Episode 403: Ryan Humbert of The Shootouts
Gird your loins, the Ohio band gets ready to release their third album, Stampede.
My mother was a big country music fan, and I owe my love of music to her.
The first song I recall really liking was “Ring of Fire” by Johnny Cash. I can still hear the song so clearly in my head. For better or worse, but mostly better, thanks to her.
Over the years, my affinity for country music would be usurped by the demon seed of rock and roll and its many sub-genres. That is until the singer/songwriter sounds of Alt-Country, Americana, or whatever you wanna call it, splintered from the more traditional or commercial country music in the 1990s.
The sounds of this movement, aka No Depression, included diverse artists like The Silos, Lucinda Williams, Uncle Tupelo, Jason and the Scorchers, Nancy Griffith, Steve Earle, Son Volt, The Old 97’s, Whiskeytown, et al..
These are just some of the artists that slapped me across the face like a jealous woman, shaking me from the grungey fog I was living in.
So when Josh Zanger turned me on to The Shootouts, I was initially intrigued… and ultimately gobsmacked.
The Akron, Ohio-based quartet is queueing up their third release, Stampede, which drops on February 24th - perfectly timed as The Shootouts debut at The Grand Ole Opry on the same day.
How’s that for perfect timing?
THE TIME IS RIGHT
One of the key indicators that I look for in a good song is its ability to give me goosebumps. Of course, that’s hardly a scientific identifier for success, is wildly subjective, and is very rare.
With that being said, prior to listening to The Shootouts Stampede, I will say that the last time I got this consistently tingly was from Pearl Jam’s debut album, Ten.
I’m not sayin’… I’m just sayin’.
Stampede is produced by Ray Benson of Asleep at the Wheel and isn’t only loaded with great songs - like the opener “Better Things to Do” with the legendary Marty Stuart - but packed with a guest list that reads like an Americana fan’s wet dream. Besides Marty Stuart (arguably the best hair in music, full stop), Stampede has appearances from:
Asleep at the Wheel (in addition to Ray Benson producing)
Buddy Miller
Jim Lauderdale
Raul Malo (of The Mavericks)
On this episode of Abandoned Albums, Geoff and I sit down with The Shooters lead gunslinger, Ryan Humbert. He stopped by Thunderlove Studio to chat about country music, recording, music nerdiness, and the best way to organize a music collection. It’s not what you think but close to what you think.
Boy, oh boy, did we three have a great conversation.
Since we’re talking about the number three, Stampede is The Shootouts third album, and I have a theory about bands that find success on their third album - those artists tend to have longer and more substantive careers in music. Like the goosebumps, hardly scientific or a steadfast rule, but consider the following:
Bruce Springsteen (Born to Run)
The Police (Zenyatta Mondatta)
Bon Jovi (Slippery When Wet)
U2 (War)
Now, those are rock artists; that is true. And some had success prior; that is also true. However, their careers exploded on those third albums.
I feel my third album theory will prove true for Stampede because The Shootouts create “country music for people who don’t like country.”
I assure you that 2023 will be the year that The Shootouts will run ramshod across genres. Stampede is a prescient and appropriately named album.
Even though this episode clocks in at our longest, I can tell you that the editing room floor is loaded with great chats. For sure one of the more challenging episodes to edit. Maybe we’ll put together a producer’s cut one day, but until then, you’ll have to listen to this version… and I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.
I’d offer up a money-back guarantee… but the podcast is free.
Ryan was such a blast to talk with! While everyone we talk to is super cool and nice, Ryan shows that, much like our conversation with Matt Mahaffey, there are some supremely friendly - and wildly talented - folks in the music business.
I don’t say this lightly; The Shootouts are the real deal.
You’ll find Geoff and my conversation with Ryan Humbert of The Shootouts wherever you get your favorite podcasts… but here’s a link to save time.
LISTEN HERE:
LINKS
Country Cast - News Story Jason Isbell Quits CMA
The Shootouts at Rock-n-Roll Hall of Fame
The Shootouts at Music Box Supper Club
The Americana Round-Up Radio Show
