The Happy Curmudgeons have crafted a remarkable journey in Americana music, blending authenticity, soulful storytelling, and a unique mix of genres that resonate with audiences around the world.
With the release of their highly-anticipated album, 2nd Chances, the band has once again demonstrated their knack for creating music that speaks to the heart. Featuring a talented lineup of legendary guest musicians and the keen production expertise of Mark Byerly, 2nd Chances embodies the spirit of reinvention, resilience, and collaboration.
In this exclusive interview, Dave Hamilton, founder of the Happy Curmudgeons delves into their creative process, the inspirations behind their latest album, and what’s next on the horizon for this genre-defying band.
Hey Dave, thank you so much for being with us today! Your sound is so unique and captivating and we are thrilled to know more about your artistic journey and your latest project, so let’s start from the very beginning; when did Happy Curmudgeons come to life?
I started the Happy Curmudgeons after playing a show for the Flint Water Crisis back in 2015. I met an old friend there, Jeff Warner, and we started talking about music and our songs. He introduced me to Pauly M. Everett, our artist, that day. Jeff and I met a couple of weeks later and put 3rd Coast together and I had him work on Meant 2 Be. My fiancee’, Amy Dixon-Lavery, is a very gifted vocalist. We brought her on board to create the first sounds of the Happy Curmudgeons. I was lucky enough to get some top-notch studio musicians to fill some spots for us. Our first album, Meant 2 Be, was released in December 2017.
Let’s dive into your latest release; the excellent album 2nd Chances has a captivating mix of genres and sounds. How did you approach the process of blending these different musical styles on the album?
We pride ourselves in being able to approach different genres of music to get our sound. We started to record the 2nd Chances album right before the pandemic. So, we were able to get the title track recorded in 2020 and we had time to work on the other songs. Jeff Warner brought two excellent songs for the album – All On You & I Know How You Feel. We were able to work on the music together and we had two more solid songs done. Our producer, Mark Byerly, is the secret Happy Curmudgeon in the group. Mark has been on tour with Bob Seger and Justin Timberlake. He has an amazing ear and he has helped us get the sound we want for the new songs. Mark played on the 2nd Chances album and did a great job playing flugelhorn on Be Kind. We have been extremely lucky to get studio musicians that identify with our sound and contribute in a big way as well.
Can you tell us a bit about the journey from your first album, Meant 2 Be, to 2nd Chances? How has the band’s sound or focus evolved in that time?
The biggest difference between Meant 2 Be and 2nd Chances is working with our producer exclusively. Our first producer is an accomplished musician, but he did not fit the bill for the Happy Curmudgeons sound. Mark knew exactly what we wanted and he had a plan to incorporate that sound. We love Mark and he is truly a brother to us. He helped take this band to a new level. I am very happy & proud the way 2nd Chances sounds and how the tracks fall on the album.
You collaborated with some incredible musicians on this album, like Billy Cox and Jim Moose Brown. What was it like working with these legendary artists, and how did they influence the album’s overall feel?
We have amazing guest musicians on 2nd Chances. I sent Rustic Glory to Billy Cox (Band Of Gypsys, Jimi Hendrix) and he really liked the track. I had already recorded my vocal and guitar parts, so Bill laid down the bass at a Nashville studio. I am very fortunate not only to have Bill on this track, but to have him & his wife as friends. Bill is truly a great guy. Jim Moose Brown was brought on board by Mark Byerly. Jim is just one of those gifted, play-anything musicians. Jim plays on 2nd Chances, Jack Russell, and Rustic Glory. Moose did an amazing job on every song. A big thrill for me was getting Bobby Balderrama on Rustic Glory. Bobby played with Question Mark & The Mysterians. The Mysterians had a U.S. number-one hit in 1966 with 96 Tears. Bobby and I became close friends and it is truly an honor to have him on this song. Bobby is an excellent guitarist and has new music coming out soon. He loves jazz and does the genre very well. These guys as well as the other guests helped shape the sound of 2nd Chances.
“Reluctant Prophets” has been very well-received for its powerful arrangement and lyrics. What inspired the song, and what message do you hope resonates with listeners?
