s] Outer South. How did the idea to create different songs under the same name come about?
I wrote the song “I Got the Reason #1″ and played it for Conor. A few months later he wrote a song that seemed to accidentally borrow some aspects of my song. It was funny. He suggested we name the songs “I Got the Reason #1″ and “I Got the Reason #2.” We recorded both songs for Outer South, but mine didn’t end up going on.
How is it different to prepare for a tour in which you’ll be leading a band, as opposed to past tours, when you’ve been behind the drum kit?
So far, it’s quite a bit more nerve-wracking. I’m not used to singing or playing guitar, so it’s more of a struggle, and I have to be much more involved on every level. I’m really liking being more engaged, though. I’m really looking forward to the shows.
Who would you cite as important musical influences?
My biggest musical influences, on my songwriting, have probably been Bob Dylan, Townes Van Zandt, Neil Young, and Leonard Cohen. The best of the best.
Do you plan on playing drums on any songs while on tour?
I’m not planning on playing drums on anything on tour, but anything could happen.
Funny stories from any past tours?
Funny stories? Too many to tell. There was a huge fight over Pink Floyd once that was pretty amusing. I found a hundred dollar bill in the gutter once, in a terrible neighborhood, and was convinced there were drug dealers after me the whole night.
Favorite city to play?
I love playing Austin. It’s the absolute best.
Can we expect more solo albums from you in the future?
I would love to make more albums. It satisfies something in me that nothing else has, thus far.
Image by Butch Hogan.
