Kurt Allen

We’re super-excited to be speaking today with acclaimed blues-rock singer and songwriter Kurt Allen; greetings and salutations, Kurt! Before we dive into the Q&A mosh-pit, how have the first few days of the autumn of 2023 been treating you?

It’s been great so far, nice and warm everywhere we have been the last few weeks, I prefer warm weather. We’ve been getting some great publicity, I can’t complain.

Major congratulations on the new album Live From The Red Shed! What served as the inspiration behind this gorgeous new LP?

It was a suggestion made by a member of our team. It was still kind of in the middle of the pandemic when it was recorded, full on touring still wasn’t possible. It was kind of a way to keep our name out there and fresh in people’s minds. Whiskey, Women & Trouble came out in September 2020 and we weren’t able to tour to support it. So we just decided to record and drop Live from The Red Shed.

You’ve got an upcoming October 6 performance of the Kurt Allen Band at Little Bear Saloon in Evergreen, Colorado which is all part and parcel of your barnstorming tour meant to spread the word far and wide of Live From The Red Shed! Can you talk about this new tour and where it goes next after the Little Bear Saloon?

We are touring quite often again, thankfully! We try to stay on the road as much as possible. We love to play, and playing out on the road is the best way to do it in my opinion. After Little Bear, we go to The Buzzard’s Roost in Lamar, CO. on October 7th, then will be in Cross Plains, WI. At The Red Mouse On October 13th, Laurie, MO October 14th at Great American Campground & Dive Bar, then 10 days in Florida to close out October.

How is Live From The Red Shed similar to some of the past music of the Kurt Allen Band? How is it different?

It’s similar because it’s our music, there are a couple tunes off both our previous studio albums. It’s different because this was our first Live album. On our previous studio albums we have had keyboards, horns, background vocals and other tricks. For this one it’s just the three of us. It’s more raw and indicative of what yourgonna get when you see us live.

What are the essential ingredients for a successful live album?

A good show first and foremost, a good recording, sound engineer, if you have all those things and everyone is having fun, from there it just kinda flows.

Can you introduce to our ever-inquisitive readers some of the other talented musicians that lent their musical alchemy into making Live From The Red Shed a reality?

It was myself on guitar and vocals, Greg Schaberg on Drums and Vocals, Bill Morlan on Bass and vocals. We sent it to our friend Scott Abrahamson in Des Moines, IA. To do the mixing and then sent it off to the world famous Muscle Shoals Studio for mastering.

What differentiates Live From The Red Shed from the Distinguished Competition on the 2023 music scene?

All music is different, every artist has their own tendencies, phrasing, and style. Our stuff has a lot of Funk undertones that I don’t hear as much from some artist.

Who inspires you musically?

I have so many influences, Alvin Lee, Rory Gallagher, Joe Bonamassa, Eric Gales, James Brown, Rival Sons, Clutch just to name a few. I have always been a student of music and draw my influences from many places and actively try to combine as much as possible while still keeping it simple and grooving.

As a singer and songwriter, which generally comes first for you - The lyrics or the music?

It varies, sometimes the hook comes first and then I’ll come up with music and lyrics to go along with it. Sometimes I will come up with a riff and write lyrics and a hook to that. It really depends on the day, mood and what is going on around me.

Did you handle the producing honors yourself on the new LP? And, if so, what are the pros to acting as your own producer?

I’ve handled the producing on all of our albums thus far. I don’t know what the pro or cons are because, to this point, I haven’t worked with an outside producer. I’m looking forward to hopefully working with some top notch producers in the future and then I’ll have to get back with you. lol

At the end of the day, what do you hope listeners walk away with after giving many-a-spin to Live From The Red Shed?

I hope they enjoy they album enough that they will come see us live. There is no substitute for catching us live. There is plenty left off the album that they will experience live. Interaction with the audience, on stage and off. The power of the live performance, the smiles on our faces and energy coming from the stage. We truly hope, if you enjoy this album, catch us live if you have the opportunity. We will do our best to have you leaving feeling like you got a great show.