Reluctant Prophets was the first single from 2nd Chances. We are very happy to the response and the video for the song. I actually dreamt most of the lyrics and Vaughn Mortimer (The Outfit, Big Donut) wrote some as well. The song is about a guy who dreams true events, but struggles to talk about it. It is a story about self-conflict and getting through daily life. We wanted an upbeat rocker for the first track of 2nd Chances and Reluctant Prophets fit that category for us.
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“Be Kind” has a powerful horn arrangement featuring Dave McMurray and Mark Byerly. How did this collaboration come about, and what impact do you think it brought to the track?
Be Kind is a very special song. The song is special not just for the music, but the message in the song. Being kind, to a total stranger, can not only help them, but your mental well-being too. I had a ticket to see Bobby Weir & The Wolf Bros. in Detroit. Dave McMurray played with the Wolf Bros. and was outstanding. Dave is currently playing with Don Was & The Pan Detroit Ensemble. I went to see Dave at a local club in Ferndale, MI and we spoke after the show. I sent him Be Kind and he agreed to play on the song. Mark Byerly put the horn section together with Mark also playing flugelhorn. Once you listen to Be Kind, you will see what an impact the horns make on the song. I was overjoyed once I heard the finished piece. Be Kind is up for a 2024 W.A.M. Best Americana Song Music Award that will be announced this November.
The album is titled 2nd Chances, which suggests themes of renewal and growth. Can you share some of the personal or artistic motivations behind this title?
2nd Chances was written by myself & Amy Dixon-Lavery. Amy has amazing vocal skills and she did what comes naturally to her on this track. I love the blend of genres on this track. The string section was Mark Byerly’s idea and it fit the song perfectly. The song builds as it gets to the guitar solo that takes the listener on a ride. The backing vocals fall right into place with Amy’s vocal. The song is about hope and new beginnings. It is a song about recovery and not being afraid to fail and learn from the experience.
Your music has won multiple W.A.M. Music Awards in the Best Americana category. What does American music mean to you as artists and also as music lovers?
Americana is a genre I believe works for groups that do not fit perfectly into a direct category. Americana to me is a blend of country, folk, blues and a bit of rock that tells a story. I just know what I like and what I want to hear. The bands that influenced me in the genre would be Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, Bob Dylan, Willie Nelson, Flying Burrito Bros., The Byrds, CCR, Tom Petty, Grateful Dead and many more.
You’ve been described as pulling from various influences in your work. Can you share some of the key artists or bands that have shaped your musical style?
I touched on some artists that influenced me. I would say Jimi Hendrix was a huge influence on me and the reason I picked up a guitar. I do not think Jimi gets enough credit for his imagery and wonderful lyrics. Jimi was a true wordsmith, but his guitar playing overshadowed his lyrics for some. Bob Dylan, Neil Young & Tom Petty are truly deep inspirations for me for songwriting. George Harrison, especially his solo material, is extremely deep & moving. I really like Nathaniel Rateliff & The Avett Bros. Chris Stapleton is a very talented songwriter & performer I love to hear. I need to mention a group from Flint, Mi, The Outfit. The Outfit is a group of talented musicians that flat-out play bluegrass that will touch your soul. We were lucky enough to get Vaughn Mortimer from the group to play on Reluctant Prophets and U.S. Healthcare Blues.
“Nostalgia” and “Rustic Glory” are two tracks that showcase the band’s emotional depth. Can you tell us a bit about the inspiration behind each of these songs?
Nostalgia is a song I wrote. It is a song about me travelling back to Cincinnati. We all have those moments of travelling back to your hometown for the holidays. The city or town has connections to you and your past. The song is about the comfortable things you miss and what makes you feel good about getting back to visit. I love how we layered the acoustic & electric guitar parts for the song and I played both for the track.
Takashi Iio on bass and Todd Glass on drums really give Nostalgia the back beat it needed. I wrote Rustic Glory for my dad as well as my grandparents. I lost my dad shortly after recording Rustic Glory. The song is about remembering those you loved fondly and the stories they shared that helped shape who you are today. It is not a song about grief, but being thankful for all the memorable times you were able to share together. The list of musicians on this track is incredible – Billy Cox on bass, Bobby Balderrama on lead guitar, Jim Moose Brown on Hammond B3 and Todd Glass on drums. I almost forgot, yours truly on vocals & guitar. Rustic Glory has done very well for us on streaming services.
