Let’s get one thing straight: If you need a morning boost, Nickel Creek’s new, serene album isn’t a good place to start.
Maybe that’s why, for the trio’s members–guitarist Sean Watkins; his younger sister, violinist Sara Watkins; and mandolin player Chris Thile–a coffee fix is usually the first order of the day’s business.
You may feel the same caffeine craving listening to “Why Should the Fire Die?” While the album’s a delicate and beautiful blend of folk, bluegrass and even a little pop, the sound may have you reaching for the largest java you can find, just to stay alert.
From his home in Carlsbad, California, Sean Watkins talked to metromix about bluegrass groupies, orgasmic harmonies and his daily search for the best morning brew.
What do you guys do for fun on tour?
I like to hop on my skateboard or bike in C-town and go find good coffee. That’s kind of our daily challenge, is trying to find a good coffee shop. That’s the quest of the day, and by the time you find your coffee and get some lunch, it’s time to get thinking about soundcheck, and then you eat dinner. We don’t really do that much, but we really like to get coffee. We practice and try to write when we can.
So coffee takes highest priority?
Yes, highest priority. You wake up and the coffee quest begins.
Why do you think some reviews speculate that “Why Should the Fire Die?” may not appeal to your earlier fans?
It is definitely different. It’s not as happy and lighthearted as our first record. There’s always going to be people who don’t like your record if you’re a band that’s trying to do something new.
I read a review that said Nickel Creek has “orgasmic harmonies.”
[Laughs] I didn’t read that, but that’s funny.Do you take that as a compliment?
Sure! I definitely do.
Where is the ideal place to listen to this record?
Probably a dark living room on the couch with a glass of Scotch and really good speakers, late at night.
Alone?
No, you can listen with friends.
Just a bunch of friends sitting on a couch drinking Scotch and listening to music?
Yeah, but they can’t be talking.
Do bluegrass bands live the rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle?
In the traditional, traditional bluegrass world, it’s not really that prominent of a thing. The backstage scene of a bluegrass concert is not wild and crazy. That’s not to say that the people that play bluegrass don’t party.
There are groupies for every genre, then?
[Laughs] There are definitely less for bluegrass.Nickel Creek
When: 7 p.m. Wednesday
Where: The Vic, 3145 N. Sheffield Ave.
Tickets: $26
