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Twin Cities-based group Romantica is setting out on a collaborative alt-county tour in the southwest with native Texan (and current Brooklyn resident) Carrie Rodriguez. These musicians have toured together in the past, but this time they're showcasing the swoony way in which Romantica's slide guitar works with Rodriguez's fiddle. We grabbed all the musicians from both groups before they left the KARE11 studios to find out more about the tour.
You’re off to tour the west, California, Arizona, New Mexico; has the cold weather been getting you down?
Romantica: We wrote a song that’s probably going to be on the new album called “Love in the Winter.” Which was inspired by the nostalgia that winter brings back each year. I fell in love in the winter maybe nine years ago, and just that smell, or that non-smell, of that crisp, frozen air brought back those memories in an intense way. But it’s great to be in a band because we get to do things like go to Austin for a week in the middle of March, and then come back. I think there’s a lot to love about the winter.
How did this collaboration between Romantica and Carrie Rodriguez come about?
Romantica: Whose idea was this thing? Actually this girl standing in the corner (points to Romantica’s publicist Patrice Fehlen) is a good friend of Carrie’s manager. He suggested us for the opening spot on Carrie’s last tour in the southeast. That was the first time we met, we had a lot of fun and started sharing band members.
Carrie: Yeah it works great. We never got tired of hearing you guys play, it was something we would look forward to, and we came to love your songs so much that we’d be singing along during your set. That doesn’t happen very often. Musically we really have a great connection and of course personally we get along too.
What’s in the works for all of you?
Carrie: I’ve just started writing some new material. We’ve been on the road the last year. I’m one of those people that actually has to spend some time being bored at home before I can start being creative.
Romantica: We have another album in the works that will hopefully be out in the fall. We’re recording it at my home studio [in the Twin Cities].
When you're home, where do you like playing? Especially in the upcoming summer?
Romantica: We just played The Cedar recently and we just love that room because it so conducive to the listening environment. But this summer, we’re looking forward to playing two days at the Irish Fair on Harriet Island in August. Also, the Red Stag Block Party and Bastille Day.
How about you Carrie, where do you like to play in the Twin Cities?
Carrie: We’ll I’ve played The Varsity once before, and I love the lounginess of it. Of course I love playing the State Theater. I opened for Lucinda Williams there and we also did Prairie Home Companion there. It’s a gorgeous place to play. Of course, First Ave. The wall behind the stage has graffiti from all these amazing people.
(Romantica's James Orvis interjects): I’d like to make a prediction that by this summer Carrie’s going to need the Pantages or the Orpheum to contain her fans when plays through the Twin Cities.
