We think this is the first band we’ve had who got their name from a psychic…
Simple things first – where are you guys from?
Mike Meadows: Chicago
Mason Brown: The band is from Chicago. I grew up in Detroit and Toronto. Most of my adult life in Northwest Michigan.
How did you meet?
Mike Meadows: Mark & I met back in I believe 2001. Well, we didn’t really meet but our bands played a show together at a club in Lansing,IL called JJ Kellys. A mutual fan put us in contact with each other and we started jamming.
Mason Brown: I answered an online ad for a bass player and auditioned in Chicago.
How long have you been playing as a band?
Mike Meadows: I think since 1993…I’ve been around since 2002
Mark Anderson: We adopted the name in 1993 but we didn’t begin playing shows and releasing music until around 96/97. The band became way more prolific in the 2000s.
Before you get sick of being asked… where does the band name come from?
Mike Meadows: A county fair psychic. Cost us $23.00
What are your influences?
Mike Meadows: Mine are all over the map, from The Beatles and Billy Joel to Slayer and Metallica and everyone in between. I love melody that’ll make you cry and guitars that will rip your face off.
Mark Anderson: Mainly old school metal such as Priest, Maiden.
Mason Brown: My influences were Iron Maiden and Black Sabbath. And the Bay City Rollers…GOD I love them!
Describe your music. What makes you unique?
Mike Meadows: I think over the years we have stayed true to who we are while still evolving as a band. We sound like Ditchwater regardless of what trend in music is going on.
Mark Anderson: Heavy but melodic. Somehow metal has become defined by screams and growls (which is cool) but all my favourite metal bands I grew up with had all the best vocalists.
Mason Brown: Ditchwater truly has its own style and sound. Heavy. Melodic. Energetic. Real life.
Do you have any particular lyrical themes?
Mike Meadows: Real life…life relatable…and whatbpisses us off
Mark Anderson: Commenting on the world around us. The struggles of anxiety, impending doom and what happens after death.
What’s your live show like? How many shows have you played?
Mike Meadows: We have fun. Every show (so many shows) is a chance to meet new fans, and pay homage to those that have been with us for a long time.
Mason Brown: Mike Meadows does a great job of keeping the audience wanting more. The band, as a whole, gives it 100% at every show. We play for the people that come see us. They paid good money to see a great show, and we do what we can to deliver what they want.
What’s the wildest thing you’ve seen or done at a live show?
Mike Meadows: Oh, you’ll have to ask the fans about that one, I’m sure I won’t remember. Certainly, borrowing another bands microphone to uh…juice up the crowd comes to mind. But I think that was Mark.
Mark Anderson: A band we played with once handed out peanut butter and jelly sandwiches to the crowd. I thought it was stunning and brave.
Mason Brown: A long time ago, at a show with a different band I was in from Michigan, we were playing in Manistee, Mi and there was a guy getting a blowjob in one of the booths while we were onstage. The venue was standing room only. They had most of the audience’s attention.
What kit do you use / guitars do you play / etc.?
Mike Meadows: I’m in love with Shure Microphones and schecter guitars. And I prefer bottles over cans.
Mark Anderson: As of yet no company has decided to give me free gear to promote their product. But ESP/LTD guitars mainly.
Mason Brown: I use Fender, Jackson, and Schecter bass guitars, Ampeg amps, and MJC Ironworks strings.
What, if anything, are you plugging/promoting at the moment?
Mike Meadows: Our new release Never Say Never Every band says it but…this is without a doubt our best album so far.
What are your plans for 2019?
Mike Meadows: The release of the new record (out now) and playing our asses off!
Mark Anderson: Stay alive, keep breathing, eat more food.
If you were second on a three-band bill, which band would you love to be supporting and which band would you choose to open for you? A chance to plug someone you’ve toured with, or a mate’s band we’ve not heard of before!
Mike Meadows: Shit, I really don’t care who we play with. We’ve played so many great shows with so many great bands. Another Lost Year & Wayland we’re great to play with. I’d like to bring my brother John Parts’ band A Silent Truth to open a string of shows… they’ve got a great lil’ combo.
Mason Brown: Stone Sour and Blacktop Mojo.
Header photo by John Lambert
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