Instead of speaking for his band, the singer and primary songwriter for Blitzen Trapper lets his lyrics speak for him. Earley writes songs that tell stories of nature, violent crimes and fantasy. The songs are poignant and beautiful not only for their melodies, but because their core lies in the songwriting.
"I feel like music now is nostalgia almost, and that's why songwriting is more important to me than genre," Earley said. "I'm more interested in using whatever genre I feel like in order to communicate a song I'm writing."
The mish-mash of genres Blitzen Trapper creates resembles the classic folk and Americana sounds of the ‘60s and ‘70s, a combination of band influences that ranges from Neil Young, and Townes VanZandt, to the storytelling traditions of country and bluegrass.
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Blitzen Trapper
Ladies Literary Club, Grand Rapids
Oct. 1, 8 p.m. $20 calvin.edu/admin/sao, (616) 526-6282 |
During shows, it's common for the band to play a cover of one of those influences.
"[Covers are an] us pleaser. I just do it ‘cause it's fun. There [are] certain songs I like to play."
The band, which has been together for 10 years, has released five full-length albums. It was Blitzen Trapper's fourth release, Furr, which started getting the band attention. In June, the band released Destroyer of the Void, which received three and a half stars from Rolling Stone and Alternative Press.
Despite the critical success as of late, Earley, however, has a more humble approach to the album.
"From my perspective, I just see it as the next step of what I'm writing and what I've been interested in," he said. "I don't know if it's better or worse, it's just what I did last year."
The statement sums up Earley's anti-rock star attitude, while his lifestyle only confirms more.
Recently, he bought a '95 Subaru four-wheel drive from his friend who was moving to Europe. He wasn't trying to be ironic — his friend offered him the vehicle for a great price, and he needed something to get him to the river or beach.
Similarly, when asked what his idea of luxury was, Earley said, "I think it would be nice if I had Internet in my apartment ... Maybe when I get back, I'll get Internet."
Ah, the perks of being a rock star.
Photo: Todd Roeth