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What was it like working with producer Mark Byerly, and how did his vision help shape the sound of 2nd Chances?
I have said this throughout the interview, Mark Byerly helped shape & capture the sound for 2nd Chances. Mark has a very special ear, knows what he wants and helps you get what you need. He is a truly musically gifted individual and a very kind person indeed. Mark was the missing piece we needed to achieve our sound. We trust him and listen to his suggestions. He lets us bring our songs to him and then we shape them into a Happy Curmudgeons song. Thank you so much, Mark!
The album ends with an acoustic version of the title track, “2nd Chances.” Why did you decide to include this acoustic rendition, and what do you feel it adds to the album?
Amy Dixon-Lavery wanted the stripped down version of 2nd Chances. I love the way the track works. The acoustic version of 2nd Chances is the perfect song to end the album. It all began with us working on the track in 2020. The acoustic version is how the song started and makes you feel like we are in your living room with you. Amy wanted a simplistic version without all the extra instrumentation. It works very well as the last song for the album.
Looking ahead, are there any upcoming projects, collaborations, or live performances that fans should be excited about?
Well, we have been doing shows with Dawson Rogers, Eli Campioni and Noah Campioni. I have just finished up several new songs and I want to get this band in the studio. Amy is writing as well and we really want to feature her vocals. Jeff Warner will have another two top notch songs for the new project as well. We plan to play the new material live to see what works before hitting the studio. So, we are planning to play more live shows soon.
For those who might be discovering the Happy Curmudgeons for the first time through 2nd Chances, how would you describe the essence of your music?
If someone is listening to the Happy Curmudgeons for the first time, I hope they enjoy chill, positive music. I think we are a relaxing type of band that helps you get through your day. We are not yacht rock, nor want to be. When I need to relax, I listen to Pink Floyd or the Grateful Dead. I think those who enjoy that type of music will be able to relate to the Happy Curmudgeons. I think we play enough different types of genres that someone can find a tune or two they will enjoy.
The music scene has shifted dramatically in recent years, especially with the rise of digital platforms. How has this shift influenced how you connect with your audience and share your music?
We recently pressed a limited red vinyl album with Third Man Records for 2nd Chances. Vinyl is on a comeback, but we know streaming is the future. Streaming is easier for most people and we can hit more markets and even countries quicker. I still find it amazing when we get a message from someone from Denmark, New Zealand, Germany or India that says they love our music or a particular song. 2nd Chances has already done over 1 million streams on Spotify. It seems like we are finding a bit of an audience. We know we need more quality songs and we plan to deliver them for our third album.
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Your music often touches on themes of resilience and hope. What role does storytelling play in your songwriting, and how do you approach crafting lyrics that resonate emotionally with listeners?
I can honestly say that there is nothing more touching that a person that identifies with your song. I got a message from a fan a bit ago that hit me to my core. She lost her best friend and heard Idle Time and it meant a lot to her. She said Idle Time helped her after the loss and made her feel like she was not alone. The best feeling in the world to me is when you connect with your audience. I love seeing people sing our songs. It is truly a privilege having people want to listen to our music and help support what we are doing.
Dave, it was such a pleasure having you with us today! Is there anything else you would like to say to our readers and to your fans?
Thank you very much for getting our music out to a new audience. We truly appreciate it. Please check out our website www.happycurmudgeonsband.com and our Facebook page. We still have some limited red vinyl albums available for purchase on our website. We only did 500 copies and it has the eye-catching artwork of Pauly M. Everett on the front and back. We hope you enjoy 2nd Chances! Love & Peace.
Check the links below, discover more about The Happy Curmudgeons and their music, and remember to add their tracks to your favorite playlists!
Official Website: www.happycurmudgeonsband.com
Spotify: Happy Curmudgeons
YouTube: Happy Curmudgeons
Facebook: Happy Curmudgeons
Instagram: happycurmudgeons
TikTok: happycurmudgeons
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