beatlanta.com
INTERVIEW :: Stream + Photos + Videos from Atlanta band Reuben’s Bell (album release party this Friday 5/29 at the Earl)
REUBEN’S BELL
“…is a southern rock band with a modern twist! The band is comprised of four members; lead guitarist and vocals Matt Daniels, lead vocals and guitarist Logan Daniels, percussion and vocals Brad Berry and bassist Trey Lander. Taking its name after Logan and Matt’s grandfather Reuben Bell, this band signifies a strong sense of family, community, musicianship, and tradition that is shared between each band member and the ever expanding Reuben’s Bell family.” (from the band’s bio) – Reuben’s Bell on FaceBooK
RSVP and DETAILS for their album release show on 5/29 at the Earl.
THE INTERVIEW:
B: What is Reuben’s Bell? When did the band start?
Reuben’s Bell comes from my brother Matt and I’s grandfather. His name was Reuben Bell. He believed that despite the money, you do what you love. The band started about a year and a half ago when Trey Lander, our bass player, joined the group.
B: How would you describe your music to someone who has never heard it – without mentioning a genre or another band for comparison?
Our music is a hodge podge of influences that will make you dance, laugh, cry and feel uplifted. Our music covers every emotion so you can always have something to relate to.
B: Why do you play music?
When I was young, around 6 or 7, I loved to sing. I sang all of my mom and dad’s favorite tapes. John Cougar Melloncamp and James Taylor were my favorites. I tried sports but I never got the satisfaction I would get when I would play music. I started playing the bass when I was in the 6th grade and I found that I could make music with instruments. I play music because it was what I was born to do.
B: You have an album release show on May 29th at the Earl. Tell us about the album. Its name? How long did it take to record? Who produced it? Why you made it and 2 of your favorite tracks from the album?
We named the album Reuben’s Bell because the name of our group means so much to us. We felt like the songs were a collection of our life stories that had been waiting to be songs. It took us 6 days to record the album. We were so lucky to have Justin Mullinix of the Atlanta band Stokeswood produce it at the historic Southern Tracks Studios. We made this album because it was time to get these songs into the ears and minds of fans and friends alike. My two favorite tracks on the album are Shot in the Dark because it has such an epic beginning and We Love because that song is our way of saying thank you to the teachers and bands and everyone else that helped us along the way.
B: Is this your first full length release?
It is! We worked so hard in those 6 days. Thanks to Vic’s matcha tea! HAHAHAHA
6. What is your favorite part about being a band in the Atlanta area? Lease favorite?
I love Atlanta! I will never say a bad thing about being from here. My favorite part about it is that this is an underdog city. Bands that come from ATL are always so surprising and innovative with their music.
B: What are you listening to lately?
I have been listening to a lot of My Morning Jacket lately. Their new album is freaking great. Hell, all their albums are awesome. I like to wear a band out. Really dive into their music and understand why it moves me.
Brad Berry loves rock n roll! I know he is a big fan of the Foo Fighters and almost anything Dave Grohl puts out.
Trey Lander listens to a lot of soul and R&B music. I know he is wearing out D’Angelos new album.
Matt Daniels is really big into Alt-J right now. He is always pulling ideas from the very avant-garde style of music.
B: What other Atlanta area bands would you recommend to your fans?
Wow! So many come to mind. I love Big Jesus! They are so rock n roll! I also love our boys Radiolucent. They are from Athens but we feel like they are ATL boys too.
B: How do you feel about ‘Tidal’? (Jay Z and other artists’ streaming service). What about streaming services in general?
I am not familiar with Tidal but as far as streaming services, I think they are great because we are at the leave were those services help us get our music out to people without spending tons of money GIVING cd’s away. It makes sense. If we were a big name band making millions, it might be a different story.
B: Any touring plans in the future?
Yes! We are looking to start touring as soon as possible. We will be sticking to the Southeast for now but I feel like this record will pick up steam and get us to the north and the west.
B: How do you feel about ‘skinny jeans’?
I am not a fan of them. I like them a little looser. I am just too “big” for skinny jeans.
B: Come up with a question you wished I’d have asked and then answer it.
-Do you guys have any other talents or jobs that you do besides music?
We do! Brad Berry, drummer, is an amazing juggler! He is up to 4 balls! Trey Lander, bass, can play almost any instrument he puts his hands on. He is like Prince! Matt Daniels, lead guitar, is an amazing graphic designer. He did all the album artwork. Logan Daniels is an amazing cook! I can grill a mean hamburger!
