Chicago-bred, Americana band Trigger Gospel has been moving audiences across the globe for more than 12 years. Their southern-bluesy sound incorporates their rock, pop, latin and jazz influences to create soulful, dancey songs that cross both genres and generations. Trigger Gospel has opened up for artists like Johnny Cash and Neko Case, and lead singer Anna Fermin has been lauded by respected Chicago Tribune critic Greg Kott as “...one of Chicago’s most treasured voices.”
I had a chance to chat with Anna about her band and influences. She explains that music has always been big part of her life—she began taking piano lessons when she was just four-years-old and picked up the violin when she was in the 2nd grade. Anna remembers, “Sitting on our kitchen counter, in the early 70's, lip syncing to Lena Zavaroni's version of Why Does the Sun go on Shining as it's spins on my lady bug turn table, while my dad captures my performance his 8mm movie camera.”
Anna started writing her own music after she graduated from the Art Institute of Chicago in ‘93. She explains, “My musical ‘career’ actually began more as a love story than anything. I was serenaded a Steve Earle song called "Down the Road" by a gentlemen I was falling in love with and was so moved by this gesture and this song that I decided I needed to learn how to do that—how to sing and play a song on the guitar. So I borrowed an aunt's guitar, and asked her to show me how to play a couple of chords, and it really all started from there. Within a couple weeks, I had written my first song August Moon and within 6 months I was playing local open mics showcasing my originals.”
Opening up for Johnny Cash was one of the band’s best experiences so far. Anna says that it was amazing because, “He was probably the most down to earth, kind and generous musician we've ever opened for. He let us hang out in the wings during his and June Carter's entire show. We were actually sitting on his flight cases and when June Carter went out to do her thing, Johnny came back stage and hung out with us. He was an amazing man and musician.”
Anna says touring in Europe is a bit different than touring in the US. She explains that, “I think the biggest differences lie between American and European venues/clubs/festivals and promoters. In Europe, they treat you like royalty: great pay, food, rooms & respect—the works! Here, more times than not, clubs & promoters make you feel like they're doing you a big favor and not thanking you for bringing in great music and paying customers.”
Keep an eye out for Trigger Gospel this year as they work on their new album, play local shows in Chicago, and plan their upcoming Midwest tour.
Website
www.triggergospel.com
www.myspace.com/triggergospel
