10 Questions - Trailer Choir

Posted on July 24, 2008 with

1. For those who have not heard of Trailer Choir explain the name and what you guys are all about.
Trailer Choir - The choir comes in because we love “sing-alongs” and we love to hear people singing with us. This group was born out of being on the road performing music, making a living, traveling from city to city that’s part of the “trailer” concept and, if you hang out with us for more than 5 minutes you’ll probably figure out where the rest of the “trailer” comes in…

2. How did Trailer Choir cross paths and come together?
Butter is a native of Ohio and had been in Nashville for more than ten years working the music scene as a singer songwriter with many different bands that he had started…Crystal moved to Nashville, by way of Louisiana, right out of high school to work on music, and had been on the scene doing her thing either solo or singing back-up for other artists in town for many years as well. After supporting himself by working for Sonic in his hometown of Linden TN, Vinny got an office in Nashville to start songwriting and working the music scene…Vinny and Butter met at these offices and became friends fast and started writing songs and performing shows together as “Trailer Choir”. They were working frat parties and the club scenes in other states, across Tennessee, and started putting together and “all-original” show in Nashville that was starting to get a great draw. Crystal had been friends with both guys individually, and had been involved in many group shows with them and was a fan of what they had going on. One night Crystal felt that there needed to be a female harmony in a song… so she jumped on stage and started singing in Vinny’s microphone. From that point on it all came together, and the three were putting on shows as a group. Shortly after that Toby Keith walked into one of these shows, signed the group to his record label and the rest is history.

3. Who are some of the artists or groups that have influenced you guys the most?
Of course Toby Keith, Garth brooks, Lynard Skynard, Jimmy Buffet, Aretha Franklin, the list could go on and on…

4. Tell us about your debut single “Off the Hillbilly Hook” and where did the inspiration come from on this one?
This is Big Vinny here…Well Jewels Hanson (a former Nashville Star contestant) walked up to me in a bar one night grabbed me by the shirt collar and said, “Vinny, I’ve got a song I wanna write with Trailer Choir. Its called “Off The Hillbilly Hook” and after I saw your show tonight… I know I have to write it with ya’ll. I loved the “hook” so i called her the next day and me, her and Butter wrote it .

5. You guys are almost an alternative country group with your style that appeals to multiple genres from rap to bluegrass, has this created any backlash from the traditional country community?
Actually everyone seems to be embracing it. We love all music. Why not mix it up a little… hey Charlie Daniels… come on now “The Devil Went Down to Georgia” has a little rap in it to!

6. What are your favorite things about being on the road for the tour?
Meeting so many new friends and fans, and really seeing how people react to the songs. Seeing them now recognizing us
from the music video, and even knowing the lyrics to the songs… and mostly, being able to be out with someone like Toby, who is one of, if not THE best at what he does….. and learning from him how to treat people, and really entertain a crowd.

7. In your video “Off The Hillbilly Hook” there are clips from Beer For My Horses, the movie by Toby Keith, what is your involvement in the movie and do your appear in the movie at all?
We are in the movie! We were in a meeting with management one day, and they just flat out said, “You guys are flying out Monday to film your scene in Toby’s movie!” We are in the final scene of the movie, the “toast” scene where everyone raises a glass and says… “Whiskey for my men” and we all chime in saying “And beer for my horses!!!” Then we kick into our song, “Off the Hillbilly Hook”! It was very cool to see all these famous actors and extras “jam out” to our song on set.

8. What is it like working with Toby Keith and what has he taught you about the music industry?
It’s like learning how to be a quarterback from Bret Favre. Toby is one of music’s finest. Practically a living legend. He is passing his torch to us. We learn so much every night.

9. If I were to check your I-Pods right now what songs are you playing the most?
Crystal –
“Hey Mama” by Black Eyed Peas (to work out and run)
“Mercy” by Duffy
“Do You Believe Me Now” by Jimmy Wayne

Big Vinny –
“Say What You Need to Say” by John Mayer
“I Live This Life” by Big and Rich

10. Where can people learn more about Trailer Choir to purchase their music and more?
We have four songs currently available digitally online at Itunes and you can see and hear more from us at
www.trailerchoir.com and www.myspace.com/trailerchoir.

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